| laborlitigator |
Mrs. LL and I are taking our honeymoon in San Francisco next week.
Haven't chosen a hotel yet but am looking at staying in the downtown area. Also, the girls aren't tagging along so it adults only.
Any suggestions on hotels? |
|
|
| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
Mrs. LL and I are taking our honeymoon in San Francisco next week.
Haven't chosen a hotel yet but am looking at staying in the downtown area. Also, the girls aren't tagging along so it adults only.
Any suggestions on hotels?
How much elegance do you want? If you want classic elegance, the Sheraton Palace...or simple elegance with fantastic service, the Hotel Nikko. Both have great Sunday brunches if you are doing this over a weekend. The Nikko being more unique with an incredible buffet, the Sheraton for more ambience.
If you want to pull out all the stops, Mark Hopkins, and of course the Fairmont. Although both the Sheraton and Nikko are closer to downtown center (Union Square, Market St., etc.) But the other 2 are only a cable car away. You can't make a bad choice. |
|
|
| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
How much elegance do you want? If you want classic elegance, the Sheraton Palace...or simple elegance with fantastic service, the Hotel Nikko. Both have great Sunday brunches if you are doing this over a weekend. The Nikko being more unique with an incredible buffet, the Sheraton for more ambience.
If you want to pull out all the stops, Mark Hopkins, and of course the Fairmont. Although both the Sheraton and Nikko are closer to downtown center (Union Square, Market St., etc.) But the other 2 are only a cable car away. You can't make a bad choice.
Not too big on elegance. Just someplace nice before we explore the city and the surrounding area. |
|
|
| nightguy |
Cool ! We honeymooned in SF several years ago. And we just got back from there last Thursday. Stayed at the Marriott on 4th St just south of Market. Loved the location, but it's not an outstanding place. There's a Four Seasons just east of there. We've stayed at Sir Francis Drake on Powell before. I think we picked it because they had a free parking special. My wife has stayed at the Fairmont and the Rex. We stopped to warm up at the Nikko - it looked nice. I think the wife's former clients and boss just stayed at the Intercontinental on Nob Hill and they always do it up nice. Walked through the bar/lobby of the W. It looked nice.
Someday we'd like to stay at the Westin St. Francis where that crazy chick took a shot at President Ford. That also happens to be the place where a really good Victorian homes walking tour kicks off, ask the concierge about it. Neat lobby and it's not far from Sears Fine Foods (or whatever it's called) where people line up for breakfast.
If you've got money to burn, the Ritz-Carlton offers packages with a nice room and use of a new Mercedes convertible with a full tank of gas each day !
One thing I like about the Union Square area is that it's relatively flat and you don't feel like you need to hail a cab or jump on a cable car or bus everytime you leave the hotel. IMO, you're smart to stay at a downtown hotel. Fisherman's Wharf is just not the SF experience.
BTW, when you're there, be sure to check out the Monet exhibition going on now at the Legion of Honor. And I went to the cable car museum for the third time. I think it's almost better than riding one.
I don't know if you plan on going to wine country but we rented a convertible from Alamo downtown and drove it back to the airport for no extra drop charge and no b.s. airport taxes. That was cool. Had no idea you could do that.
Probably more info than you wanted but it's our favorite place to go especially when my wife already has business there. :) |
|
|
| G. COLTON |
You cannot beat the Top Of The Mark. It has been so long I cannot remember if it if the Mark or Fairmont that has the glass elevator on the outside. Whichever, ride it to the top.
I would highly recommend either the Mark Hopkins or the Fairmont. Just spend time walking Union Square.
There are some nice hotels down on Fisherman's Wharf, but they do not beat downtown. You do want to spend at least one day and evening walking around that area.
Golden Gate Park is another must stop. Go to the old forts at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. A bus tour of the town will give you a sight of the exquisite old homes.
I like the idea of renting the car and driving wine country. If you do not want to walk there are some good bus tours that leave from Fisherman's Wharf. The last time I was there I had a rental car and left it in the garage and took the tour. Be aware!!! You can pay $25 to $35 per day parking your rental car. And that does not include the tip to the valet for getting it and parking it.
If you are going to be there sufficiently long take a day down to Monterey, Pebble Beach, Carmel. I was there for a week last year and spent one night at Monterey.
Enjoy your trip.
G |
|
|
| DaleB |
Good points.. unless you need a car to venture out of SF, forgo it.
You will not need it. It will be more hassle than it's worth.
But if you do need one to do the wine country, etc. you can always rent one for the day, etc.
Between cable car, buses, and just walking, you can see everything imaginable (including things you don't want to imagine..haha)
Great time of year to travel though.. just be prepared for cold summer nights in SF. |
|
|
| crmsnidol |
| Judging by the age of your kids in your avatar - this honeymoon is loooong overdue. |
|
|
| highcountrymdx |
If you are thinking of renting a car for your stay, consider the Hilton (333 O'Farrell). We stayed there, and rented from the on premises car rental (Budget, I believe), with none of the steep airport rental taxes. The concessionaire let us park overnight in their parking spaces at the hotel, with no charge. A huge savings! On the last day we drove to the airport in the car, with no drop off charges. Another big savings in time and money. Although a car is definitely not necessary, it sure is convenient if you have a spontaneous itch to go up to Napa, across the Golden Gate, or down to Monterrey.
