Topic: Calling all SF Bay area travel agent wannabies...

[csendker]

I'm taking my family (me, wife, 13-yr old son & 11-yr old daughter) out to San Fran this August, and am in need of some hotel advice.  This replaces our ill-fated trip to Florida that I cancelled as a result of my wife breaking her back in an horriffic car accident back in February; 3-days before we were to leave.  5 months of disability income has taken it's toll, and we're facing at least 4~5 more to go, so this is a truely budget trip for us.  I cashed in my frequent flyers for the airling tix, and now I'm digging for someplace to stay.

Specific recommendations would be nice, but I'm not expecting anyone to go out that far on a limb.  I'm really trying to figure out which areas are nice and which we should stay away from.  Downtown is preferred, but I'm assuming it will end up too much $$.  So, are there any outlying areas/towns that allow easy access to the city and surrounding areas?  What's the driving like?  Digging for any advice anyone has to offer.

Thanks.

[cbjunkie]

sorry to hear about your wife...having broken my back as well i am entirely empathetic with her struggles.

although i'm not from the area, my sister and her husband lived there for 5 years or so and i have visited them - may i ask why you are going there? is it to see the city itself? or are you going to visit that part of the country? I only ask because, you are right, it IS expensive to stay in the city but if you were going just to see that part of the west coast there might be some other options to check out...

[Rushoid]

Sorry about your wife. Hope she gets better soon.

I haven't been to the Bay Area in 10 years but I was stationed in Alameda 1989-92. Lodging will definitely be higher in the city. There are so many other areas around there that would be cheaper if you don't mind driving a little ways. Pretty much anywhere in the East Bay is cheapest, then South, then North. You might even consider staying at different places. When I visited in '96, we drove all over the bay and stayed at 3 different hotels during the week. That way we could tour around longer and go farther without having to worry about making a long trip back to the hotel. It's a big area with a lot to see. Beautiful place to visit, but I'm glad I don't live there anymore. 

[lsutton]

Check the motels on Lombard street.  Still pricey but not as bad as downtown.  If they're too much, try Daly City-- cheaper and there is a Bart station there.
Good Luck, enjoy yourself, or... take the wife to Hawaii instead.  She's earned it.   Lee

[Dusthawk]

I agree with Lee as far as Lombard. Daly city from what I hear is getting a bit rough though, mind you it is just what I hear, I could be wrong. Berkeley or Albany in the east bay are decent bets. As far as Marin, North of the Golden Gate, goes, unless its a Days inn or Travellodge, you will spend at a minimum of $140 per night. Marin is very very expensive, especially in late summer. The good part of marin is getting to the wine country is a bit easier if you are into that. The bad part is very little as far as attractions go.

Best wishes for the wife and family.

Peace and Long Rides,

Jeff

[canyon750]

I have lived in the Bay Area all my life (35 plus years...)  A good place for you would be in Emeryville.  It's literally right at the Bay Bridge less than 4 miles from the City.  There are 4 hotels within 1/2 a mile from the bridge entrance.  Rates are under $100 a night plus you're in SF in under 20 minutes!  If you stay in Emeryville and don't cross the bridge then you are less than 5 minutes away from shopping, eating and entertainment!  There is a Holiday Inn, Courtyard Marriott and one other I can't remember all 5 minutes away from each other.  AVOID THE EXTENDED STAY AMERICA IN EMERYVILLE!!! This is on the border to Oakland and under a freeway overpass.  This part of Oakland is not bad but the under the freeway area has issues you want to keep your family away from.  Good luck with your trip!

[Uncle Ernie]

As far as money goes, there are a few B&Bs in SF, but stay out of the Tenderloin.  Lombard in the Marina is good. Emmeryville. Don't recall any motels in Albany... Take the bus/BART (might want to get a "Fastpass") everywhere- public transportation is excellent- much better than most cities. Parking in SF is an unbeleivable nightmare.