San Francisco Travel Forum

We are in our active mid-sixties, visiting SF (and the US) for the first time in early May 2007 from NZ. Is the Hotel Drisco too far out (no car)? Would it be better to stay downtown (Paloma? or Vitale?) Any other recommendations for mid-price accommodations? We would like to stay in a place which would add to our enjoyment of this city. Some comment on the climate at this time of the year would be appreciated.

I think that the location of the Drisco would be very inconvenient for someone without a car. Actually, it would be inconvenient for someone with a car who wants to spend time in the city, because parking is so insane. You're far better off at the Vitale (I don't know where the Paloma is). The Vitale is near the Ferry Building (ground zero for fabulous food, as well as boat trips), it's great for walks along the bay (right across the street), and it's near buses and BART. I know someone who stayed there recently and enjoyed it.

The weather may be cool and foggy or warm and sunny - bring layers. Remember when you go out, that SF has a lot of microclimates. Just because your neighborhood is sunny and warm doesn't mean that it will be that way a mile away.

The Palomar is also in a great location at 4th and Market.

To get a good price on a 4 star hotel in your preferred neighborhood, you can use www.priceline.com. We've been very lucky to stay in 4 star hotels like the Hyatt at the Embarcadero (across from Ferry building) for $84 (all taxes included).
The PalomaR hotel is a very nice hotel in a good location. It has a wonderful restaurant called the Fifth Floor.

Don't get a car until you leave San Francisco. It's more trouble than it's worth. You can use public transportation or take a cab. Cab fares are reasonable.
Have fun planning your trip!
Jeannette

Thank you for your reply; it is most helpful. Hotel Vitale would certainly meet our needs. Appreciate your comments about the weather in May. We are really looking forward to our visit next year; should have done it years ago! The other hotel I mentioned was Palomar, not Paloma; my mistake. Cheers.

We did not stay at the Hotel Vitale but did take a tour after our dinner across the street at Boulevard. The hotel is very contemporary and absolutely stunning. There is also a spa there that looked very nice. There is a "zen" feel to the place, they also offer complimentary yoga classes on the weekends. The Embarcadero is a gorgeous area of San Francisco and the Ferry Marketplace is really cool, also.

I would highly recommend a meal at Boulevard while visiting San Francisco, they were recently Michelin rated, also. Enjoy your trip! :)

Wow...i just checked the wonderful reviews of Hotel Vitale on tripadvisor

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60713-d506418-r5931814-Hotel_Vitale-San_Francisco_California.html

I will need to check it out next time I am in San Francisco.
Jeannette

oops...I don't think it's for me. I checked out the rates and I do NOT want to spend $309 + tax for a Friday night stay.
Jeannette

The Hotel Drisco is in a great area! If you want a San Francisco experience, it has it. However, without a car the location would be somewhat inconvenient, unless you don't mind paying for taxis.

Don't stay on Market or Mission even if the hotel has four stars...you will be surrounded by beggars’ right when you walk out your door. If you do stay in downtown, I would recommend the Westin St. Francis.

Hope this helps!

I just wanted to take a moment to correct my previous posting. There was a terrible racist incident at the Vitale last week. An African author, Ngugi wa Thiong'o, who was on tour promoting his book, was staying at the hotel. He was reading a newspaper in the lobby, when on of the managers walked up and ordered him to leave. He didn't even ask if Ngugi was a guest - just told him he couldn't sit there.

It was absolutely shameful. This is not what San Francisco is about and I would urge you to find a hotel that treats its guests decently and without racism.

wow..that's terrible and very hard to believe if it's true.
.
Do you have any more information on this? was it in the paper?
Jeannette

It is no where on Google.
Do you suspect it is an disgruntled employee or an employee of a different hotel?

Dave, I did a search as well and found nothing.

I emailed the hotel and asked about it :-)
Jeannette

Well, it looks like it's true.
Here is the email I received from the hotel manager:

"Thank you for taking the time to express your concerns regarding the incident that occurred at Hotel Vitale last Friday.

As a result of the unfortunate and regrettable incident involving a Hotel Vitale staff member and a valued hotel guest, the management of the hotel has issued a formal and heartfelt apology. Disciplinary action against the employee is under review, as is the hotel’s diversity training program, which is mandatory for all employees.

Hotel Vitale, an equal opportunity employer, would also like to stress that this isolated and troubling incident is in direct conflict with the hotel’s unbending commitment to cultural diversity. This commitment extends to both our staff and to our guests, whom we proudly welcome from countries and cultures around the world.

Sincerely,

David Curell

Managing Director

here's a newpaper article about the racist incident at the Vitale http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=1&newsid=85868

Hi

I have a link to a newspaper article on the racist incident at Hotel Vitale.

http://www.eastandard.net/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143961270

Njonjo