Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [59]
2198 Jackson St. (at Buchanan St.), San Francisco, CA 94115. www.jacksoncourt.com. 415/929-7670. Fax 415/929-1405. 12 units. $160–$225 double. Rates include continental breakfast and afternoon tea. AE, MC, V. Parking on street only. Bus: 1, 3, 12, or 22. Amenities: Concierge; guests allowed to use high-speed Internet in office. In room: TV, hair dryer, high-speed Internet access.
Laurel Inn ★★ If you don’t mind being out of the downtown area, this hip hotel is one of the most tranquil and affordably high-style places to rest your head. Tucked just beyond the southernmost tip of the Presidio and Pacific Heights, the outside is nothing impressive—just another motor inn. Then the Joie de Vivre group got a hold of it, giving it a hip new life with modern decor and Zen-like influences (think W Hotel at half the price). The rooms, some of which have excellent city views, are smartly designed and decorated in the style of a contemporary studio apartment. The continental breakfast is fine, but why bother when you’re across the street from Ella’s, which serves San Francisco’s best breakfast? Other thoughtful touches: 24-hour coffee and tea service, pet-friendly rooms, a CD and video lending library, and indoor parking. There’s also great shopping a block away at Sacramento Street; and the groovy downstairs Swank Cocktail Club, which serves sultry libations and a surprisingly active slice of glamorous young Pacific Heights nightlife.
444 Presidio Ave. (at California Ave.), San Francisco, CA 94115. www.thelaurelinn.com. 800/552-8735 or 415/567-8467. Fax 415/928-1866. 49 units. $159–$209 double. Rates include continental breakfast and afternoon lemonade and cookies. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Free parking. Bus: 1, 3, 4, or 43. Pets accepted. Amenities: Adjoining bar; concierge; access to the enormous JCC gym across the street at $10 per day. In room: TV/VCR, CD player, hair dryer, kitchenette in some units, free Wi-Fi.
Union Street Inn ★★ Who would have guessed that one of the most delightful B&Bs in California would be in San Francisco? This two-story 1903 Edwardian fronts perpetually busy (and trendy shopping and barhopping stop) Union Street, but is as quiet as a church on the inside. The individually decorated rooms are furnished with down comforters, fresh flowers, fruit baskets, and bay windows (beg for one with a view of the garden). A few even have Jacuzzi tubs for two. An extended full breakfast is served in the parlor, in your room, or on an outdoor terrace overlooking a lovely English garden. The ultimate honeymoon retreat is the private carriage house behind the inn, but any room at this warm, friendly inn is guaranteed to please.
2229 Union St. (btw. Fillmore and Steiner sts.), San Francisco, CA 94123. www.unionstreetinn.com. 415/346-0424. Fax 415/922-8046. 5 units, 1 cottage. $199–$329 double. Rates include breakfast, hors d’oeuvres, and evening beverages. AE, DISC, MC, V. Nearby parking $15. Bus: 22, 28, 41, or 45. In room: TV, CD/DVD player, free Wi-Fi.
Inexpensive
Cow Hollow Motor Inn & Suites If you’re less interested in being downtown than in playing in and around the beautiful bayfront Marina, check out this modest brick hotel on busy Lombard Street. There’s no fancy theme, but each room has cable TV, free local phone calls, free covered parking, and a coffeemaker. Families will appreciate the one- and two-bedroom suites, which have full kitchens and dining areas as well as antique furnishings and surprisingly tasteful decor.
2190 Lombard St. (btw. Steiner and Fillmore sts.), San Francisco, CA 94123. www.cowhollowmotorinn.com. 415/921-5800. Fax 415/922-8515. 129 units.