With so many lodging options and a plethora of unattended rentals, choosing the right hotel — with a good staff and a convenient neighborhood — can make your visit to San Francisco, California less stressful. This great walking city full of hills will tire everyone out, so prioritize your attractions, choose a close-by neighborhood, then count on ridesharing to get around. (Note that a CityPASS saves up to 50% on combined prices for admission to the top attractions and is truly a great buy; even if we benefit from a commission through this link.)
With all these choices, the millions of annual visitors (one-third of them from outside the US) make it tough and often, expensive, to book a room anywhere. Check Booking.com for Booking.com and contact the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau for activity calendars and tips.
Fisherman’s Wharf – North Beach and Harbor Area
With a nickname like “City on the Bay” and favorite tourist attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and Fishermen’s Wharf, many families think only of staying as close to the busy waterfront as possible. It’s a good choice if you’re only here for a night or two because of its convenience, and the surrounding streets are very flat — a big perk if traveling with elders or tinies in strollers. However, the hustle-bustle of tourists is relentless. Hotels are mostly in the $200-$400/N per double price range, though frequent specials and weekend discounts are available. Don’t miss a breakfast or lunch at Boudin Bakery, the original sourdough plant on Fisherman’s Wharf.
The Argonaut
495 Jefferson Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
800/790-1415, 415/563-0800
We have to admit they had us at the name Argonaut, the famous band of adventurers who followed the Greek hero Jason in his quest for the Golden Fleece. Greek history aside, what makes this place special is its location in the ca. 1907 Haslett Warehouse at the far end of Fisherman’s Wharf. Exposed brick, Douglas Fir beams and a boutique-y stylish lobby with fireplace and nautical themed seating add to the charm. Rooms are blue, white and comfortable, pets are welcome, the staff is friendly and their cafe whips up a great clam chowder. Rooms are small and cozy, and rates include complimentary bikes if there are any left. Note the presence of an irksome $25/day Urban Facility Fee which includes (free) Wifi and a $10 food/beverage credit.
Sheraton Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel
2500 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
800/325-3535, 415/362-5500
Located southeast of the Wharf at Beach Street, just a block from the waterfront, this hotel offers a heated outdoor pool (seating area has firepits too), underground parking, fully stocked fitness center and a stylish high-top table Link@Sheraton breakfast and snack lounge that get better ratings than the 531 rooms. Children under 17 stay free with parents and connecting rooms are available.
The Suites at Fisherman’s Wharf
2655 Hyde Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
800/227-3608
Located six blocks from the Wharf and two blocks from Ghirardelli Square, this small hotel managed by Wyndham offers 24 one and two-bedroom suites with private kitchens, two TVs, VCR and CD player. Rooms are compact but have an apartment feel. Other amenities include laundry facilities and a roof terrace. And, the cable car passes right in front of the hotel!! (Stop is 1 block away)
Hyatt Centric at Fisherman’s Wharf
555 North Point Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
415/563-1234
Located just south of the Wharf, this recently renovated place has bright nautical theming, big rooms, complimentary WiFi, mini-fridge, and big HDTVs that may even distract you from the views. The popular restaurant has a kid’s menu, there’s an expanded fitness center, and outdoor heated pool.
Around Union Square
Families staying longer may prefer the busy shopping mecca at Union Square which is close to the financial and theatre districts, near the newest art museums, and just a block or two from the cablecar lines. The city’s heart for more than 150 years, Union Square’s granite plaza, and sleek glass and chrome food concessions make it popular with visitors and, sadly, the city’s homeless.
Hilton San Francisco Union Square
333 O’Farrell Street, San Francisco, CA. 94102
415/771-1400
We were initially put off by this full-service Hilton’s size: 1,919 guest rooms, 151 suites and a 30,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom, until we spent two complimentary nights there appreciating the views, accommodating staff and location. It’s just off Union Square, near shops, museums and the Powell Street cablecar line (make sure to take the kids to the garage to see the parked “cablecar.”) The Hilton San Francisco Union Square boasts stunning city views from the higher floor rooms, which are comfortably large, packed with amenities and nicely furnished. There’s an outdoor heated swimming pool that’s well worth the plunge, and lobby food outlets ranging from the fashionable Urban Tavern to a grab’n’go that accommodates any whim. Best of all is the 46th floor Cityscape Lounge – a fun, skyhigh bar scene whose 360-degree views of the city, mixologist and tasty bar food wowed our millennial. It’s a must see for visitors whether guests of the hotel or not.
