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A good, basic motel, offering large pleasant rooms with bay windows, located on the Marina’s “Motel Row.” It isn’t beautiful, but it’s functional and reliable. All rooms are no-smoking, and parking is complimentary. A minimum stay may apply on some weekends.

This standard 1960s motel is handy for the Castro, the Lower Haight, and the Mission. It’s one of those no-frills, what-you-see-is-what-you-get places, simple and very serviceable, and quiet, given its prime location. Free parking is a plus, and cable TV, too.

Vaguely English Tudor in style, with a slate roof, the rooms are comfortable and fairly large, and a few have bay windows. The location is convenient to the Marina and Pacific Heights. Free parking, cable TV, and in-room coffee maker. All no-smoking.

Larger-than-average rooms. Floral wallpaper and traditional furniture give it a homey feel, and some of the suites even have Oriental carpets accenting wood floors, marble fireplaces, and antiques. Free parking and a no-smoking floor.

The charm of a San Francisco Victorian awaits you here. The marble lobby is the focal point of this four-story hotel built in 1924, and the sitting room is the setting for Continental breakfasts. After a day’s sightseeing, return to the inn for afternoon sherry.

North Beach’s biggest bargain is full of charms. Each room is decorated with antiques, and the corridors feature brass railings and hanging plants under skylights. Every room has its own sink, while other facilities are down the hall.

Action-central for all the major sights. Rooms hold up to five beds. All major public transportation is just outside. Nightly movies, e-mail access, walking tours, an events board, and lots of tourist info are other pluses.

On a wooded hilltop, this hostel is housed in Civil War-era buildings. It’s just a short walk to everything along the Bayshore.

The center has six comfortable, quiet rooms available for those who are interested in learning about Zen practices.

Nearby are the Muir Woods, and great beaches.