Tip: If you are going to crawl all around town on the cable car, buy a day pass on the cable car: Unlimited cable car, and Metro transfers.
A favorite restaurant of mine is Tadich's (240 California). The counter is a great place to eat lunch with the power crowd. Loud and fun. Try the signature dish, "Hang Town Fry". Great story behind that menu item.
It's a great city, enjoy! |
|
|
| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by crmsnidol
Judging by the age of your kids in your avatar - this honeymoon is loooong overdue.
We are actually having our "church" wedding next weekend.
We decided on putting the money into buying a home first. Glad we chose that way since the housing market skyrocketed right after. |
|
|
| crmsnidol |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
We are actually having our "church" wedding next weekend.
We decided on putting the money into buying a home first. Glad we chose that way since the housing market skyrocketed right after.
Smart! |
|
|
| nightguy |
| If you do stay in wine country, consider this place in Yountville. My wife loved it. www.vintageinn.com |
|
|
| screbr |
Another vote for the Mark Hopkins Intercontinental!! Beautiful old building at the top of Nob Hill. Walking access to lots of things, plus the trolley to take you down to the Wharf.
And the views from the top of the Mark are spectacular. |
|
|
| laborlitigator |
Kinda leaning towards the Fairmont. The price is pretty reasonable in the package.
We've only got 4 nights, but would like to take a drive out to wine country.
So if we stay at the Fairmount, do I really need a car? |
|
|
| Dr. Ken |
quote:
Originally posted by nightguy
We honeymooned in SF several years ago. And we just got back from there last Thursday. :)
Nice long honeymoon!!!:D |
|
|
| mdxx3 |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
Kinda leaning towards the Fairmont. The price is pretty reasonable in the package.
We've only got 4 nights, but would like to take a drive out to wine country.
So if we stay at the Fairmount, do I really need a car?
Can probably take a tour train/bus/limo to Napa if you like.
For sightseeing only, the rental car will not be useful, but be a pain to drive/park everywhere you go.
The moment you guys go on a shopping spree... that car will be pretty useful to hold/store all the stuff for the day. :) |
|
|
| dj-mdx2 |
quote:
Originally posted by Dr. Ken
Nice long honeymoon!!!:D
Y'all must really got the the hots for each other! :2: Can anybody say Cialis? |
|
|
| laborlitigator |
How far is Yosemite from SF?
Is it worth a day? We've only got 4 nights there. |
|
|
| nightguy |
4-5 hours according to the NPS website. http://www.nps.gov/yose/trip/driving.htm
You'll be in one of the great cities of the world, which IMO means you shouldn't kill yourself punching a clock. There's more than enough to do and you'll need rest after walking the hills. |
|
|
| G. COLTON |
Four days is not even sufficient to see SF. Possible a day tour to the wine country. But anything else would just dilute the moment too much. Do not bother renting a vehicle. Just use the buss tours and Cable Cars, or Taxi if necessary. I lived in San Jose for two years and spent a week in SF last year. There is still a lot I have missed. Will probably do another week sometime.
G |
|
|
| JimH |
| Based on you being in SF, I would see the sites in Monterey/Carmel which is a fabulous area to visit, as opposed to driving to Yosemite. You need 1 + days in Yosemite to enjoy it (it is a large park). |
|
|
| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by JimH
You need 1 + days in Yosemite to enjoy it (it is a large park).
Plus a good 4 hr drive, one way.
Napa wine country (north) you can make in 2 hrs or less, depending on traffic.
Or down the coast hwy (south), as suggested, would be an excellent day trip also.
Other options northward bound:
Take a ferry to Sausalito, or Angel Island from the pier.
You could drive to Stinson Beach and Point Reyes.
While in SF try to catch Alcatraz...from the pier. Interesting tour. |
|
|
| jvega |
| Do not forget to drop a visit at Castro Street, near end of Market Street. Surely ;) you should enjoy the area very delightly. Its world known. |
|
|
| laborlitigator |
Mrs. LL is about 12 weeks pregnant (little bump) so I don't know how much walking she can do.
Just worried about not having a vehicle. Also, how much should a cab ride from the airport run? |
|
|
| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
Mrs. LL is about 12 weeks pregnant (little bump) so I don't know how much walking she can do.
Just worried about not having a vehicle. Also, how much should a cab ride from the airport run?
Do not many hotels have shuttles? |
|
|
| nightguy |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
Also, how much should a cab ride from the airport run?
About $45 with tip. My wife expensed it but in hindsight I would rather have taken BART.
A car in SF really is a pain in the butt. You're really limited in the parking department not only at the hotel but every place you go with it. You could just rely on cabs if you don't want to take the buses, which are filled with all kinds and get pretty crowded. Good people watching though. |
|
|
|
