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I'll be in SF for the weekend from 10/6-10/8. Looking at hostels online right now. I've never been to the city and I want to stay in a central location that is buy a lot. Anyone have an reccomendations as to what area/hostel I should look into?

I'll be in SF for the weekend from 10/6-10/8. Looking at hostels online right now. I've never been to the city and I want to stay in a central location that is buy a lot. Anyone have an reccomendations as to what area/hostel I should look into?

That is fleet week, so you want to book ASAP.

The USA Hostels look ok to me. I pass one every day on my way to work and I believe LondonCard2 recently stayed there. Here is the website: http://usahostels.com/sanfrancisco/index.html?lang=10 . I walk by the one on Taylor Street, but I don't think the Sutter Street one would be that bad, either.

If you want to go with a HI, I would do the one at Ft. Mason, especially for fleet week. You'll be able to walk right outside and see the flight shows, and walk right down to Chrissy Field where all the parties will be. http://sfhostels.com/locations/fishermans_wharf.php

There is a Green Tortoise hostel in North Beach, which is an area I love. http://www.greentortoise.com/san-francisco-hostel/index.php I believe that is one that Static often recommends. It is right on Broadway next to a lot of popular bars/strip clubs. I think the neighborhood is safe.

I guess it depends what interests you for what is considered central location. The USA hostel is more central to downtown SF/Union Square/etc. The HI Hostel is closer to Fisherman's Wharf/Aquatic Center/etc. You may be able to see the Golden Gate Bridge from right outside of the HI Hostel. The Green Tortoise borders North Beach and Chinatown, and it is an easy walk down to Ghiradelli Square/Fisherman's Wharf/etc.

There are a bunch of hostels, but I think they are in kind of sketchy areas. Static can tell you more. These are the ones I can think of that are in areas I would allow my friends to stay. And, again, with Fleet Week the HI would be fun.

Here is some info on Fleet Week: http://fleetweek.us/fleetweek Looks like we got the Blue Angels back, which is awesome. Their show is pretty cool (and free!).

I stayed in the USA Hostels, in March this year and found it to be fine. You could walk almost everywhere, if you didnt mind the hills, otherwise the buses are fine. I satyed on taylor st but i believe the Sutter st one is the same too.

Just a note:

This information may be out of date, but last I heard, USA Hostels does not let US citizens stay there.

I stayed at the Green Turtle in March. The only problem you may run into is that it's extremly noisy. Ask for a room away from the main street. Also, make sure you don't have to take a piss test afterwards. The entire place reeks of the marijuana, and you may come up positive just from smelling it

According to their website, USA Hostels doesn't allow in-state residents. But it looks like you are good from out of California. You might want to check with them before you check in. (if that's where you decide to go)

I am not sure how you are planning on getting into SF from the airport (not sure if you are coming into Oakland or SFO), but if you are taking public transport in, and staying at one of the USA hostels, be warned that you'll tackle a hill or two on your way there. I remember LondonCard2 mentioned he was surprised by them.

Let me know if you need any help getting around SF once you decide things. Our public transport, I think, isn't too shabby, and the city is pretty walkable, as well.

Yep, I stayed at the USA Hostels place on Taylor and had a great time there. Its basicallty an extension of teh on eon Sutter which houses the main bar and entertainment area so the one on Taylor is a little quieter.

I'd highly recommend it after staying in th place, its a good central location. Its a bit of a leg stretch to and over Golden Gate bridge and thos e hills..man....you always seem to have to walk up no matter where you walk! Still its fun and everywhere is walkable from there.

I also know several people who had a great time at teh Green Tortoise but cant comment too muchj having not stayed there.

Have a great time in a top City!

Congrats to the As as well Miss AB!

The USA hostel on Sutton is pretty good too. It is about a 15 min stroll from the Powell exit in Union Square of the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) - That is if you are not landing in Oakland. As soon as you emerge from the train, a homeless guy will likely pounce you to give you a free map and directions for a tip.

Powell street is a great area. Theres the Union Square for the Urban experience. Trolley cars head from the Sutton/Powell intercection and head down to China Town, Fishermans Warf, the boats to Alcatraz and Sausolito, as well as places to rent bikes to bike across the Golden gate Bridge.

There is also an amazing bar in the Sir Francis Drake HotelSt. - also on the Sutton Powell intersection. Its on the 21st Floor of a beautiful Victorian Style hotel built in 1228. The decor is lots of heavy wood molding, chandeliers and velvet curtains. The music is Top 40...But the panoramic view of the city form the dancefloor is really something else.

quote:

Sutton

Sutter!

If it helps -

We've booked to stay at the Park Hotel on Sutter St., as it was cheaper than any of the hostels!

Only thing is, we haven't been there yet so I can't give you a review!

It's probably a s**t hole but it's cheap!

quote:

There is also an amazing bar in the Sir Francis Drake Hotel

That would be the Starlight Room.

The walk from Powell St. BART to Sutter St. isn't bad, but you will fight through the tourist throngs and up hill a bit, so be prepared if you are carrying a big bag. You CAN get to SF on BART from Oakland Airport, as well (you take the AirBART tram to Coliseum Station, then take the SF line to Powell St.).

I would stay in eastern part of the city (between Van Ness ave and the Embarcadero)this way you're near most of the touristy stuff of the city, if you want a map and ideas for a San Francisco hotel or hostel try this link san francisco hotel
have a great time

Mike, where did you stay? I would love to hear.

(the city this weekend was a nuthouse. There were so many people!!)

quote:

Originally posted by Earthyartist:
As soon as you emerge from the train, a homeless guy will likely pounce you to give you a free map and directions for a tip.

LoL! But of course...