Originally Posted By smedley Hey all, There are going to be a couple of these, I am starting to look at reserving hotels for our semi-grand tour of CA in November/December, and am looking for advice/suggestions on hotels. For the most part we are just looking for clean and comfortable, as we won't be spending a lot of time in the hotels. I've had a bit of a look at hotels in San Francisco, one being the Holiday Inn Express Fisherman's Wharf which includes breakfast, the other being the Argonaut as I am sure Lisann has mentioned it before, they currently have a special on making it slightly cheaper than the HIE, but without breakfast, thoughts? Or is there another hotel I should be looking at? Also looking for a hotel in Sacramento for a couple of nights, that one I only really need a clean motel type place More to come...
Originally Posted By avro_imagineer I'd look at the Westin St. Francis. One of the few decent Westin's left. (Most Westin's are turning into whole in the walls, Starwood seems to be endevouring to become the worst hotel company in the business). Visit this historic hotel before it's too late. Or the Maxwell . There's just something about Union Square that's great.
Originally Posted By smedley That's great avro, but I am not looking to spend those kinds of moneys I am looking at (for SF) up to $150 a night at most (preferably including tax) sorry should have probably been specific in my first post. I would like Sacramento to be cheaper if possible It's all about the stuff we do, not where we stay, so as long as it's clean and has it's own clean bathroom I am not too concerned
Originally Posted By smedley Oh and both the Argonaut and the HIE come in within those price criteria
Originally Posted By avro_imagineer Heh sorry when I stayed in San Francisco it was on company dime. When I stay on my own dime as a general rule I stay at Holiday Inns and Springhill/Courtyard by Marriott. Those hotels seem to offer the most for the money consistently but I can't comment on those hotels. The two hotels I mentioned are the only 2 I've stayed at. Sacremento I can be of no help whatsoever. Not that I was of any help. Anyways enjoy your time either way.
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 Not sure about the prices at the time of year you are going but we like the location of the Holiday Inn Downtown Sacramento. It has a walk way to Old Town Sac, is almost connected to the outdoor "K Street" shopping mall and is very close to the Capital, the river and Museums. It's a very nice Holiday Inn, one of the more upscale, business feel. We also really like the Embassy Suites a couple of blocks away but it's a bit pricier but does include breakfast. San Francisco, I'd suggest anywhere around the warf/Pier 39 area. Assuming you have a car beware of extra charges for that, especially downtown SF. From the warf, Ghiradelli, Pier area you can take cable cars, tour busses etc. and never have to use your car. SF driving can be a bit tricky. If you haven't, sign up for any "rewards" cards that are offered online before you book. Hilton, Marriott, Holiday Inn, etc. You might get an extra discount in price or at least a free bottle of water
Originally Posted By smedley Thanks I will take a look at the Sacramento hotels, we'd already been told we wouldn't need a car in SF, so we aren't going to pick up a car until we leave SF Probably best for everybody that way lol!
Originally Posted By BlueDevilSF I tend to steer people away from the Wharf when I'm asked for an opinion on where to stay. I lived in the city for 8 years and avoided the Wharf as much as I possibly could. Sure, there are some nice things about it -- Ghirardelli Square and the Cannery being two -- but to me it's basically a tourist trap. That said... I haven't been to the HIE on the Wharf, but the Holiday Inn there is pretty nice. I didn't know about the Argonaut, but the pictures on their site are pretty cool. Have you considered staying outside the city? I don't know if this would save you any money, but you could take a look at the Staybridge Suites near the SFO airport in San Bruno. It's within walking distance of BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). The rooms are nice, and the room rate includes breakfast and some evening snacks. I am not as familiar with the Sacramento area hotels, but in addition to the Holiday Inn that was already mentioned, there is a Vagabond Inn that seemed to be well-maintained. The HI would probably be more desirable due to its proximity to Old Sacramento. (And if you go to Old Sacramento, be sure to go to the Railroad Museum. It's pretty awesome.)
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo For San Francisco and that pricerange, either are ok, but personally I would prefer the Argonaut. It is in the old canary where my great grandmother worked in her youth, next to the cable car turnaround, near Ghiradelli. It feels more like a vacation place, whereas the HI feels like staying on I drive. Also the service standards are higher. For breakfast there are plenty of places for every budget and a drug store that sells groceries just around the corner.
Originally Posted By smedley Well it looks like we're set with the Argonaut for SF, showed DH the pictures last night and he is keen, I am sure we can pick up some bagels or muffins and juice for breakfast. I am just waiting for an email from them in regards to a rate query, and then I am going to reserve it (even though I've not got flights booked yet lol!) so I can tie in the price. We did consider staying outside, but with only 4 days we didn't want to have to travel in each day. BlueDevilSF, I hereby designate you winner on the Sacramento hotel lol! The Vagabond Inn is exactly the sort of thing I was looking for, seems to be in a reasonable location, and is an excellent price, top marks
Originally Posted By BlueDevilSF ^^^ Do let me know how you like the Vagabond. We may be staying there on a future trip!
Originally Posted By smedley BlueDevil, depeding on when your trip is I will definitely let you know, but we don't go till November so your trip may beat ours
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA The Argonaut is very nice. They even allow dogs there. Fun! Also would recommend the Powell. Near Union Square and the cable car drop off. Very unique and interesting. Dates back to the early 20th century.
Originally Posted By LadyKluck Smeds you don't need bagels, you're gonna be right by Ghiradhelli Square (pretty sure I'm spelling that wrong), so you can have chocolate sundaes for breakfast!
Originally Posted By disneylandfan8 Smeds, I, too, had thought of the Holiday Inn Downtown Sacramento. It is REALLY close to Old Sac and there's a shopping area right next to it, too (Downtown Plaza). Don't think it should be very expensive, especially if you stay during the week.
