Finding an affordable NICE hotel in SF ? (rentals, hotels, vacation)

[StealthRabbit]

Any sure fire ways to finding a NICE hotel at a decent price?

San Francisco has never ceased to disappoint me on the hotel side, tho I enjoy vacationing in the city. No 'strictly' gay districts please. (thus a challenge for priceline / similar)

[eureka1]

What's "a decent price" for you?

[StealthRabbit]

That depends on the accommodations. But I prefer ~ $100/ night for a nice, clean, secure, accessible place. Parties and clubs not my style. I like museums, bookstores, and sights. I Don't drink or smoke.

St Francis and Orchard are probably out of my range, + I have a car for this trip (using Sacramento due to $39 flights) so... I'll need parking. I very tempted to use Ft Mason Hostel, ($90w/ free parking) but getting resistance from travel partner.

I have found a few decent boutique hotels for ~$130 Parking adds ~ $20 / night

I have my MUNI pass, so once I'm within the boundaries I will be using public transit. Only 2 days in the city this trip, so not wanting a long commute.

Any suggestions for (fun / free) stuff to do in Oakland / Berkeley is appreciated, will be spending an additional day in east bay.

Thanks for your reply, any ideas welcomed.

[thriftylefty]

I stayed at motel 6 in Livermore and drove the 17? miles to the ciity, but I am ultra cheap

[heavyweight]

I suggest VRBO (vacation rental by owner) as they generally have better rates than hotels, you get more space, and a nicer place for the money. Plus, privately owned rentals often include parking.
Here's the 2nd listing I saw on a quick search in Union Sqaure, 1br furnished apt (http://www.vrbo.com/284517 - broken link) at 100/night.

[sponger42]

Cow Hollow Motor Inn. Google it. Haggle with them over the phone and you should get <$100 per night. Clean, safe, and a short ride on the bus or a long walk over Russian Hill to get to everything. On the owl night bus route too. Free parking. Easy to find on Lombard. Nice neighborhood with a few bars and all-night diners for if you want a nightcap or a snack when you finally stumble home.

There's loads of cheap places up the hill along the 9 bus line (I think it's the 9). Around $45/night and free parking, just a 15-20 min bus ride to downtown and not really within walking range.

[annerk]

Hotel Pheonix, ~$100 night, free parking, Civic Center neighborhood.

[BlueWillowPlate]

For years and years we've stayed at the San Remo in North Beach. Depending on what kind of room you have, rates range from $80 to $120 or so.
The location is great, the hotel interesting and funky, the staff helpful.
The last time I was in SFO, I Pricelined the Palace Hotel for $120 a night. My room was not spectacular but the bed was super comfy and I loved the Palace staff.
San Francisco is such a cool place; I never get tired of it. As long as I am reasonably comfortable, I don't worry too much about where I am staying when I am there.

[eureka1]

When I stayed at the Palace I paid $200 and thought it was worth it. The BATHROOM was bigger than my kitchen at home. Good thought;I'll definitely try Priceline next time.

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by BlueWillowPlate

...
The last time I was in SFO, I Pricelined the Palace Hotel for $120 a night. ..

what specific criteria did you use to get the Palace via Priceline?

I definately don't want a 'no-choice' hotel dive via priceline open bid. (tho I lucked out again today on a priceline rental 'econo' car (sub $20). I got a really nice Subaru Impreza Sport with 14 miles on the clock!!)