This Queen Anne Victorian structure was erected in 1905 as the opulent Sultan Turkish Baths. Two decades later the Baths closed, and the entire building was remodeled into a European style boutique hotel. Intimate guestrooms feature lovely floral motifs, unique architectural features, and fresh flowers.
|
During your San Francisco vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
The Exploratorium
Scientific American magazine rated the Exploratorium "the best science museum in the world" -- pretty heady stuff for this exciting hands-on science fair. It contains more than 650 permanent exhibits that explore everything from giant-bubble blowing to Einstein's theory of relativity. It's like a mad scientist's penny arcade, an educational fun house, and an experimental laboratory, all rolled into one. Touch a tornado, shape a glowing electrical current, finger-paint using a computer, or take a sensory journey in total darkness in the Tactile Dome ($15 extra) -- you could spend all day here and still not see everything. Every exhibit at the Exploratorium is designed to be interactive, educational, safe and, most important, fun. And don't think it's just for kids; parents inevitably end up being the most reluctant to leave. On the way out, be sure to stop in the wonderful gift store, which is chock-full of affordable brain candy.The museum is in the Marina District at the beautiful Palace of Fine Arts, the only building left standing from the Panama-Pacific Exposition of 1915. The adjoining park and lagoon -- the perfect place for an afternoon picnic -- is home to ducks, swans, seagulls, and grouchy geese, so bring bread.
Lombard Street
Known (erroneously) as the "crookedest street in the world," this whimsically winding block of Lombard Street draws thousands of visitors each year (much to the chagrin of neighborhood residents, most of whom would prefer to block off the street to tourists). The angle of the street is so steep that the road has to snake back and forth to make a descent possible. The brick-lined street zigzags around the residences' bright flower gardens, which explode with color during warmer months. This short stretch of Lombard Street is one-way, downhill, and fun to drive. Take the curves slowly and in low gear, and expect a wait during the weekend. Save your film for the bottom where, if you're lucky, you can find a parking space and take a few snapshots of the silly spectacle. You can also take staircases (without curves) up or down on either side of the street. In truth, most locals don't understand what the fuss is all about. I'm guessing the draw is the combination of a classic, unusually steep San Francisco street and a great photo op. FYI: Vermont Street, between 20th and 22nd streets in Potrero Hill, is even more crooked, but not nearly as picturesque.
Alcatraz Island
Visible from Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz Island (aka "The Rock") has seen a checkered history. Juan Manuel Ayala was the first European to discover it in 1775 and named it after the many pelicans that nested on the island. From the 1850s to 1933, when the army vacated the island, it served as a military post, protecting the bay's shoreline. In 1934, the government converted the buildings of the military outpost into a maximum-security prison. Given the sheer cliffs, treacherous tides and currents, and frigid water temperatures, it was believed to be a totally escape-proof prison. Among the famous gangsters who occupied cell blocks A through D were Al Capone, Robert Stroud, the so-called Birdman of Alcatraz (because he was an expert in ornithological diseases), Machine Gun Kelly, and Alvin Karpis. It cost a fortune to keep them imprisoned here because all supplies, including water, had to be shipped in. In 1963, after an apparent escape in which no bodies were recovered, the government closed the prison. In 1969, a group of Native Americans chartered a boat to the island to symbolically reclaim the island for the Indian people. They occupied the island until 1971, the longest occupation of a federal facility by Native Americans to this day, when they were forcibly removed by the U.S. government (see www.nps.gov/alcatraz/indian.html for more information on the Native American occupation of Alcatraz). The next year the island became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The wildlife that was driven away during the military and prison years has begun to return -- the black-crested night heron and other seabirds are nesting here again -- and a new trail passes through the island's nature areas. Tours, including an audio tour of the prison block and a slide show, are given by the park's rangers, who entertain guests with interesting anecdotes.Allow about 2 1/2 hours for the round-trip boat ride and the tour. Wear comfortable shoes (the National Park Service notes that there are a lot of hills to climb on the tour) and take a heavy sweater or windbreaker, because even when the sun's out, it's cold out there. The excursion is popular and space is limited, so purchase tickets as far in advance as possible. Blue & Gold Fleet (tel. 415/705-5555; www.blueandgoldfleet.com) operates the tour; they accept American Express, MasterCard, and Visa, and there's a $2.25-per-ticket service charge for phone orders. You can also buy tickets in advance from the Blue & Gold ticket office on Pier 41 or online at www.telesales.com. Alcatraz night tours are also available and are a more intimate and wonderfully spooky experience. Check the Blue & Gold Fleet website for updated prices and departure times.For those who want to get a closer look at Alcatraz without going ashore, two boat-tour operators offer short circumnavigations of the island.
Laurel Inn
Like the charming neighborhood that surrounds it, the Laurel Inn is noted for its warm sense of hospitality. Built in 1963, this newly renovated hotel represents a contemporary take on mid-century style to create a sophisticated and comfortable interior drenched in rich colors, relaxed textures, and ingenious details. Hotel Amenities include complimentary continental breakfast, afternoon lemonade and cookie service in the lobby, coffee and tea service 24-hours a day in the lobby, free indoor ...
