In the cover story of last week’s New York Times Travel section (July 18), writer Benji Lanyado tempted travelers with alluring photographs of apartments in the 10th Arrondissement in Paris, Kings Cross in London, and a rooftop terrace in Barcelona. Though inhabited by “real” people most of the time, all were available to the savvy traveler...

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For an authentic glimpse into the character of San Francisco, I like to encourage people to book their stay in one of the city’s central neighborhoods like Nopa, the Western Addition or the Haight where you can mix easily with the local population. Small, centrally-located Japantown, tucked between the Fillmore district and Pacific Heights, is such...

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Unless you have very wealthy relations, you won’t find much in the way of lodgings in lovely Pacific Heights, a genteel residential neighborhood with comely mansions, artfully manicured lawns, and a couple of the city’s top private elementary schools. One of the San Francisco’s  most moneyed enclaves, it is perched up high overlooking the entire north...

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One of my ongoing quests is to experience first-person “family-friendly” hotels in San Francisco and write about them. To that end, I was invited recently to stay at the Argonaut Hotel smack in the middle of Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco’s tourist mecca.
We arrived and were cheerfully greeted by the staff who ushered the children...

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This post is written by guest blogger, Dan Dion.
Is it possible to build an eight-story hotel entirely devoid of character, amenities, or actual quality? Just off the majestic 405 freeway in Orange County, the Hotel Huntington Beach has made an ignoble attempt. From the stunning views of an office building out one side,...

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Good news — there’s still time to salvage your Valentine’s Day.
OK, not much time, but fortunately this promotion lasts till December.
Joie de Vivre, the San Francisco-based boutique hotel collection, is offering their new “Sowing the Seeds of Love” eco-romance package from now until December 15.
So, what does that mean...

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Here’s a Valentine’s Day promotion that will get your attention! Are you curious yet? The Kimpton Group, known for excellent service and unique boutique properties, wants to give you and your honey a romantic rendezvous to remember. From February 1 through March 31, 2010, guests at the 41 Kimpton hotels across the country will receive professional instruction...

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It doesn’t get any better than this. Considered by many to be one of the world’s most exclusive suites, the iconic Fairmont San Francisco penthouse recently underwent a $18 million renovation. Gulp. And damn, is it lovely. I recently toured the three-bedroom, four-bath suite, that encompasses the entire 6,000-foot eighth floor of the historic main building of the...

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The Country Hearth Inn is a fine, no frills motel option at the quiet end of Lombard Street adjacent to the Presidio. Like it’s neighbor, the Travelodge Presidio next door, it’s away from the heavy traffic and general ugliness of the portion of Lombard that extends from Lyon Street to Van Ness Avenue. Cute and compact, the...

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Well before it becomes “crooked,” the strip of Lombard Street from the Lyon Street to Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco, is sometimes referred to as “motel mile.” A wide and busy thoroughfare with non-destination retailers and fast food joints, it also has an array of inexpensive motels. While not glamorous, it’s a good place to...

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