Originally Posted by
bsdstone
Headed to San Francisco with the family and in-laws on our way back from KOA next April. I am traveling with myself and my wife, two boys (then 13 &15) and my in laws (late 70's, but healthy). We land at SFO around 11pm and will depart SFO for ORD on Sunday morning. I will need two rooms for two nights...will use points, and I'm an aspire member (currently, but may drop to platinum next year). Despite my status (earned mostly through big bonus promos), I'm not that familiar with benefits, etc. that come with status.
I'm wondering what you all suggest would be the best hotel for us. Looking to introduce my kids and in-laws to the city and do the "touristy" things like alcatraz, ride cable cars, wharf, etc. Would be nice to have some space and a free breakfast for the kids, but location is probably more important. Right now considering the Intercontinental Hopkins or the sir frances drake...but certainly open to options.
Advice is GREATLY appreciated!
I'm surprised that no one has recommended the IC SF, which is an easy walk to Market Street for shopping and the Powell St BART station, or Union Sq without the hassle of being located in Union Sq. Keep in mind the Powell St cable car (that runs by the Drake) is always a hassle with lines on the weekends, seldom stops at the Union Sq stops as it's usually full, besides being expensive. The Drake has tiny rooms but is lower priced. If you're Spire, buy AMB in December and your Spire will extend for the next year and if you're staying at the IC SF (never bother with the IC Mark Hopkins as it's difficult to get around, especially for your in-laws at 70+,) you could use the BOGO for one room and points for the other. Maybe a little UPG as well, as they've always been good with AMB's and of course RA's. Breakfast is pricy unless you reserve a Club room, but their club is one of the better around.
Uber and Lyft are easy to get in SF, but with 6 people, maybe try public transportation, which is everywhere and reasonable. Check out a weekend pass for convenience and savings. One other hotel choice I've used and liked was the HI Golden Gate on Van Ness near the California St cable car and Polk St where there are some decent inexpensive restaurants within walking distance. Clearly not as picturesque, but the California St cable car is easy to get on, and runs to the Embarcadero and the Ferry Building, as well as Alcatraz ferries. Fewer points also, and I've gotten some nice UPG's as Spire, though mostly view oriented. Not as nice a view as the IC SF, but then it's all in the location. And you can take the public bus to Ghilladelli Sq, which is near the wharf.