Califorge Front And Center

Discussion in 'The Green Room' started by evenflow, Sep 20, 2011.

  1. evenflow

    evenflow Lofty Administrator

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    Business is taking the Mrs to Northern California this January, so after she's done I'm gonna grab another couple and fly out, then we're gonna spend a few days, split between wine country (Napa/Sonoma) and San Francisco.

    It will the be the depths of the off season in wine country, so we want to find a resort/B&B/hotel that it maybe a little above our pay grade. The dream of course is to live like rock stars on the cheap. I'm not sure if anyone here has any recommendations, but I thought I'd throw it out. We've been once before, but stayed in Petaluma.

    What we're looking for in SF is an inexpensive(?), yet centrally located hotel in the city. Location is important since we'll be spending a couple of nights there and want to have something convenient.

    Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated, I know a few of you non Californians have traveled to SF as well.
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  2. Nautica

    Nautica Probably a Dual

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    FWIW...When I was out there in SF on bidness a year or so ago, I stayed at the Hilton Union Square. The Oracle rate was $175 a night, but the room wasn't all that great. Only 2-3 blocks from a BART stop, though.
  3. actormike

    actormike Okay, Connery...

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    I stayed at the Hyatt in Union Square for work last year. Beautiful hotel, not sure if there's offseason rates, though.
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  4. Marso

    Marso High speed, low drag.

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    Word to the wise: every week when I fill out expense reports and itemize CA hotel stays, the taxes on hotel rooms normally run in excess of $20/nite. Factor that in when you're looking at rates.
  5. Order2Chaos

    Order2Chaos Ultimate... Immortal Administrator

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    Pretty much anywhere by Union Square is considered central, and I wouldn't go any more geographically central than that anyway, it starts getting scary for a while. Sure the hotels are fine, but the walk between them and the touristy spots can be... well, not dangerous during the day, but you'll definitely see crackheads. Basically, the Intercontinental (at 5th and Howard) should be the furthest south-west you'll want to stay. Other than Union Square, there's also the Hyatt at Embarcadero... but honestly, if you don't mind a few hills, there's nothing worth seeing in SF that's not in within an hour's walk from most anywhere else. The whole city is only 7x7 miles. For what isn't (Presidio, GG park, the Richmond district (NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH RICHMOND IN THE EAST BAY - DON'T GO THERE) for excellent Asian food of all varieties on Clement St.), get a cab; buses are scary and unpredictable (they've long since given up publishing a timetable), and the trains don't really go to many tourist spots, except the F-Market-and-Wharves going North.

    If you want to ride a cable car, union square is definitely the place to start, the bottom of the Powell lines are a small block away.
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  6. Paladin

    Paladin Overjoyed Man of Liberty

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    Another vote for the Hyatt Union Square. Had a romantic getaway weekend there once upon a time. The breakfast room is on the 35th or so floor---spectacular views. Expensive ($250/night), like any big city hotel, but not unreasonably so. Very centrally located.

    If you want a very memorable meal, try the Equinox at the other Hyatt on the Embarcadero. The Equinox is a revolving restaurant that gives great views of the city and bay.
  7. evenflow

    evenflow Lofty Administrator

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    That's exactly the type of info I was looking for, thanks guys.
  8. Tex

    Tex Forge or die. Administrator Formerly Important

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    San Francisco is a great city. I thought you had been there before though? I just stayed with friends while I was there so I didn't have to deal with hotels at all. If you're looking for even cheaper than what they've shown you on here I read a news story about tiny hotels in San Francisco for budget travelers. It's basically a bed inside a room I think but it's super cheap. Personally I would spring for the Hilton, I don't want to have to share a group bathroom on vacation, or anywhere if I don't have to.
  9. Aenea

    Aenea .

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    If it was just flow and me we would probably do it as our room isn't a big deal as long as it is clean. However we have friends coming out to spend the weekend with us and they are soooooo not like that. lol
  10. Order2Chaos

    Order2Chaos Ultimate... Immortal Administrator

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    Oh, there's also the Marriott on 4th (I think) which should be pretty nice, probably cheaper than the Hyatt. It's basically as far from Market as Union Square, but in the other direction.
  11. Ancalagon

    Ancalagon Scalawag Administrator Formerly Important

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    Sounds kinda like a Hotel, but not quite. If you're gonna have to share group bathrooms and common areas, they should give it another name.

    Hmmm.... What about.... HOSTEL.




    :nyer:
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  12. Fisherman's Worf

    Fisherman's Worf I am the Seaman, I am the Walrus, Qu-Qu-Qapla'!

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    As others have said, Hilton or Hyatt at Union Square are both good. Puts you in a good spot to ride the cable cars and BART too.

    I don't think it revolves anymore. :( I'm at a conference there right now, and from what I've heard it stopped a few years back. The atrium of the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero is cool to check out though (plus my grandpa and his steel company built the place).
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  13. Tex

    Tex Forge or die. Administrator Formerly Important

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    What is that? I've never heard the term before in my life. :muad2:
  14. Prufrock

    Prufrock Disturbing the Universe

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    Have you heard of Airbnb?

    Has anyone here used it?