Westin St. Francis
335 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
415/397-7000
Cablecars bells clang past this huge historic hotel, complete with marble lobby and luxurious accommodations and services. There are 1,195 accommodations; rooms in the original building are smaller than those in the modern tower, and there are many sizeand layout variations. Ask about Westin amenities such as loaner jogging strollers, potty seats, bicycle seats and babysitting. Children under 18 stay free and all hotel restaurants offer children’s menus. A big plus is the new Rejuve Wellness Center and Spa, which is doing both wellness and cosmetic work, with massages, yoga classes, nutrition workshops and a Beauty Lab to help guests customize makeup applications.
Hotel Carlton
1075 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
415/673-0242
Non-smoking and pet-friendly, this historic 161-room hotel offers a charmingly cultural visual experience with its eclectic, world-cultures decor. Environmentally responsible, carbon-neutral and LEED certified, the Carlton also focuses on reducing waste, pollution and supporting locally sourced food. There’s a friendly vibe at all Joie de Vivre Hotels, with complimentary wine receptions, knowledgeable staff and a commitment to supporting the surrounding community.
Central Nob Hill — Downtown Area
Nob Hill is posh and tranquil, with stuning hilltop views and a quiet, fun playground for little ones. Prices and charm drop as you descend the hill towards downtown and Union Square.
The Fairmont San Francisco
950 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
800/441-1414, 415/772-5000
Read FTF’s full review of this classic hotel; it’s a stunner: San Francisco Fairmont Does Family Well.
The Stanford Court
905 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
800/257-7544415/989-3500
Atop Nob Hill on the site of railroad scion Leland Stanford’s mansion, this grand hotel features a Tiffany glass dome and a mural depicting San Francisco’s history. There are 384 elegant rooms, many with fabulous views of San Francisco Bay plus many tiny ones that only face inward but start at just $104 per night. All the rooms welcome families and pets; only the outward facing ones connect to accommodate more than four people. There’s a 24-hour fitness room, bike sharing station (hills alert!), high tech business center, a good cafe with farm to table cuisine, good quality WiFi and gracious service.
Hotel Bijou
111 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
415/771-1200
This is one of the small “boutique” hotels that San Francisco’s known for, with a helpful staff in the downtown area near Union Square. The jewel of a Bijou, with its wonderful Deco lobby, pleasing color scheme and hip but friendly style, is one block from the Powell & Mason cablecar line in a “real” neighborhood. They give a nod to the city’s cinema history by providing a complimentary double feature each night on your flat screen TV, and free breakfast and WiFI are included in rates that can start as low as $100. Refreshed rooms include two single or double beds, full bath tub, and enough space to add a crib or a rollaway.
Japantown and The Fillmore
Hotel Kabuki
1625 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
415/922-3200
In the heart of the fascinating little neighborhood known as Japantown, families will find an unusual pagoda style hotel with a tiny Zen garden and 225 bright modern rooms (including 14 suites), some with Japanese touches. The Kabuki has undergone a $30 million refresh since our stay, adding a Kabuki Bar focused on sake and Japanese beer and spirits, plus an outdoor lounge and new fitness center. We love that it’s still surrounded by small sushi and tea shops in this West Side oasis near the old Fillmore concert hall and Haight-Ashbury. Kabuki guests have access to a library, loaner bikes, and you’re within a few blocks of Japantown’s quiet central square, the Kabuki Springs and Spa bathhouse, and free walking tours of Japantown sights.
