555 N. Point St., San Francisco, CA 94133, 415-563-1234, 800-233-1234, fishermanswharf
Rates: Standard rooms start at $185 for courtyard, pool or city views with king or two double beds. Check for online deals. Parking costs $39 per night, plus tax.
Stay here if you: long to be in the crazy, tourist-packed heart of this lovable city.
It’s close to: the Mason/Powell cable-car line, which runs right across the street. Fisherman’s Wharf, access to Alcatraz, Pier 39, The Cannery, Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, Lombard Street, Ghirardelli Square, North Beach and Chinatown are all either within walking distance or $5 cab rides away.
The rooms are: sleek and modern, decorated in chic grays and browns, with oversized beds and desks and ergonomically correct furniture. Flat-screen TVs, rain-shower fixtures in the bathrooms and an upgraded fitness center are among the updated amenities.
They put all of the money into: keeping the place up-to-date and comfortable and empowering the staff to do what’s necessary to pamper guests.
The bottom line: We had only two complaints: The outdoor pool wasn’t heated as promised, which meant everyone on a slightly rainy, chilly day was trying to crowd into the tiny hot tub, and because the hotel was full, the On Command service couldn’t keep up with the demand, so there were no movies available for folks who arrived on a Sunday. Otherwise, this is a delightfully affordable, well-located property. It also has a fun sports bar on-site, Knuckles, and the hotel will shuttle guests to the Financial District for free weekday mornings.
Kyle Wagner
