I like the Gaslamp hotel better: better location, better elite treatment, better ambiance. The Bayfront is just a standard, cookie-cutter convention hotel. No breakfast, only vouchers to Starbucks.

I know there are people that like the Bayfront, but I'm not one of them.

Parking downtown can be very expensive. Cheaper options would depend on what days you are going to be here. Meters aren't checked on Sundays, so if you find a spot on the street you're good all day.