Is this an ok area to stay?
Mar 19, 2012, 10:10 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: London
Posts: 359
Is this an ok area to stay?
I'm going to San Francisco for a few days next month. I've been before but it was years ago and I don't remember the layout of the city that well. We wanted a "cheap and cheerful" place to stay and I found one online (that was great value and had good reviews on Trip Advisor) located in Sutter Street, just a couple of blocks up from the Union Square Park. Is this an ok area? We don't mind if it's not particularly hip, just that it's safe (as much as any city can be given sensible precautions) and relatively easy to get around from. I've already booked but it's 100% refundable so please be honest, I just want to check I don't need to find another option.
Mar 19, 2012, 10:47 am
#2
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: YYZ/NYC/CDG/NRT
Posts: 171
IMO, there's almost no dodgy parts of SFO. Even in the less then polished neighborhoods, it seems they're filled with students/artists/hipsters. Just exercise normal precautions and don't carry around all of that money you saved in cash ;-)
What hotel did you book out of curiosity?
What hotel did you book out of curiosity?
Mar 19, 2012, 10:53 am
#3
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: KRK
Programs: UA Premiere Platinum
Posts: 492
Sutter should be fine -- however:
The tenderloin -- south and west of Union square (while not necessarily super dangerous) is full of drugs, homeless, and generally very unpleasant.
Same goes for the area around 6th and Market (and the part of SOMA that is next it). Other than that -- you should be OK.
OP -- Please PM me if you have any specific questions.
Mar 19, 2012, 11:01 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: London
Posts: 359
Thanks both. I heard that the Tenderloin was best avoided but this area seemed ok. I live in London so am pretty streetwise but it's always a bit tougher to know where to steer clear of in an unfamiliar city.
This is the hotel I've booked: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_R...a.html#REVIEWS
It's by no means fancy but we're not planning on spending much time in the room so would rather spend the extra money on some nice meals etc while we're there.
Wingman32, thanks for your kind offer, I'm bound to come up with some questions so will drop you a line
This is the hotel I've booked: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_R...a.html#REVIEWS
It's by no means fancy but we're not planning on spending much time in the room so would rather spend the extra money on some nice meals etc while we're there.
Wingman32, thanks for your kind offer, I'm bound to come up with some questions so will drop you a line
Mar 19, 2012, 11:28 am
#5
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
Mar 19, 2012, 5:12 pm
#8
Moderator: Hilton Honors, Practical Travel Safety Issues & San Francisco
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: San Francisco CA
Programs: UA, Hilton, Priceline, AirBnB
Posts: 11,001
Mar 19, 2012, 5:12 pm
#9
Moderator: Hilton Honors, Practical Travel Safety Issues & San Francisco
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: San Francisco CA
Programs: UA, Hilton, Priceline, AirBnB
Posts: 11,001
I don't know the hotel.
But i see they have rooms with and without private baths. I personally would only go for a private bath.
Mar 19, 2012, 5:55 pm
#10
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: SFO
Posts: 3,941
Huh??? 
Glad the OP didn't take your advice.
Glad the OP didn't take your advice.
IMO, there's almost no dodgy parts of SFO. Even in the less then polished neighborhoods, it seems they're filled with students/artists/hipsters. Just exercise normal precautions and don't carry around all of that money you saved in cash ;-)
What hotel did you book out of curiosity?
What hotel did you book out of curiosity?
Mar 20, 2012, 3:07 am
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: London
Posts: 359
They only had one room with private bath left so we booked that one plus one without so we can share the one between the 3 of us.
Mar 21, 2012, 5:15 pm
#12
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Laguna Beach, CA
Programs: AA, HA, UA, DL, HH, SPG, Kimpton, Fairmont, New Otani, I Prefer
Posts: 157
The area is fine, I stay at Sutter & Kearny all the time.
I also learned the difference between "private bath" and "en suite" the hard way in London, many, many years ago.
I also learned the difference between "private bath" and "en suite" the hard way in London, many, many years ago.
Mar 21, 2012, 11:32 pm
#13
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 4,449
Mar 26, 2012, 11:12 am
#15
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 5
Don't miss out on Tenderloin completely
Some folks have alluded to the Tenderloin being dangerous. It isn't so much during the day and you'd miss the opportunity for some great inexpensive restaurants in the area. I wish I could remember the name of the place, but it's next door to Lee's Sandwiches. It's a Vietnamese restaurant with awesome food. We found it because it was reviewed in a magazine. I bet your hotel staff would know the name.
Enjoy San Francisco!!
Enjoy San Francisco!!