San Francisco, being the consummate tourist city, is awash with hotels of all sizes, flavors and styles; I think the first real boutique hotel I ever stayed in was there in the early 1990’s. But it is also a very tricky place to chose a hotel that is right for your type of vacation or neighborhood. Given the hills, you need to think geography and access to the places you want to see. SOMA has a wide range of hotels, but they are also a hike to anything…a cab or aching legs are your choice.
But if you want a “central” location, try the Hilton, business district. You can get a good rate for a large room, and the location puts you in North Beach, very fun and family-friendly; also near the Wharf and within an easy walk of the Ferry Building, my favorite place to visit.
First, Hilton’s mobile check-in/pick-a-room is very cool. Get the app.
For this hotel to claim they are in the Financial district is foolish. It is deep in Chinatown and a short walk from North Beach. We found the location fabulous. The structure looks like one of those concrete monstrosities from the 1960’s, but it had been updated. The room was large, comfortable, bed firm, all good.
Depending upon how you view it, we could hear traditional Chinese music piping in from the park across the street. At first it was cool, then it got annoying. On Sunday, we went a few blocks to take a stroll through N. Beach before heading to the airport. For this, this hotel is the perfect location.
North Beach has so many great old and new stores and restaurants. Molinari old time Italian deli is a gem; the Coppola restaurant is fascinating to check out. Then of course “City Lights” (http://www.citylights.com/) bookstore, one of the most famous in the country. So many great things to check out! We will definitely stay there again!
Address: 750 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94108: (415) 433-6600
Outspoken Traveler 