San Francisco On The Cheap

If you've ever visited San Francisco, you know it can(Ristorante Parma). One caveat I have about Cow
be a very expensive city. Hotel costs, restaurant tabs,Hollow, which can probably be applied to any of the
valet fees and cab fares can add up quite quickly. But,motels on Lombard Street, is that you will probably
if you know where the values are, that trip to Sanwant to request an inside room off the main streets,
Francisco can actually fit into your budget quite nicely.as they can get quite loud. Another motel you might
First, let's start with lodging. Yes, it's nice to stay at theconsider would be La Luna Inn (415-346-4664), a
Grand Hyatt on Union Square or the Mark Hopkins. But,recently renovated inn with some luxuries you wouldn't
let's face it, they're expensive. For budgetexpect from a budget motel, such as pillow-top
considerations, I suggest you consider Lombard Street.mattresses, flat screen TVs, wireless internet access
No, not the crooked part of Lombard Street, but theand complimentary muffins, breads, coffee, tea and
section of Lombard Street which runs through thejuices served every morning. All that for just under
Cow Hollow and Marina districts in the northern part of$100 per night for a single king or queen bed.
San Francisco, near the Golden Gate Bridge.Restaurants can also add up to the cost of a vacation.
You can find a nice room on Lombard Street for justSan Francisco has a large amount of wonderful
under $100 a night, which is a far cry from the hotelsrestaurants at inexpensive prices. Of course, you have
on Union Square. But, what kind of room will your $100to know which ones they are. Those would usually be
get you? Of course, you're not going to get the luxurythe ones the locals frequent, so if you want to avoid
of a fancy hotel, but you're not paying for luxury.over-priced restaurants, you'd stay away from
You're paying to enjoy San Francisco. Your $100 willrestaurants in tourist traps like Fisherman's Wharf and
buy you a comfortable, clean room. Also, you willgo for neighborhood restaurants, such as those found
generally receive free parking. If you drive to Sanin Cow Hollow and the Marina District, 24th Street in
Francisco or rent a car in San Francisco, free parkingNoe Valley, or Potrero Hill. One very inexpensive
is a big deal. The luxury hotels usually charge forrestaurant I'd recommend in Potrero Hill is San
parking, as well as a in & out fees when you retrieveFrancisco Bar B Que, 1328 18th St., a wonderful little
your car for a day trip or night out.Thai BBQ restaurant that serves great food at cheap
Lombard Street is also a great location. Just north ofprices. If there's a wait, just put your name on the list
Lombard Street is Chestnut Street, with a movieand bop into Bloom's Saloon a couple doors down for
theater, shops and wonderful food. To the south aa drink and great views of the downtown skyline.
few blocks you'll find Union Street, with upscale shopsAs for inexpensive things to do in San Francisco,
and, again, wonderful food. Lombard Street is also acheck out the free walking tours offered by San
good location for bus service to all parts of SanFrancisco City Guides, a non-profit organization of
Francisco, eliminating the need for expensive taxi rides.more than 200 trained volunteers who lead free
You have numerous choices for lodging alongwalking tours in San Francisco. Their website at
Lombard Street. I've stayed at the Cow Hollow Motorsfcityguides.org lists all the many different walking tours
Inn (415-921-5800) and find it to be good, inexpensiveof such sites as Chinatown, Golden Gate Bridge, Coit
choice, with free parking, with a nice, inexpensive ItalianTower, and even ghost walks of supposedly haunted
restaurant located just north on Steiner Streetlocations.