Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [58]
2601 Mason St. (at Beach St.), San Francisco, CA 94133. www.wharfinn.com. 877/275-7889 or 415/673-7411. Fax 415/776-2181. 51 units. $125–$159 double; $299–$439 penthouse. Rates include coffee/tea and newspapers. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Free parking. Bus: 10, 15, 39, or 47. Streetcar: F. Cable car: Powell–Mason or Powell–Hyde line. Amenities: Access to nearby health club ($10 per day). In room: TV, hair dryer on request, free Wi-Fi.
THE MARINA/PACIFIC HEIGHTS/COW HOLLOW
This is where the college Greek crowd ends up after graduating. It’s our top pick for staying at a reasonably priced hotel or motel and taking public transport to Union Square.
Best For: Eye candy, shopping, kid-friendly lodging, lively restaurant and bar scene, nonhill strolling, beach access.
Drawbacks: Few sightseeing attractions, and you’ll need to take a taxi or bus to city center (or a very long walk).
Expensive
Hotel Drisco ★★ On one of the most sought-after blocks of residential property in all of San Francisco, the Drisco, built in 1903, is one of the city’s best small hotels. Refinements are evident, from the welcoming lobby to the calming ambience of the cream, yellow, and light green guest rooms. As in the neighboring mansions, traditional custom-made furnishings and thick, luxurious fabrics abound here. The hotel’s comfy beds will make you want to loll late into the morning before primping in the large marble bathrooms, complete with robes and slippers, and then enjoying a leisurely breakfast in the newly redecorated dining room. Each suite has a couch that unfolds into a bed (although you would never guess from the looks of it), two HDTVs, and superior views. A 24-hour coffee and tea service is available in the sitting room just off the lobby. Street parking is at no cost and the hotel’s staff will help you find a convenient spot.
2901 Pacific Ave. (at Broderick St.), San Francisco, CA 94115. www.hoteldrisco.com. 800/634-7277 or 415/346-2880. Fax 415/567-5537. 48 units. $169–$259 deluxe king; $351–$519 suite. Rates include gourmet continental breakfast and evening wine and cheese. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Street parking available. Bus: 3 or 24. Amenities: Concierge; exercise room and free pass to YMCA; room service. In room: TV/DVD, CD player, fridge, hair dryer, free high-speed DSL Internet, minibar.
Moderate
Hotel Del Sol ★★ The cheeriest motel in town is just 2 blocks off the Marina District’s bustling section of Lombard. Three-level Hotel del Sol is all about festive flair: The sunshine theme extends from the Miami Beach–style use of vibrant color, as in the yellow, red, orange, and blue exterior, to the heated courtyard pool, which beckons the youngish clientele as they head for their cars parked (for free!—unheard of in San Francisco) in cabana-like spaces. This is also one of the most family-friendly places to stay, with a “Kids are VIPs” program, including a family suite (with bunks and toys); a library of books, toys, and videos; childproofing kits; rooms that have been baby-proofed; bonded babysitting services; evening cookies and milk; pool toys; and kids’ sunglasses and visors.
3100 Webster St. (at Greenwich St.), San Francisco, CA 94123. www.thehoteldelsol.com. 877/433-5765 or 415/921-5520. Fax 415/931-4137. 57 units. $139–$199 double; $179–$239 suite. Rates include continental breakfast and free newspapers in the lobby. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Free parking. Bus: 22, 28, 41, 43, 45, or 76. Amenities: Heated outdoor pool. In room: TV/VCR, CD player, fridge and DVD in suites only, kitchenette in 3 units, Wi-Fi ($7.95 per day).
Jackson Court ★★ The Jackson Court, a stately three-story brownstone Victorian mansion, is in one of San Francisco’s most exclusive neighborhoods, Pacific Heights. Its only fault—that it’s far from the action—is also its blessing: If you crave a blissfully quiet vacation in elegant surroundings, this is the place. The rooms are individually furnished with superior-quality antique furnishings; two have wood-burning fireplaces