Priceline Hotel: Looking for a hotel within walking distance of family fun

[sakid]

Going to be in SF (first time) for two days with the wife a kid. I was wondering what area would be good to stay in for tourist? We will be renting a car but I would like to be able to be able to leave it parked at night without feeling trapped in the boring hotel room. I don't want to go over 75 a night. I'm also wondering how parking prices are in various areas and if the fees are disclosed upfront?

[AaronJB]

I noted just a few minutes ago in another thread that big cities = expensive parking, and I think that sums it up pretty well; if you're looking to park in downtown San Fran, I'm guessing you will probably run into fees of $30-40 (+/- a few bucks) each night.

Hotel websites list parking prices. If you bid on PRICELINE or HOTWIRE, they are not shown before purchase. However, expect rates in the range I mentioned above.

[Colfax]

What are your travel dates, sakid?

And how old is your child? Priceline only guaratees double occupancy, which could be a room with one bed. If you need two beds Hotwire might be a better option.

Because it's less crowded and there are fewer panhandlers nearby Fisherman's Wharf is sometimes considered more "family friendly" than the Downtown zones. But families like to stay Downtown too, especially if shopping in Union Square is on the agenda.

You don't need to feel trapped in your hotel without a car. You can cab roundtrip to several popular neighborhoods for less than you'll pay to rent a car and park at your hotel. (And if you drive to another neighborhood you'll probably have to pay to park again there.)

[sakid]

I have a 9 year old. I figure we may only need a car for one day since my wife wants to go to the Winchester house. Dates are 4/12- 4/14

[Colfax]

For a two bed guarantee you need to use HOTWIRE, not Priceline, or book conventionally.

I'm looking at Fisherman's Wharf options, but if you prefer staying Downtown let us know and we'll look at that too. For a two-night stay with a 9-year old I'd probably go with FW. She'll probably enjoy riding the cable car from Fisherman's Wharf to Downtown.

Checking Hotwire on "2 adults/1 child" I see these, both a little above your $75 limit:

3* at $81: Fitness, Pool, Highspeed

2.5* at $90: Complimentary Breakfast, Fitness, Business, Highspeed

The 3* hasn't been identified yet. I think these are new icons for either the Holiday Inn or Radisson. The 2.5* is a match for the Holiday Inn Express.

Despite the 2.5* rating the Holiday Inn Express is a very well liked hotel that includes free breakfast (which the 3* hotels don't). The TripAdvisor reviews are very good at 4 out of 5.

Parking at Holiday Inn Express is $41/night, which is typical for the area. If you're willing to walk a few blocks there are less expensive parking lots in the neighborhood.

If you want to gamble on getting two beds you can probably get a lower rate on Priceline, maybe a Fisherman's Wharf 3.5* in the $60's. If you want to try for that let us know and someone will suggest a strategy.

Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links for your purchases.