Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
4
Family-Friendly
Accommodations
Families seeking a place to hang
their hats will find plenty of options in
San Francisco. In addition to several inter-
nationally recognized hotel chains, the city
boasts an outstanding collection of smaller
hotels in ev ery price categor y. Companies
like Joie de Vivre Hospitality and Kimp-
ton hotels hav e transformed a number of
historic buildings (and ev en some lo wly
motels) into luxurious boutique inns,
moderate range, though, you'll find a bigger
selection of Union Square hotels with rooms
to fit a family of four . Even with expanded
bathroom counter space and other upgrades
to better accommodate families, pr epare
for cozy quarters in all but the most expen-
sive downtown accommodations.
The most family-oriented hotels ar e in
Fisherman's Wharf and the M arina,
although the majority lack the charm of
the do wntown hotels. B ecause they 're
housed in mor e modern buildings, many
have r ooms that will accommodate mor e
than just a couple and a crib . You'll find
the best rates in the M arina, but public
transportation there is limited to a few bus
lines (elsewhere, cable cars, streetcars, and/
or more bus lines ar e also av ailable). It's a
better choice if you're traveling with a car.
When choosing a part of town in which
to stay, think about family members ' spe-
cial needs or inter ests. Perhaps a little one
takes a midday nap , so a central location
would be best. I f y ou hav e activ e y oung
children, y ou may appr eciate the play-
grounds within walking distance of Marina
or N ob H ill hotels. Teens may pr efer
Union S quare or S oMa for pr oximity to
shopping and the Metreon. If your family's
main inter ests ar e classic attractions such
as Alcatraz and Ghirardelli Square, Fisher-
man's Wharf could be the place (although
delightful mid-priced hotels, and inexpen-
sive, but festive, family accommodations.
Although downtown hotels rely mainly
on convention and business travelers to fill
rooms, sev eral hav e become mor e kid-
friendly in recent years as more guests take
the family along on wor k trips. M any
higher-end hotels offer kids ' gift packs at
check-in, and concierges provide informa-
tion on child-oriented activities in to wn.
Several hotel r estaurants also featur e kids'
menus. M oreover, nearly all city hotels
allow childr en to stay fr ee in par ents'
rooms and provide cribs at no charge.
Because many hotels in the city center are
housed in older buildings, guest r ooms ar e
often small and inter connecting r ooms ar e
not an option. Small guest rooms also mean
that it 's har d to find tr uly budget options
downtown, since r ooms ar en't big enough
for a family of four—meaning y
ou'd hav e
to spring for a suite or two r
ooms. I n the
Tips Rubber Ducky Not Included
Most hotel bathrooms have combination shower/bathtubs, but lower priced
accommodations may have only showers. If your kids are still in the tub-only
phase, ask about bathtubs when making your reservation.
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