Friday, March 29, 2013

What is a great hotel in San Francisco near North Beach?

Q. I am looking for a nice hotel in the North Beach area of San Francisco. We are going to the Beach Blanket Babylon show and would like to stay somewhere nearby.

A. North Beach doesn't have very many great [read grand] hotel options. There is one small European Style hotel at 444 Columbus Avenue just a block and a half from Club Fugazi
http://www.hotelboheme.com/

Another option would be the Washington Square Inn 1660 Stockton Street at Greenwich about 4 blocks from Club Fugazi.
http://wsisf.com/

A little farther away is the San Remo Hotel at 2237 Mason between Francisco & Chestnut.
http://www.sanremohotel.com/

I always suggest reading reviews for hotels on Trip Advisor. I've found it is the best way to check out hotel before you check in.
http://www.tripadvisor.com

What are some of the best hotels for a family with 3 children for a stay in Philadelphia?
Q. We want to stay in a "safe" part of the city. We would prefer to stay in a moderately priced hotel, perhaps one offering a free breakfast.

A. Most of center city (the part that you will be in as a tourist) is "safe." Philadelphia is an INCREDIBLY interesting place (outside of the usual liberty bell, indepence hall stuff). I would suggest that you stay in an area that is close to those activities but not RIGHT THERE. My favorite little boutique hotel is near locust and 12th in the Washington Square West (www.washwestcivic.org) neighborhood. It is close enough to walk to all of the sites the city has to offer and it's REALLY close to the very fun and cool "avenue of the arts." The hotel is called The Alexander Inn (http://www.gayot.com/newhotels/info.php?tag=PHHOT03358&code=PH). The people that run it are incredibly nice and enthusiastic about the city that they love! Good luck!

What are some good hotels for me to stay at in San Francisco?
Q. I'm a native Californian from the Los Angeles area and my family and I are traveling to San Francisco for the Labor Day weekend. We're only going to be there for Saturday and Sunday, and we travel back on Monday. What are some good hotels in San Francisco that someone could recommend to me? I'm looking for something not too pricey and nice. Also close to the city, maybe in the downtown. And what do you recommend I do while I'm there? Thanks.

A. Union Square is probably the best place to stay. There are lots of good restaurants, shops, theaters and clubs in the Union Square area. It is centrally located easy to walk to many places, easier to get cabs, with lots of public transportation options. Driving in the city can be confusing for visitors and parking is difficult and expensive. Muni offers multi day passes that are good for buses, trolley, light rail and the cable cars [unique experience but $5 per ride].
http://www.sfmuni.com

Joie de Vivre http://www.jdvhotels.com has several hotels in the Union Square area within your budget. Each hotel is unique and many of them include continential breakfast or evening wine hour.

Here is my Must Do San Francisco

1. Ride a Cable Car, the only moving historical landmark in the world. Stop off at the Cable Car Barn at Washington and Mason to get a full understanding of this unique form of transportation. Riding the Powell Hyde line will allow you to see Lombard Street the famous crooked street.

2. Visit Alcatraz, this former prison is the most popular destination in San Francisco. The bay cruise to and from the island will give you the opportunity to see the skyline from the water a unique perspective. For the labor day weekend you will need to purchase tickets now! http://www.alcatrazcruises.com

3. Visit Coit Tower, Beautiful murals inside, impressive bay view from the tower or Pioneer Park at the base. Then descend Telegraph hill via the Filbert Steps on the East side of the park for a unique view of how folks on Telegraph Hill live, more beautiful bay views and the chance to hear and see the famous Parrots of Telegraph Hill.

4. Golden Gate Bridge, not just a feat of engineering, this 1.7 mile span offers incredible views of The City, the bay and the Pacific ocean. Be sure to visit Ft. Point under the bridge for a different view of this San Francisco Icon.

5. Explore Golden Gate Park, this large urban park can consume a whole day. The Japanese Tea Garden, the Deyoung Muesum [American Art], the Arboretum, Bison Paddock, and Paddle boats are all worth a look and watch the sun go down over the Pacific over a drink or dinner at the Beach Chalet.

6. Chinatown, the most densely populated portion of San Francisco offers an abundance of shopping, food and unique architecture found outside of Asia. The best place to buy souvenirs to take home to friends and family.

7. North Beach, traditionally the Italian section of the city which has no beach but abounds in quaint shops, great restaurants and The Cityâs best coffee options.

8. Civic Center, the largest collection of Beaux Arts buildings in the US. Home to San Francisco City Hall, with a dome larger than the US Capital, the Asian Art Museum and the Modern San Francisco Library with its San Francisco History Room housing an eclectic collection of city artifacts and photographs.

9. Buena Vista Gardens, this urban park is home to the Museum of Modern Art the Museum of The African Diaspora, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, and the Metreon it will keep you entertained for hours.

10. Twin Peaks, see The City and the bay spread out at your feet. Especially captivating at night when the lights seem to go on for ever.




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