The Marina
Seaside Inn, San Francisco
1750 Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA 94123
415/921-1842
As you explore the city away from the tourist haunts, you’ll notice dozens of quiet, low-rise neighborhoods with little motels that certainly look cheaper than where you’re staying. At our last visit, we checked into the Seaside Inn, one of the best reviewed of these mom n’pop places, and found a very clean, friendly place with tiny modernized rooms. The Front Desk man let us store our bags before our room was ready for checkin, and could not have been more welcoming. Rooms have a flatscreen TV; comfortable bedding; coffeemaker, fridge and microwave; and free WiFi. There’s a free, fastfood style continental breakfast you can take back to your room. Although it’s not designed for families, we saw many toddlers and it felt safe enough for teens who enjoy their independence. Truly a good value, Seaside Inn is right in the fun Marina District surrounded by coffee shops and ramen bars, about 10 minutes from the beach in nice weather; otherwise, inconvenient to the major sites. But of course you can use the hotel savings for an Uber or Lyft.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
People who choose to book trips for summer or further out should do so with caution; the coronavirus pandemic is unpredictable. And many reservations may claim flexibility. Amid so much unknown, there will be one certainty: the headaches of rescheduling and canceling.
With a rugged interior featuring 286 peaks topping 3,000 meters Taiwan’s railway system is shoehorned onto the coastal margins where most of Taiwan’s cultural life is concentrated. Whether you ride the high-speed service from Taipei City to the second city of Kaohsiung or spend a week slowly circumnavigating the island by local train, all journeys are within eyeshot of either the cobalt-blue Pacific Ocean, flatlands of verdant rice-paddies, or towering mountainsides
When I originally commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you are able to remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!
Amazing Post! about Amsterdam
There’s one street in Baltimore that’s more festive than the rest. Every holiday season, the neighborhood of Maryland’s miracle on h Street is decked out in Christmas lights and festive displays. From a tree made of hubcaps to classic candy cane fixtures, each house is uniquely decorated.
Considering Northeast Ohio has plenty of breweries, as well, Thomann was asked if it’s more likely we’ll find the members of Dorfrocker touring different venues tasting beers or visiting the Rock Roll Hall of Fame?
Covid-19 certainly affects travels plan…Not long ago my friends were among passengers of the British cruise ship Braemar. And how could the US refuse to help the ship and close the borders?? Unlike the US, Cuba showed its humanity and friendship! Thank you Cuba
Would you like to stay in the gorgeous area around Keukenhof? You can! We have a broad range of great hotels and bed and breakfasts for you. Accommodations in Haarlem, Leiden or Amsterdam are also good options.
I will reach Amsterdam only on 19 May morning, the last day of the flower exhibit. Is it still worthwhile to go Keukenhof Gardens? Will there still be many flowers to be seen?
Tulips and other flowers mainly bloom during spring. March through May is therefore the best time to visit the Netherlands if you want to watch them in bloom. The world’s most beautiful spring park, the Keukenhof, is open during this time.
If a court order states that one parent can travel abroad with the child without the consent of the other parent, what documentation is required? We recommend carrying a copy of the court order stating that the other parent’s consent is not needed to travel abroad with the child. Any questions about the wording of the court order should be directed to a family lawyer.
If transporting your pet by air is the only option, find out whether they can travel in the cabin with you. Most airlines will allow you to take a cat or small dog in the cabin for an additional fee. But you must call the airline well in advance; there are limits to the number of animals allowed in the cabin. If you are transporting your dog, make sure they meet the size requirements. If you get overwhelmed by all the regulations, there are companies that can help you navigate through the process of flying with a pet.
Is a consent letter mandatory? There is no Canadian legal requirement for children to carry a consent letter. However, a consent letter may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country, airline agents or Canadian officials when re-entering Canada. Failure to produce a letter upon request may result in delays or refusal to enter or exit a country.
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2 adults available to drive your car from New Orleans to north suburb of Chicago mid October. Need 3 or four nights. Split the gas,
Dogs and cats should always be kept safely inside the car. Pets who are allowed to stick their heads out the window can be injured by particles of debris or made sick by having cold air forced into their lungs. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck.
Ever dreamed of driving along the cliffs that overlook the Pacific with the windows down? Or wanted to travel the historic Oregon Trail in a car instead of on a computer? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.
