Need ideas for trip to San Francisco!

[marys]

As for hotel recommendations, the Chancellor Hotel has some great winter special rates. They are located on Union Square. When I was there in October we stayed at the Savoy hotel. It is on Jones and Geary, near Union Square. It is a classic boutique hotel - the rooms are small, but they are clean, the staff is very helpful, and the rates are reasonable.

As for restaurant suggestions, we had a great meal at Postrio. It is a Wolfgang Puck restaurant, located near Union Square. I had a delicious salmon dish. My husband made fun of me because I can never finish my meal, but I cleaned my plate that night! I would recommend reservations, although we took our chances as walk-ins and were seated right away.

Have a great time!

[Jessica]

This is hardly Christmasy, but the Alcatraz tour is pretty cool.
Also, if you like good, cheap sushi, head to No-Name Sushi in the Mission District. It is only a few blocks from the Mission and that is really its name.

[Mandy]

Last time I was in SF was on my honeymoon. If you like small boutique hotels then you've got to stay the Hotel Boheme. http://www.hotelboheme.com/ It's in North Beach on Columbus Ave. It's very cozy and romantic, I just loved this hotel. Right next door there is an Italian resturant called Calzone's, we went there every morning where they served wonderful coffee in HUGE brightly colored mugs. Memories.... Have fun on your trip!

[Gail]

First of all, I'd like to go on record as having said that I've never actually had a bad meal in San Francisco (other than breakfast at a now-defunct coffee shop. They have WONderful cuisine from all over-- and it seems that everyone has a favorite Italian (I like Fior d'Italia) or Seafood Restaurant. Unfortunately, most of my haunts are long gone, and nowadays other than stopping for a bite (great French Dip at the ridiculous Tommy's Joynt on Van Ness or a pizza at one place or another) I don't seem to eat in the city, rather the environs further north. People will probably suggest Fisherman's Wharf to you-- which, as one of the major areas preying on tourists-- can be a horror during peak times (weekends, holidays.) Although there is better seafood to be had elsewhere, it is reliably good (remember, nothing is really BAD...)Just be aware that waiters tend to push high-priced items, crowds will be huge and forget even trying to find a place to park. (Maybe take a taxi!)

I am going to recommend a strange place to stay-- in an unlikely area with a not-cheap pricetag (I believe $185/night for two). The place is on the tourist strip of motels on Lombard Street, an area I would otherwise avoid like the plague-- except that the rooms are LOVELY. This is The Cow Hollow Inn and Suites-- and it is the suites of which I speak. Built as an adjunct to one of the nicer tourist motels on an incredibly noisy stretch of highway (well, technically it's highway-- Highway 101 discontinues ends on Van Ness Avenue, turns onto Lombard and meanders up to the Golden Gate and beyond.) As a result, there are cars galore, not to mention trucks. It is not a quiet area.

HOWEVER-- the suites are up and back, away from street noise. They are fully-stocked apartments, with solid wood floors, countless area rugs (which alone must have cost a pretty penny), antiques, rocking chairs, bay windows with window seats, lovely wallpapers, brass beds, gas-burning fireplaces etc. The sparkling kitchen is stocked with lovely Johnson Brothers Summer Chintz china. There is a bottle of wine waiting for you. Someone with exquisite taste furnished and accessorized the place and did a heck of a job! By telling you this, I'm giving you info on my little haven, and I'll probably never be able to get a room again.

Be advised, though-- this is part of a motel-- and as such they offer no services, other than maid. You will get no room service, no turn-down. If you're short on towels, you go down to the office and fetch them yourself. Small price to pay for the gorgeous rooms, really, I think.

I am concerned, though, about one thing. It is December 11 and you appear to have no reservations for anywhere. You are looking into one of the major tourist cities of the United States at an exceedingly busy time. Reservations may be hard to come by. Have you made inquiry?

Whatever you end up with, have a great time.

