I'm sure this topic has been discussed before, but I'm planning a trip to San Fran with a friend. Anyone know of decently priced hotels, close to good eats, shopping, stuff to do? We won't be renting a car, so I'd like to try to stay within a short walk of most things.
Obviously, suggestions for specific restaurants and things to do are welcome!
I stayed at the Francis Drake in Union Square. We got a good deal and ended up in an updated room, it was nice but small. It's close to a lot of things and is right on the cable car line (which is fun) and easy to get around from.
I loved Sweet Woodruff and my favorite was Gary Danko's (OMG so good). I hear great things about Sons and Daughters but we didn't make it there.
If you want to do the night tour of Alcatraz, book the tickets early because they sell out fast. We waited too long and ended up with a day tour, which was fun. The Academy of Sciences and Aquarium were fun too. Walking across the Golden Gate was pretty cool!
we used Priceline and got the Tuscan Inn at the Wharf. It is a Kimpton Inn and really nice, plus free wine every evening Miso stayed there too. Several trolly/bus stops nearby
Both are right on Powell (cable car line, figured out pretty quick it was easier to pick it up across from the hotel vs walking down the hill to the starting point if it was busy). We walked or took public transportation everywhere. (Other going over to Golden Gate Bridge, while I'm sure you can take the bus over, my uncle lives in the city and he drove me when I spent the day with them, while DH was at the conference)
This summer we stayed at the Westin St. Francis in Union Square in the new tower, which was really nice. The room was a good size and I loved the view from the glass elevator.
Best of all was location. There were many shops and restaurants nearby and the cable car stopped literally right out front. There were also always about ten taxis lined up out front.
We did it as part of an air + hotel package so I'm unsure of normal nightly prices, but I know that Starwood (which Westin is a part of) often has online deals, so I would try booking through the Westin's website if you go with them.
ETA: For things to do and places to eat: We loved Frascati on Russian Hill. Amazing, to die for stone fruit bruschetta! We also loved the Italian restaurants in North Beach.
I've stayed at the Hotel Majestic twice. It is good, and reasonably MM for Sf. Location is GREAT and has some charm. It is also 2 blocks away from a whole foods, so we ate MM breakfast there most mornings (hotel didn't offer free breakfast).