Rhonda, from a railman who started his train travel when he was 16, I would strongly suggest a Canadian Train Ride! Via Rail Canada offers four significant rides through wilderness and coastal areas with deluxe, overnight trains from Toronto to Vancouver ( 4 nights), and Montreal to Halifax, Nova Scotia (one night). Both offer a chance to have decent meals enroute, and sleeping car accommodations. Train crews tend to be a bit friendlier than south of the border, Canada, largely uninhabited, offers many scenic vistas with little hamlets few and far between, certainly a wonderful way for both of you to enjoy these new experiences.
Via Rail Canada also offers Railpasses, which enable you to travel on other routes as well for a bit of a price reduction. It’s all up to you!
Their website is http://www.viarail.ca for further information.
My son is a rail fan and we have traveled only in the US but I would love to surprise him with an excursion where he could talk to the train staff and railroad personnel. I would also like to include beautiful scenery as well for Both of us. My son is 16 and I am 59. We love to explore and don’t mind walking and roughing it!! any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won??™t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
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This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.
7 memorable Tips for Traveling to Mexico
Don stress if you don Mexico is agreeable to English speaking travelers, And there a ton of tips to get to know the country landscapes, terms, And younger culture.
yet still, If you new to traveling or have never been out of the us, A trip to Mexico may be somewhat frightening.
If you interested in learning some tips for traveling to Mexico, Take a look at our 7 easy to remember tips for your journey. We outlined some of the basics that you’d like to learn for your own aventura!
1. Choose the Right Transportation If you traveling to Mexico, You need to decide you might arrive by car, aeroplane, Or liner. It important to know how you want to arrive because it will searching,an extravagance,good to have city you arrive in, How much luggage you results, and so forth.
an individual can find international flights if you prefer to travel by air. instead, There are plenty of cruises to Mexico that you can enjoy if you like the amenities and beautiful views that are included in ship travel!
If you live nearby the border, Or just need to take a bit of a road trip, going down the road by car is always an option as well.
2. Use Pesos When You Can It best if you use the local currency pesos when you can. while touristy areas accept USD, They choose the rate at that they accept it, So it is possible to get a better deal if you just use pesos.
Consider exchanging USD for pesos somewhere in the usa before your trip and dividing up your cash between USD and pesos during your trip.
3. Know bathing room Etiquette In Mexico, The sewage pipes just aren built to handle a lot. this means that people rarely flush their toilet paper. rather than, There will often be a trash bin near the toilet for you to put your used toilet paper in.
further, Men may make of entering a bathroom labeled with an M, let’s assume that it stands for However, The M actually can stand for mujeres, Which is the word for in Spanish. Men needs to look for doors labeled H, Which stands for the Spanish word for men, Hombres.
4. Practice Some Spanish One of the most basic tips for traveling to Mexico is to learn a few Spanish phrases before your trip.
once you know basic things, Like how to ask where the bathroom is or how to order food, Will make your trip to Mexico a lot smoother. sometimes, The locals will appreciate the effort, Even if they undoubtedly speak English as well!
5. Adjust to the Time Whether you are changing time zones while having trip or staying in the same one, You find that Mexico runs on a lot more fluid schedule. Punctuality is less of a concern, So you take pleasure in it a lot more if you can relax and don push a strict schedule.
furthermore, Meals are spaced out a bit distinct in Mexico. You will usually have a large breakfast, associated with the main meal of the day between 2:00 together with 4:00 pm hours. then finally, You will enjoy a smaller meal at dusk.
6. Drink Bottled Water Bottled water can be found on just about any street corner for purchase. Why exactly do you wish to buy bottled water?
let me tell you, Most of Mexico plain faucet water is unpurified. Some hotels may have filtered water, But be sure to go shopping for a sign above your sinks before you test it out!
If you be residing in Mexico for a lengthier trip, Consider buying or bring a water filter with you to purify the tap water and avoid buying so much bottled water. You be decreasing costs and plastic consumption!