[Don]

Well, if you're looking for a little adventure, I would very highly recommend the Radisson Miyako hotel in Japantown. The hotel is gorgeous with a bonsai garden, a koi (carp) pond, and a little waterfall. The rooms are decorated with Japanese accents, but the beds are American. One of the nicest touches is the baths. They have traditional Japanese baths outfitted with American showers, and the hotel leaves packets of Japanese bath salts in the room every night. And being right there in Japantown, where there is a three or four block Japanese mall, makes exploring a lot of fun. And the hotel staff was wonderful. It's one of those experiences that you can only get in San Francisco. Surprisingly, the rates are extremely reasonable, and they often have rooms available when everyone else is booked. (I ended up there on a business trip, because my travel agent couldn't find a room anywhere else in town for less than $350.)

Speaking of which, on our last trip to the city (last September), we ate in a little place called Anghor on Geary Street in the Richmond district. It's one of the few places in the country where you can get authentic Cambodian food. We weren't quite sure what to expect, but the meal was superb and the service was incredible. We truly felt pampered, and the wait staff was very patient in explaining all of the dishes to us. If you want a little dining adventure, it's worth a visit.

[This message has been edited by Don (edited 12-11-2000).]

[Gail]

Me again. Reading everyone's responses reminded me that there are loads of restored older little hotels with atmosphere in SF. Check the web, the sites Vanessa mentioned or an agent. I'd give a thumbs up to the Miyako, too (forgot all about it since the last time I went there Janis Joplin was still alive!) But it's a great change of pace in a more upscale part of town, busy but not as congested as downtown, Union Square or motel row.

I also rememembered that we have another thread with a few restaurant suggestions. Check out: www.cookinglight.com/bbs/Forum1/HTML/001178.html (http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/Forum1/HTML/001178.html)

FYI: San Francisco is also a great city for people who don't have cars. Between Muni (the Municipal Railway, which runs the bus, electric streetcars and cable car systems) and Bart (Bay Area Rapid Transit), taxis and your own two feet, you can manage quite nicely. Trekking up and down hills to walk off all the great food is good for you!

[cjm]

My husband and I are going to be in San Francisco Dec. 30 and Dec. 31 and coming home on Jan. 1. I was needing some help in finding out about "special events" to see/go to for New Years Eve...are there any special fireworks in the Bay or anyplace really, just anything going on? Really any recommendations for spending New Years Eve in San Francisco (also good seafood places to eat). We've been there before and we know it's one of the GREAT cities (being from Kansas, anything around water and fresh seafood is great). One more question, depending on location of "special events" any recommendations for hotels downtown or hotels in the Bay area?

Thanks in advance for your ideas!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU ALL

[Vanessa]

Hi I love SAn Fco but have not been there at Xmas time. I suggest www.sanfranciscoonline.com (http://www.sanfranciscoonline.com)
(for restaurants, events, hotel info) www.bayareacitysearch.com (http://www.bayareacitysearch.com) www.sfgate.com (http://www.sfgate.com)
Because of the holidays they must have lots of events going on & you could make rservations ahead of time. Enjoy SF its such a beautiful place!

[marys]

I have to agree with Gail on the walking. We walked everywhere - that way I didn't feel too guilty about enjoying all of those great restaurants!

[BethH]

I stayed at a little haven called the San Francisco Bed and Breakfast (I'm 75% sure that's the name). It was extremely reasonable for its close location to Chinatown ($85) but the rooms were small and we shared a bathroom.

The bonus is tea time in the afternoon, their large scrapbook of menus and comments from former guests, and their homemade croissants for breakfast. Its a small older hotel with one of those old fashioned elevators with 2 sets of doors you have to shut yourself. Good for bargain hunters like me http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Natasha]

It s almost time for my girls weekend (well, more like a week) in Northern California. I will take note of your suggestions (here) for SF and (on another thread) for Napa. I wonder if anyone has any suggestions for San Jose, since I have a good friend there and will be spending some time there.

Thanks! This should be fun!

[pammy]

Natasha,

Since you are considering Napa, I can't help but put a plug in for Sonoma. Napa is incredibly beautiful, and I would go back to visit in a second, but I would move to Sonoma in a split second if it were possible. The wineries are smaller, more friendly, and usually free! And the most incredible food. Look into it. I would suggest reading "Wine Country" by John Doerper. Wherever you go for your "girl's weekend" have a great time.

