Inexpensive but charming hotels for families
By Kristi Marcelle
Pool at Hotel Del Sol (Courtesy Joie de Vivre)
San Francisco is always at the top of the list for visitors considering a California family vacation. It’s a city with history, pedestrian-friendly ethnic neighborhoods, engaging museums and world famous outdoor activities that showcase wildlife and nature.
The following list of affordable San Francisco hotels is a good starting point to begin planning your next family vacation in San Francisco.
The colorful, renovated motor lodge is part of the Joie de Vivre hotel chain that’s known for its fun amenities and interesting decor.
Location: In the trendy Marina District, 2 blocks from Chestnut Street, a local’s favorite for the variety of restaurants and shopping. Ghirardelli Square is a 25 minute walk.
Perks: A small outdoor pool; a rare find in this category, family rooms and free continental breakfast.
Price: $149 and up
Radisson Hotel Fisherman’s Wharf
Radisson Hotel Fisherman’s Wharf (Courtesy Radisson)
For first-time visitors to San Francisco, staying near Fisherman’s Wharf is an easy choice. Ghirardelli Square, two cable car turnarounds, and tourist attractions like Pier 39 and Boudin Bakery are within a few minutes walk from the Radisson. Some rooms have views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
Location: Near Fisherman’s Wharf.
Perks: Rooms that fit 5 people and an outdoor pool.
Price: $88 and up
Union Square Hotel (Courtesy Personality Hotels)
Built in 1913, the boutique hotel is a mix of art deco and classic San Francisco architecture. The central location means you can park the car or forget the car rental all together, and walk or take public transportation wherever you need to go.
Location: Union Square area on Powell Street, walking distance to Chinatown and shopping.
Perks: Family room with a Kids Suite and a block from the cable car turnaround.
Price: $93 and up
Omni San Francisco (Courtesy Omni Hotels)
The former 1920’s bank building is a gorgeous reminder of San Francisco’s architectural past and has surprisingly affordable room rates off-season. It’s even worth checking during summer though they do not have rooms that fit 5 people.
Location: Downtown, on the edge of the financial district and around the corner from Chinatown.
Perks: The California cable car line runs in front of the hotel, free walking tours on Saturday mornings, and the Omni Sensational Kids program.
Price: $139 and up
(MORE: Find great things to see and do with the kids in San Francisco.)
Sir Francis Drake Hotel (Courtesy Sir Francis Drake Hotel)
A mix of classic and contemporary, the Sir Francis Drake Hotel is part of the Kimpton hotel chain and known for being family and pet-friendly. Sign up for Kimpton Karma rewards and receive $10 to raid the mini bar – a kid-favorite activity.
Location: Union Square area on Powell Street, walking distance to Chinatown and shopping.
Perks: Yoga mats in every room and a hosted wine reception nightly for adults.
Price: $102 and up
Kristi Marcelle, a San Francisco Bay Area freelance writer, contributed this to MiniTime.