7. Stray off the Beaten Path While sightseeing attractions and famous beaches are always fun to see, Traveling to lesser known places will offer you a more authentic taste of Mexico.
of which this isn an excuse to be reckless or oblivious to your surroundings. Be mindful of the areas you visiting and research where you will make sure it a safe area.
Now You Armed with all very reputable Tips for Traveling to Mexico Mexico is a diverse country with so much to see and offer.
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As North America’s fastest multi-launch coaster, it’s expected to draw in adrenaline enthusiasts, including those from the group Busch Gardens Williamsburg Fans, which has been updating their Twitter and website with information on the ride.
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The blog shared is interesting to read. Got some useful information of Chicago which will be really helpful before planning a trip to this place. Thanks for sharing this!
Many parents of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder dread traveling or often avoid it altogether. Most people with ASD do better with routine and structure and a break from that (vacation) can often lead to stress and even meltdowns. Additionally, traveling by air can include having to navigate a multitude of unpleasant experiences from airport security procedures, moving sidewalks, and boarding tunnels to cramped seats, unfamiliar noises, and lots of strangers. Experts indicate that preparation and practice is the key to a successful flight and travel. Before your trip, talk with your child about what to expect. Go over the details of the travel: how you’ll get to the airport, wait in line, go through security, find your departure gate, get on the plane, buckle seatbelts, and spend time onboard. Flying to See Janet: A Fun Guide to the Airport Experience is a book you can use to prepare children for the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the airport experience. You can also write your own social story.
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Emily, my coming of age years were the late 1970s, early 1980s at the YMCA. I agree with you about the open showers versus the individual shower stalls. From a guys perspective, I spent many nights and weekends swimming or playing basketball at my local YMCA. Showering with not only my friends, but over the years, dads, neighbors and guys from church. It really makes one comfortable, not in a sexual way, with one self and others. Never had the nude swimming, I think that ended in the 1960s as women/girls joined the YMCA, forcing may YWCAs to close their doors.
Amelie, here in the US a number of Korean Spas have opened. As with Japanese, Korean families bath together (grandmother, daughter, grand-daughter), (dad, son) separated by gender. They are starting to attract a diverse clientele (age, race, etc). So who knows, maybe the nude swimming will return to the Y someday.
The Ski and Snow Vacations for Families article is one of the best I have ever read!
You are doing a great job with https://myfamilytravels.com site.
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Note that Global Affairs Canada cannot provide you with advice about the Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad beyond what is offered on this website.
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Chicago is a famous place that has many impressive landscapes.
Most visitors like traveling there.
I am always looking online for tips that can facilitate me. Thx!
helo, do you happent allow drive passengers to another state?
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I’m so happy that you enjoyed your experience at the Onsen!
I’ve never been to an Onsen, but I would love to get to visit one some day.
Back in the 1980s and 1990s my mom was the head supervisor at a YWCA in Ohio. I practically lived in the YWCA (not literally, of course) for the 19 years that my mom worked there. I had a part time job at the YWCA for a few years in the 1990s.
One of the great things about spending so much time at the YWCA was that I grew up using the locker room all of the way from a young child to a young woman and being 100% comfortable with both my own nudity and the nudity of all other females.
I feel that it was so much better back then when the Y had one big room full of shower heads on the walls than it is with stalls these days. The group shower setting was great from a bonding experience. I feel that it’s much healthier psychologically speaking that females are exposed to other women’s and girl’s bodies, as opposed to feeling that we need to hide from each other and change clothes in toilet stalls or under towels.
One of the benefits of having a mom who was a supervisor of the Y was that after hours my mom and my sisters and myself could just skinny dip in the pool, and my sisters and I were allowed to have our female friends with us for a skinny dipping session on Friday and Saturday nights.
Also, my aunt and a few of my female cousins would skinny dip with my mom, my sisters and I every once in a while.
My mom said that she had heard that the YWCA used to have one night a week that was for nude swimming back in the 1960s and most of the 1970s. Obviously it was a female only facility at the time.
Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US-2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.
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Oh man. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I certainly appreciate your take on this though, a little humor goes a long way. I’m headed to Barcelona in a few days, so I’ll be sure to keep my valuables close. Thanks for sharing.