[goldilocks]

Hi Natasha,

I live in the Bay Area, so I might be able to help you. I don't know much about San Jose, but since you will be down that way, you could check out Capitola (near Santa Cruz), small, beachside community, or Los Gatos which is adorable. Palo Alto is also cute, lots of stores, restaurants and beautiful homes. Coming back up north, there are several spas in Napa and Sonoma, as well as wineries. There is always SF, which is so big, you can't conquer it in a day, but if you know where you'll be, I might be able to give you restaurant recommendations. What is your itinerary? The bay area is so large, will you be staying in one place for your whole trip?

[Natasha]

Thanks, Pammy!! I am going to do some research into Sonoma and see if we can go there for at least a day or two. I am excited! I will also try to get hold of the book you suggested. I so wish that I had more time and that it was a full-fledged vacation instead of a girls' extended weekend thing but I'll still make the most of it. Really I think a month of B&B-ing, hiking and seeing the wineries would be ideal... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Goldilocks, thank you too! I don't yet have a set itinerary, but we will probably spend 1-1 1/2 days in or around San Jose and the rest of the time in/around SF, or else in Napa or SONOMA! Capitola and Los Gatos sound great; I've never been to either though I have been to Palo Alto (not that I wouldn't mind going back). I'll try to find out more info and then maybe ask for more specific suggestions if you don't mind.

I hope you both have a fantastic day.

[pipely]

The San Francisco Chronicle website: www.sfgate.com (http://www.sfgate.com) is a good resource for what's going on. Just last Sunday the Chronicle published the 100 best restaurants. You can find them at this website. Look under entertainment, then food. You can also find some good recipes. Also the website includes the current activities.

[Gail]

Natasha,

Don't know how you're getting from San Jose to San Francisco, but in the even you're driving it, do yourself a favor by going via Highway 280 rather than the highly urban and congested Highway 101. (Get a map.) Besides being less congested, it's a nicer drive with some lovely lakes en route. Or, if you were coming in via the Capitola area (actually southwest of San Jose), there's a picturesque route through redwoods and small towns (Highway 9) which will take you northeast, hooks up with Highway 35, then eventually links with 280 into San Francisco. I kind of doubt you have that time for the latter route (since it's pretty slow), but figured I'd throw it in just in case.

BTW, I do hope wherever you're going, you'll have maps (especially a good street map of San Francisco.) If you belong to AAA, they used to also put out a really nice guide of the wine country.

Have fun! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Natasha]

Hi Gail,
Yup, we'll be driving from SF to SJ (and vice versa), so I will make use of your tips. Thanks! I will also try to see if the AAA guide still exists. We will also most definitely have maps (as well as my friend who grew up in the area to act as tour guide) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif. I seem to recall SF being a bit tricky, especially if you're driving!

Pipely,
Thanks for the link! I appreciate it. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 02-07-2001).]

[cindyluwho]

Hi,
I grew up in San Jose! There's not a whole lot there really, but downtown there is the Tech Museum, or the Children's Discovery Museum. You could also go visit Santa Cruz, which has a beach boardwalk, or you could try Monterey or Carmel, which are not too far south of San Jose either. There's a great Aquarium in Monterey, and you can have lots of fun kayaking and stuff on the bay. If you like outlet shopping, Gilroy is the place to be. Probably my absolutely favorite place in the world is Point Reyes, which is on the coast about an hour north of San Francisco, and it's wonderful! I used to go hiking there regularly. Restaurants that I like in San Francisco are Bisou and Fringale, which are almost next door to each other, in the south of Market district. Greens is also a great experience--it's a vegetarian restaurant at Fort Mason Center with a fantastic view, and it's VERY good (also a bit pricey though). A very typical local thing to do is go sit in a cafe and read or chat. Cafes are everywhere in the non-tourist trap areas, so you shouldn't have too big a problem finding one. Anyway, I hope that gives you some ideas! Have a wonderful time in the Bay Area!!!