If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
O.T. Northern California
While we are not planning to cruise this year, we are planning a
two-week trip of Northern California, from the wine country north of San Francisco down to L.A. Can anyone recommend any nice hotels in S.F.'s Fisherman's Wharf area and also in Napa Valley that won't break the bank? Also, what are my chances of getting good hotels via Priceline? Thanks in advance. Karen Owings Mills, MD |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Hi, Karen,
You need to use http://www.biddingfortravel.com to evaluate Priceline-offered hotels (there will be a San Francisco section, an LA section, and then some regional California sections to cover Napa and your trip south to LA). Supplement with http://www.tripadvisor.com This is a high-priced lodgings area. Consider B 'n Bs (see the third tab on tripadvisor's hotel listings) or even an apartment if you're staying in the city at least a week (Google "vacation rental San Francisco"). The key to a successful visit to San Francisco is being located within a block or two of a bus stop or BART station. (Ditch the car for the city--parking is very expensive and there's not a lot of it, so a car doesn't enhance your enjoyment of the city, it's a hassle.) If you have no particular reason for choosing Fisherman's Wharf, I would spend some time reading about the different neighborhoods and considering others. That area is very touristy, thus pricey, and honestly, after you do the few "obligatory" sites in the immediate vicinity, I think you will be done with the wharf and find it less conveniently located for your other interests. Then again, maybe not?! My opinion only, but other parts of San Francisco are far more pleasant and feature restaurants and other venues aimed at the locals. We just got back from a week in/around San Francisco. If you have any other questions, it's still fresh on my mind! Diana Ball near Houston, TX |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Hi Diana,
Thanks so much for your response to my query. I will definitely research the links you recommended, and will possibly reconsider our choice of location for lodging in S.F. Since you were recently there, here is our tentative itinerary. S.F. 4 nights, Napa and vicinity 2 nights, then heading south to Monterey, Carmel, San Simeon, San Luis Obispo/Pismo Beach, Solvang/Santa Barbara, Los Angeles/Santa Monica (last 3 nights). We'll be traveling for a total of two weeks. Please feel free to email me privately with any advice and/or comments. I appreciate your input and your help. Karen Owings Mills, MD D Ball wrote: Hi, Karen, You need to use http://www.biddingfortravel.com to evaluate Priceline-offered hotels (there will be a San Francisco section, an LA section, and then some regional California sections to cover Napa and your trip south to LA). Supplement with http://www.tripadvisor.com This is a high-priced lodgings area. Consider B 'n Bs (see the third tab on tripadvisor's hotel listings) or even an apartment if you're staying in the city at least a week (Google "vacation rental San Francisco"). The key to a successful visit to San Francisco is being located within a block or two of a bus stop or BART station. (Ditch the car for the city--parking is very expensive and there's not a lot of it, so a car doesn't enhance your enjoyment of the city, it's a hassle.) If you have no particular reason for choosing Fisherman's Wharf, I would spend some time reading about the different neighborhoods and considering others. That area is very touristy, thus pricey, and honestly, after you do the few "obligatory" sites in the immediate vicinity, I think you will be done with the wharf and find it less conveniently located for your other interests. Then again, maybe not?! My opinion only, but other parts of San Francisco are far more pleasant and feature restaurants and other venues aimed at the locals. We just got back from a week in/around San Francisco. If you have any other questions, it's still fresh on my mind! Diana Ball near Houston, TX |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Hi Diana,
Thanks so much for your response to my query. I will definitely research the links you recommended, and will possibly reconsider our choice of location for lodging in S.F. Since you were recently there, here is our tentative itinerary. S.F. 4 nights, Napa and vicinity 2 nights, then heading south to Monterey, Carmel, San Simeon, San Luis Obispo/Pismo Beach, Solvang/Santa Barbara, Los Angeles/Santa Monica (last 3 nights). We'll be traveling for a total of two weeks. Please feel free to email me privately with any advice and/or comments. I appreciate your input and your help. Karen Owings Mills, MD D Ball wrote: Hi, Karen, You need to use http://www.biddingfortravel.com to evaluate Priceline-offered hotels (there will be a San Francisco section, an LA section, and then some regional California sections to cover Napa and your trip south to LA). Supplement with http://www.tripadvisor.com This is a high-priced lodgings area. Consider B 'n Bs (see the third tab on tripadvisor's hotel listings) or even an apartment if you're staying in the city at least a week (Google "vacation rental San Francisco"). The key to a successful visit to San Francisco is being located within a block or two of a bus stop or BART station. (Ditch the car for the city--parking is very expensive and there's not a lot of it, so a car doesn't enhance your enjoyment of the city, it's a hassle.) If you have no particular reason for choosing Fisherman's Wharf, I would spend some time reading about the different neighborhoods and considering others. That area is very touristy, thus pricey, and honestly, after you do the few "obligatory" sites in the immediate vicinity, I think you will be done with the wharf and find it less conveniently located for your other interests. Then again, maybe not?! My opinion only, but other parts of San Francisco are far more pleasant and feature restaurants and other venues aimed at the locals. We just got back from a week in/around San Francisco. If you have any other questions, it's still fresh on my mind! Diana Ball near Houston, TX |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Diana,
