Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
91
space with other big chains such as the Gap, Subway, Ben & Jerry's, and the International
House of Pancakes (which is the closest breakfast spot, unless you buy a cup of java from
the coffee cart inelegantly occupying the lobby). At least the guest rooms and bathrooms
are a decent size and, of course, y ou've got the bay vistas to r emind you that you are, in
fact, in San Francisco.
250 Beach St. (btw. Mason and Powell sts.), San Francisco, CA 94133.
&
866/327-5199
or 415/392-6700.
Fax 415/986-7853. w ww.radisson.com/sanfranciscoca_wharf. 355 units . $149-$259 double . Kids under
17 stay free in parent's room. Rollaways $10; cribs free. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Self-parking $28.
Amenities:
Restaurant; heated outdoor pool; exercise room; concierge; business center; babysitting; laundry service;
dry cleaning; executive-level rooms.
In room:
A/C, TV, dataport, free wireless high-speed Internet access,
fridge (on request), coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe.
Tuscan Inn
For years, the Tuscan Inn could proudly call itself the best hotel in
Fisherman's Wharf. Now that title will have to be passed on to the Argonaut. (Both hotels
are part of the Kimpton hotel group.) Tuscan Inn rates are lower than the Argonaut's, but
the inn is located on the less picturesque end of Fisherman's Wharf and doesn't have bay
views. One thing both hotels lack is a pool, so if you're dead-set on one in this neighbor-
hood, you'll have to go with one of the national chains.
What the Tuscan Inn does have are spacious guest rooms and bathrooms handsomely
furnished in warm, inviting colors. R ooms are filled with amenities, including a combi-
nation honor bar/fridge, and y ou can bring F ido with y ou too. The comfortable lobby
puts out hot chocolate and biscotti in the mornings, not just coffee and tea, and hosts a
complimentary wine hour in the evenings. More important, the concierge here is friendly
and intelligent, setting the tone for the r est of the staff.
Room configurations include double-doubles, but if y ou ar e coming to the city
between November and April, ask about off-season rates for king pr emieres (a king-size
bed and a sofa bed) or suites, which are sometimes available at excellent rates. The hotel's
Cafe Pescatore (p. 131), specializing in reasonably-priced Italian fare, opens onto a pleas-
ant outdoor dining area on the sidewalk.
425 N. Point St. (btw. Mason and Taylor sts.), San Francisco, CA 94133.
&
800/648-4626
or 415/561-1100.
Fax 415/561-1199. w ww.tuscaninn.com. 221 units . $159-$209 double; $249-$299 suit e. Kids under 18
stay free in par ent's room. Rollaways $20; cribs fr ee. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $38; o versized
vehicles $48. Pets welcome.
Amenities:
Restaurant; concierge; courtesy car; room service (limited hours);
babysitting; laundry service; dry cleaning; executive-level rooms; free local calls (30 min.).
In room:
A/C,
TV (DVD in suit es), free wireless Internet access, minibar/fridge (on floors 2-4 only), c offeemaker, hair
dryer, iron, iPod dock.
4
INEXPENSIVE
Hostelling International San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf
This option is
best for small, adventurous families. Beds here are bunked dorm-style, and bathrooms are
down the hall. What sets this place apart from other hostels is its location in the middle
of a national park at Fort Mason. Through the windows of this converted army barrack,
trees frame a view of Alcatraz and the San Francisco Bay. Although most rooms are dorm
style and hold 8 to 12 beds, a few rooms have only 3 or 4 beds. These smaller rooms have
the best vistas and can be reserved for families. You'll find small lockers in lieu of closets,
so bring locks. All guests have access to a full kitchen, complimentary continental break-
fast, and a common ar ea with a cozy fir eplace. An on-site cafe ser ves lunch and dinner,
and the friendly volunteers at the information desk can book tours. Although it's a great
atmosphere, with inter esting types of people fr om around the world, and y ou get fr ee