Omni San Francisco Hotel
Located in the heart of the city at California & Montgomery Streets. With a cable car stop located right outside the hotel, you are just minutes from exciting attractions such as Union Square, Chinatown, North Beach, Embarcadero Center and the Moscone Convention Center. 20 minutes from the San Francisco and Oakland International ...
Courtyard by Marriott San Francisco Downtown
At the Courtyard San Francisco Downtown, there is something for everyone. From the moment you step inside the two-story atrium lobby with its four-sided fireplace, innovative artwork and whimsical bronze sculptures, you will feel a warm welcome and a sense of adventure that inspires you to explore the sights and sounds of San Francisco. The Courtyard staff is ready to make you feel right at home and help you plan a memorable stay. The hotel offers many full-service amenities and has achieved ...
|
|
Most recent user reviews
Value and good location
robert, Burbank, CA
Union Sq shopping within a couple of blocks. Chinatown is also only a short walk away.
The Andrews offers a nice comfortable room for the money with a good location and easy access to Union Sq and transport. I liked the continental breakfast in the morning on the landing of your floor, you can get a nice muffin, juice and coffee in the comfort of your room. We had only one negative and that was the radiator heating, it was cold when we were there in the winter and it is timed by the front desk to come on in the morning and evening only. There is no AC but that is not usually a necessity in SF. I'd recommend The Andrews and by the way the retaurant on site is very good.
Good for the money
Anonymous, San Jose, CA
Union Square is only a few blocks away
The Andrews Hotel is adequent and its a value for the price. The location is central. The room is a little small (bathroom is very small), but everything is clean. The restaurant in the hotel is only ok. The two pasta dishes that we ordered did not have any taste, I probably won't go back again.
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION
Janna, Los Angeles, CA
You can buy a $49.00 BART pass for one week, good on streetcars,cable cars, buses,subway.W/o a pass,a single cable car ride is $5.00.So much is close to the hotel:shopping,restaurants, Walgreen's Drugstore at Taylor/ Geary, a good crepe restaurant at Post/Taylor, David's Bakery on Geary,between Taylor/Mason has fantastic pateries.Have fun, explore!
Check-in was very fast. Room was very small but clean and you just can't beat the location, a few very short blocks from Union Square. Who stays in their room much in S.F. anyway?? The continental breakfast was left on a hall table every morning, and it was loaded with coffee, tea, fresh fruit, rolls & butter, pastries. A complete breakfast to me! The only caveat I would give is that because of a steam radiator and a very low window sill, I would not recommend this for younger children. But for me, a single traveler, it was exactly what I needed. I was a single woman traveler and I felt safe day and night. Be firm about letting homeless people stop you. walk briskly and with confidence, keep your head up. Unfortuneately, you can't give to everyone you meet. Save it for those who seem really needy, i.e. no hands, very old. Many of the canes and crutches you see will be just props, however!
Great neighborhood
Anonymous
Clift hotel for cocktails, as well as Swig.
Great for the solo traveler. Nice and helpful staff.
Review
Anonymous, 2007-03-11
No review provided by user
No smiles here
Danny, Idaho Falls, ID, 2006-12-11
Plenty of top notch stores for plenty of shopping.
1 person at the night front desk every one I encountered here had a crappy attitude. Our room was comfortable and clean.With many hotels near union square I can't really see staying here again.
Efficient, friendly European ambience
Anonymous, Washington, DC, 2006-09-08
Major hotels, restaurants and shopping within a couple of blocks.
I found the Andrews Hotel as a small European-style hotel, 2 blocks from the St. Francis at Union Square--very convient, friendly and clean. They had an excellent continental breakfast laid out on each floor which was a nice surprise. I would be happy to stay there again. The rooms are not large but it was ok for 2 people. Good restaurants and coffee bars very close.
Value for the price and charming
Anonymous, San Francisco, CA, 2006-03-06
Union Square 3 blocks. Public buses very handy. Lovely upscale restaurants towards Union Square. Great inespensive ethnic food in the other direction.
The Andrews though small and old is a charming place to stay, Loved the historic elevator. The breakfast service was convenient and quite good. Freshly brewed rich coffee. Fresh cream for that great coffee and porcelain cups. Good rolls with butter and jam and fresh fruit gave us a good start on the day. Bathroom was quite small but very clean. Bedroom was tiny but adequate since we were gone all day. The on site restaurant was a pleasant surprise. Italian food was tasty and served by a sharp waitstaff. The bartender was knowledgeable and friendly. Wine list totally adequate. There were very good restaurants near the hotel.Also close to theatre district.
Review
Anonymous, 2005-10-07
No review provided by user
Friendly
Anonymous, Miami, FL, 2005-09-30
Shopping, public transportation which can take the visitor practically anywhere
The Alexander is a very good hotel, personal was very friendly and very helpful. Good places, speak for themselves.
|
|
