San Fransisco mini-vaca advice?

[princesspumpkin]

My niece and her hubby are planning to visit SF in March for along weekend as a birthday present for her. My nephew would like to stay someplace fairly nice (3-4*), take her to a club (R&B, mild hip-hop type music, etc.) and dinner (not too fancy, but not fast food either ). He would prefer not to rent a car, if possible. Any suggestions? I am planning this for them, as it is a surprise gift from him to her. Thanks!

 

[damo]

We stayed at the Argonaut Hotel on Fisherman's Wharf. It was really a great place to stay. The location was great.

 

[minniecarousel]

They'll get by just fine without renting a car. Public transportation (MUNI & BART) are great & convenient to almost everything in the City. Cabs are plentiful too. And walking (daylight!) is a must-do. Log on to sfchronicle.com for some club ideas. I know there are some there, just don't know any particulars.The reastaurants on the Wharf, Pier 39 etc usually have menus posted outside so that you'll know the price range going in. Golden Gate Park is a great place for a day.

man - i need to go over and spend a day in the City!

 

[Uuaww]

you might want to post this on the california and the west board, itll have a better chance at survival

 

[mamacatnv]

The Handlery Hotel in Union Sq. is nice. There is plenty of public transportation as driving can be tricky to navigate and parking expensive. The Ca. board recently had a thread on SFO restaurants.

 

[princesspumpkin]

Thanks everyone. I have browsed the California section of the Dis. There didn't seem to be a lot of activity going on, so I thought I'd get more bites here! Anymore?

 

[tw1nsmom]

I can't give you too much useful information except to say that I thought San Francisco was one of the prettiest cities I had ever seen. I was there for a conference for a couple days and stayed with friends in a residential (Richmond) area. I did have the best Sushi of my life at a little Sushi restaurant around the corner from my friend's apartment.

 

[mamacatnv]

Thanks everyone. I have browsed the California section of the Dis. There didn't seem to be a lot of activity going on, so I thought I'd get more bites here! Anymore?

Rachel Rays Tasty Travels show that can be found on the Food Network recently did a SFO show, it showcased some local favorite restaurants.

The Ferry Bldg. has been redone to include lots of shops and restaurants.
I personally like Aliottos or Fishermans Grotto on the Wharf. The Cliff House out on N. Beach is a wonderful SFO landmark restaurant. Sausilito, across the bridge is full of galleries and restaurants.

How about a live show, the Theatres are close to Union Sq. which has lots of small hotels as well as restaurants, pubs & bars. I am not well versed in the night life, we are usually there with our kids.

When I was young and single we used to go into the City for a show at Phinoccios (sp?) Many moons ago for my 21st B-Day my Dad took me to The Mark Hopkins hotel for dinner and then drinks at the "Top of the Mark" a beautiful bar on the top of the hotel that is all glass and the scenery is fabulous. The Hyatt Regency Embarcadero is also a beautiful (but large) hotel with a few lounges.

 

[Honu]

My recommendations are The Phoenix or the Hotel Vitale. These are where the young people that come to work in our office always want to stay. Both have restaurants and clubs around or in them.

 

[bekkiz]

I love the Hotel Monaco
http://www.monaco-sf.com/

It's very hip and fun, but very nice at the same time. It's in a pretty nice location.

I know you said Hip Hop or Rap club, but the Bubble Lounge ( http://www.bubblelounge.com/ ) is a great, romantic, evening out.

 

[Kahana-ri]

I grew up in Northern CA so I never stayed in the city, but visited all the time.
Eating in Coit tower is amazing.
Bubba Gumps or Rain Forest Cafe on Fisherman's Wharf are both great places to eat. The Warf its self has so many things to see and do.
China Town is a great place to eat and walk around.
The SF Zoo is a must see and right across the street from the beach.
Alcatraz is a cool tour, just to say you've done it.
The Golden Gate Park and Presidio are fun places to picnic or ride bikes. I don't know the age groups of everyone going, but there is so much to see and do.
As far as clubs-its been years so I don't know what still around. They certainly could get around via the muni, bart or a cab. I have used them all and its a very easy mode of transportation to sight see. Just don't tell the cabby your out to sight see, all he'll see is $$$. How about checking with AAA. They have tons of maps and suggestion for little excursions. Hope they have fun!

 

[princesspumpkin]

Thanks again everyone! You are great.