DK Travel : San Francisco : Places to stay

Columbus Motor Inn

If you can score one of the six 2-bedroom suites here, you're well on your way to San Francisco budget vacation nirvana.

The Columbus Motor Inn is a modest motel, but it's clean, cheap, and has a lot going for it. It's got free covered parking (totally unheard of in SF!). The location is within easy walking distance of North Beach, Chinatown, and Fisherman's Wharf.

Request a small fridge for just $5 a day, and stock up on the basics at either Trader Joe's or Safeway (both 2 block away). There's no on-site restaurant, but you do have in-room coffeemakers and a fruit bowl at reception.

Don't be discouraged by the location on busy Columbus Avenue, the suites are all at the back of the building.
Four Seasons Hotel

This hotel brings the appeal of Four Seasons legendary service and luxury to the innovative capital of high tech. In the hub of Silicon Valley, ten minutes from Stanford University, this intimate hotel is the centrepiece of the new University Circle complex, and the gateway to Palo Alto’s most exclusive residential area. A landmark at the gateway to Palo Alto, Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto offers easy access to Bay Area business centres, and to some of the most scenic stretches of the California coast.
handlery union square

fantastic hotel, with very friendly staff and the most comfiest beds iv ever had the pleasure of sleeping in, easily accessible to most places within san francisco
Hotel Del Sol

A 50's-style motor lodge converted into a cheerful, colorful boutique hotel. The rooms are arranged around a central courtyard complete with covered parking, a postage stamp pool, palm trees, and hammocks (in season).

There are ten 1-bedroom suites (three with tiny kitchenettes, two with fireplaces). These rooms have 1 queen bed, and another room with twin trundle beds. They range in price from $149--209, breakfast included.

The service is outstanding, as is the location (in Cow Hollow, between the Marina and Pacific Heights). Free Wifi, free afternoon cookies, free gift bags for kids on check in.

Fun and funky!
Hotel Tomo

Hotel Tomo offers lots of style and good value in funky Japan Town, just a mile from Union Square (with frequent and cheap bus service), and walking distance from the many shops and restaurants of posh Fillmore Street.

Rooms are inspired by Japanese pop culture, and have eye-popping murals, beanbags, on-demand video gaming, and (important for families) minifridges. Hit one of the nearby grocery stores (Safeway, Mollie Stone, or a smaller Japanese grocery), and use the table and chairs in your room to save on dining. Or don't, there are plenty of restaurants to tempt you too.

Ask nicely for a corner room, the views are amazing! Staying here is just plain fun.
Queen Anne Hotel

The Queen Anne is a luxury boutique B & B hotel full of antique charm and (as B & B suggests) an amazing breakfast. The staff are really friendly and the antique decor is grand, but homely. I love the lift - it reminded me of The Shining (but in a good way).
The Sheraton Gateway Hotel

This is an ideal stopover if you are arriving late into San Francisco. Just a short (complimentary) bus ride from the airport, with it's own indoor pool and gym, a good restaurant and lovely bayside walks, it's the perfect place to unwind from the long flight before transferring into the city the next morning. Lovely big rooms. Good value for money.