I forgot to ask you--where did you stay in S.F.? Thanks! Karen Owings Mills, MD D Ball wrote: Hi, Karen, You need to use http://www.biddingfortravel.com to evaluate Priceline-offered hotels (there will be a San Francisco section, an LA section, and then some regional California sections to cover Napa and your trip south to LA). Supplement with http://www.tripadvisor.com This is a high-priced lodgings area. Consider B 'n Bs (see the third tab on tripadvisor's hotel listings) or even an apartment if you're staying in the city at least a week (Google "vacation rental San Francisco"). The key to a successful visit to San Francisco is being located within a block or two of a bus stop or BART station. (Ditch the car for the city--parking is very expensive and there's not a lot of it, so a car doesn't enhance your enjoyment of the city, it's a hassle.) If you have no particular reason for choosing Fisherman's Wharf, I would spend some time reading about the different neighborhoods and considering others. That area is very touristy, thus pricey, and honestly, after you do the few "obligatory" sites in the immediate vicinity, I think you will be done with the wharf and find it less conveniently located for your other interests. Then again, maybe not?! My opinion only, but other parts of San Francisco are far more pleasant and feature restaurants and other venues aimed at the locals. We just got back from a week in/around San Francisco. If you have any other questions, it's still fresh on my mind! Diana Ball near Houston, TX |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
In article , D Ball
wrote: If you have no particular reason for choosing Fisherman's Wharf, I would spend some time reading about the different neighborhoods and considering others. That area is very touristy, thus pricey, and honestly, after you do the few "obligatory" sites in the immediate vicinity, I think you will be done with the wharf and find it less conveniently located for your other interests. Then again, maybe not?! My opinion only, but other parts of San Francisco are far more pleasant and feature restaurants and other venues aimed at the locals. In that vein I would like to recomend a small boutique hotel in North Beach. Wonderfull Italian neighborhood between Fishermens Wharf and Chinatown. The hotel is called The Hotel Boheme. -- Charles |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
In article , D Ball
wrote: If you have no particular reason for choosing Fisherman's Wharf, I would spend some time reading about the different neighborhoods and considering others. That area is very touristy, thus pricey, and honestly, after you do the few "obligatory" sites in the immediate vicinity, I think you will be done with the wharf and find it less conveniently located for your other interests. Then again, maybe not?! My opinion only, but other parts of San Francisco are far more pleasant and feature restaurants and other venues aimed at the locals. In that vein I would like to recomend a small boutique hotel in North Beach. Wonderfull Italian neighborhood between Fishermens Wharf and Chinatown. The hotel is called The Hotel Boheme. -- Charles |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
Karen,
Charles made a very nice lodging recommendation for SF (see below). The North Beach neighborhood is nice because it's a great mix of residential & commercial. The street the hotel is located on is a major bus thoroughfare, so the hotel would be well located for public transport. (Everyone does the bus in SF. The BART's great, but doesn't cover the city like the Metro in DC.) The reviews on tripadvisor & Frommer's are good. It reminds me of some of the Joie de Vivre properties I had checked out, see here for more ideas: http://www.jdvhospitality.com/ You asked where we stayed--Hyatt San Francisco on the Embarcadero, but only because we were there in part for a conference. Built in the early 70s, it is noted for its exterior & interior architecture (a John Portman work, this was the first of the signature Hyatt atriums, it is supposedly the largest to this day?). The rooms are getting a little tired, but are nicely appointed. We received very attentive service throughout our stay, better than usual for a conference hotel. The best thing about this hotel is location, location, location--on bus/street car/cable car and BART line with fast connections to everywhere you want to go + the Ferry Plaza is just across the street and is a wonderful place for food throughout the week and the site of the famed Farmers Market every Saturday morning, plus being able to sit on the waterfront was very appealing to us--we are water people. I tell you this detail only because it looks like this hotel comes up on Princeline with some frequency--someone recently reported getting it for $68 in late May/early June, and at that rate, it'd be an awesome deal. In fact, I just zipped through Priceline's 4-star offerings in the "USE" Union Square-Embarcadero area, and it looks like they're all pretty nice and going for some very reasonable bids. This would be a totally urban setting in contrast to the North Beach area of the hotel Charles suggested. IMO, I think you'd be happier if you made your hotel decision after you did your SF research & decided on your sightseeing/activity priorities. Once you pin them to the map, you might see a concentration that logically suggests a hotel location. Also, you might prefer urban to the residential/commercial mix or vice versa. Karen, I've found it can be dangerous to comment on another's itinerary! I wouldn't structure my trip the way your tentative itin. is laid out, but that's because my interests are undoubtedly different than yours. May I suggest two things that could impact your itin. development: (1) actual drive time along scenic coast Rd 1 will be longer than you'd normally allow because it's just slower driving; and (2) unless you