Hi Guys, I am totally new to this so pardon me for the stup*d questions please. I actually am from Melbourne, Australia so never traveled to SF before. I am flying in from LA on the 30th and I need 3 night's accommodation (30 March - 2nd April). I have to visit a few locations. - Davis Street / California Street block - Spear Street / Mission Street block - Oakland (close to BART I am told) Hotels I was looking through priceline and correct me if I am wrong - the Financial District, SOMA, USE and USW can be considered. Also, from my research, my strategy would be to start with a bid say on the Financial district and keep adding the other areas if the bid gets rejected. One area at a time means, I don't have to wait for the 24 hours to rebid. Star Rating I need some help in understanding the star rating that I need to bid on. I know that this is very subjective but I am looking for something decent with a bed, ironing board, tv/cable, AC and internet connection (business area at the least) with no cost. Something that is close so I can run down get a coffee, a subway sandwich or a quick dinner. So restaurant in the hotel is not so important. I say that as here in Australia, the restaurants in the hotel are typically 3 times as expensive as normal food outside so I rather eat out. Per Night Rate I am hoping to get something around 50-60$ inclusive of taxes. No idea if that is feasible but I hope with a 3 star upscale (again not sure of the amenities that I would get with it) or a 3 star it's possible. Flights Generally - I book in advance in Australia to get cheaper fares so I assume that is the case on the LA-SF link too? I tried priceline, Orbitz, Expedia etc and I am getting close to 200$ return fare. I would like to leave LA on the 30th in the afternoon (after 3 pm) and leave SF either on the 1st (night) or 2nd morning which ever is cheaper. Do you think instead of bidding on hotels and buying tickets it would be cheaper to go via a package? I researched and my immediate calcs suggest ~375-400 but I do have to compromise on travel times which is do-able but not ideal Internal Travel It would be great if you experienced guys can give me a quick run down of the public transport. Whilst the 2 visit landmarks may end up walking distance from the hotel, Oakland could be done via BART? I won't be driving - the only reason is I will need some time get used to driving wrong side of the road!! I wouldn't mind doing a bit of look around. So from what I know, there are buses, trams and rail (BART). Is there a combo pass that I can use for all the 3. I think the trams have a 3 day unlimited pass for 20$? Please let me know the idea way of minimizing travel spend. Any other information about SF and things to do around downtown would be appreciated. It's not that I have to go via priceline so other suggestions are just as fine. Sorry about the long post and repeat reference to $$ but I am traveling on a budget so please help!!! Thanks in advance.
