san francisco

[bubbles4920]

where would be a good place/area to stay in san francisco and is it a safe place to walk around at night?

[Ice.Maiden]

http://www.sftravel.com/class.html

Have a look at that Bubbles and see if it appeals. I understand the place is really no worse than anywhere else if you keep your wits about you.

[cockroach]

Some good hotels round the PIER area. Good restaurants & some shops. Tourity area. Was quite safe when we visited...Jump on a tram to go into the city.

[vehelpfulguy]

I have visited about half a dozen cities in the USA on business (New York, Atlanta, San Francisco, Cincinatti, Orlando etc)

San Francisco was easily my favorite and one of the few US cities that seems it was made to walk round. And I felt safe.

It is fairly touristy, but not such that it spoils it.

The old "docks" area has now been turned into Fishermans Wharf and some of the piers now have shops and bars on them. Picture here:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y191/Hickbee/ fishermanswharf.jpg

There are some lovely old Victorian wooden houses that are everywhere as you walk around

http://sitemaker.umich.edu/ac210web1/files/vic torian_houses.jpg

It is very hilly, but that add to the charm. The trams are great fun going up and down the hills.

Here is one of the trams, with Alcatraz prison in the backgroud.

http://www.nps.gov/nero/nhlphoto/1stPlaceSanFr anciscoCableCars.jpg

[sense4all]

I'd stay in the Union Square area and tram/ cab to the other bits. I hated Fishermans Wharf.

[bubbles4920]

thank you so much for your great replies. great pics too, thanks!

[bimbo123456]

Stay away from the SoHo area. Lots of homeless and drunks hanging around. Why don't you try tripadvisor.com. They often have real peoples comments about hotels and such. Good luck. Make sure you go to the pier to see the seals. The high light of our trip. And, if you have the Rough Travel Guide. DON'T DO THE 20MILE DRIVE. The idea is you drive round and see all the sights. All that happens is you spend all the time navigating and getting stressed.

[Narolines]

We stayed at the Holiday Inn, Fisherman's Wharf, and it was fine - well, with a Holiday Inn you pretty much know what you're going to get, don't you? Yes, Fisherman's Wharf is pretty touristy, but by the same token there's plenty of good food available (Boudin's sourdough.........wonderful stuff!) and it's safe to stroll round. The cablecar to Union Square & downtown is only a couple of minutes walk away.

[Narolines]

Are you sure, bimbo, you don't mean SoMa (South of Market)? Surely SoHo (South of Houston) is in New York....?

[warpig3]

Yep its SoMa (a bit dodgy).

I spent some time there when I was travelling and loved it. I never felt unsafe but as has been said, keep your wits about you, just as you would in any large city over here.

You dont mention if you are going to see the surounding area but if you have time (3 days) I would really recommend a trip to Yosemite National Park, I went on a 3 day camping trip there and it was fab. Did some white water rafting, climbed by the waterfalls and visited the redwood forests.

Have a brilliant time.

[Dee Sa]

The Marriot at Fishermans Wharf.
Any Marriot in the USA is a safe bet, as their standards & service are high, plus there is always an iron and ironing board in your room, which is a plus for me.
ps The Marriot Marquis on Times Square in New York is awesome.

[seare]

Hyatt regency, opposite the ferry building it was where the torering inferno was filmed!! we stayed there, it was excelent!