have specialized interests, review carefully the stretch from San Simeon to LA for what it is that you think will hold your attention--if it were me, I'd take time from that area and put it elsewhere, e.g., I'd have to schedule half day for the Muir Woods and a hike up Mt. Tam (north of SF just after you cross the Golden Gate, easy to hit to/from wine country). Which leads to the question, when are you going? Seasonal issues can drive how you shape that trip, e.g., I, personally, would find the wine country a big yawn in the winter months, but I'd probably be more interested in strolling the shops in Carmel than I would in the summer. This trip to SF we made with kids (teen & pre-teen), so it was a little different than prior visits. A major highlight was the Exploratorium science museum--it is not just for kids! If you like that sort of thing, I'd encourage you to go to their website in advance and learn how to pre-reserve admission to The Tactile Dome. We were there 3 hours + the 1-hour Tactile Dome experience, and we agreed we could've returned for 3 more hours. It was the best science museum I've ever visited, and I've been to many. Another thing that is becoming popular in many places, perhaps you've already done it, is Segway tours. My husand and son went on one and couldn't stop raving about how much fun they had trying out the Segway (the sightseeing was just an excuse to play with the toy!) http://www.sfelectrictour.com/ I hadn't been to that part of California in several years, so I bought one fresh guide book, the Moon Handbooks: Northern California. It was a terrific resource supplemented by 'net research of particular things that piqued my interest. (I like this series of travel books--but you should read through some sections in the bookstore, or better, try to check out from the library, before you buy, as Moon isn't for everyone). It will cover all parts of your trip in-depth to San Simeon. Frommer's online is a very practical, user-friendly and efficient source of information, too. You are welcome to email me if you have questions as you research. DIana "Karen Henelde" wrote in message ... Hi Diana, Thanks so much for your response to my query. I will definitely research the links you recommended, and will possibly reconsider our choice of location for lodging in S.F. Since you were recently there, here is our tentative itinerary. S.F. 4 nights, Napa and vicinity 2 nights, then heading south to Monterey, Carmel, San Simeon, San Luis Obispo/Pismo Beach, Solvang/Santa Barbara, Los Angeles/Santa Monica (last 3 nights). We'll be traveling for a total of two weeks. Please feel free to email me privately with any advice and/or comments. I appreciate your input and your help. Karen Owings Mills, MD |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
Oh, yes, I can! But, since it's almost 1 AM here on the West coast...I
need to get some ZZzzzzzzzzzs. However, let me get back to you at a more decent hour. I live an hour and half south of SF and really enjoy going up to the City for a few nights. Lindsay Karen wrote: While we are not planning to cruise this year, we are planning a two-week trip of Northern California, from the wine country north of San Francisco down to L.A. Can anyone recommend any nice hotels in S.F.'s Fisherman's Wharf area and also in Napa Valley that won't break the bank? Also, what are my chances of getting good hotels via Priceline? Thanks in advance. Karen Owings Mills, MD |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
Also, we stay at the Kimpton Group Boutique hotels in SF. They have
done a wonderful job renovating smaller, older hotels into charming boutiques. I know I said I was going to bed...and I simply MUST...but we just stayed a couple nights at Monticello Inn. Was also there 4 years ago. We had the Jefferson Suite because our daughter was along. I enjoy this hotel. Comfy lobby and library area. Close to shopping and transporation, too. (Kimpton Group). I knew the previous manager of the Cartwright Hotel which used to be a Kimpton hotel. He gave us great bargains. I love the way this little hotel is set up with the comfortable library off the lobby. The rooms aren't that huge, but most older hotels aren't. It was right off the cable car line and down the street from Union Square. Close to everything. Galleria Park is also Kimpton and close to Union Square and the Financial District. All these hotels have complimentary wine serving in the evening. If you really wanted to be down on Fisherman's Wharf, consider the new Argonaut Hotel--used to be an old fruit cannery. Still has some original brick walls. It's Kimpton's latest. But, I agree...it would be better to stay away from the Wharf. I really prefer being right in the thick of things---the downtown/Union Square area. I make that my "base" and from there, I can feel free to ride the bus, cable cars (I rarely use those anymore), the antique street cars (F-Line) is what I ride a lot down Market to the Embarcadero and on to the Wharf. Cheap, too..unlike the cable cars. You can also ride the F-line the other way to the Castro District. And, the busses come all the time and will take you anywhere. I also love to walk. From Union Square you can "trudge" up to Nob Hill and see the Fairmount Hotel. If you remember the old tv show "Hotel" this was where it was filmed. Chinatown is an easy walk from the Union Square area. Take a bus through North Beach and to Coit Tower. You can climb to the top and look down at the city and over at Alcatraz. Well, I am off to bed. 7 AM comes early. I'll talk to you some more later. Lindsay |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
why do people consider san fran northern california? | [email protected] | USA & Canada | 124 | February 24th, 2005 10:27 AM |
Best Guide Book for California | Ant Page | USA & Canada | 0 | September 24th, 2003 07:23 PM |
Best Guide Book for California | Ant Page | Travel Marketplace | 0 | September 24th, 2003 07:23 PM |
Best Guide Book for California | Ant Page | Travel - anything else not covered | 0 | September 24th, 2003 07:23 PM |