March, 2004 -- We know what you're thinking: How could anyone possibly arrange a comfortable and still affordable vacation in San Francisco? Well, if there's one thing we underpaid travel writers know how to do, it's how to live large and spend little. So my team of savings-savvy researchers and I have pooled our collective wisdom into what we believe is the best budget guide to San Francisco. We live here, we know this city, and we know how to have a lot of fun without spending mounds of cash-we do it every day. Some of our advice is obvious (skip the Ritz), some more comes from experience (dine off the fancy restaurant's bar menu for the best deals), and all of it is geared to making sure that you will have a fantastic stay in the city regardless of your tax bracket.
This article offers lots of useful information to help you plan a great trip to San Francisco without going broke. It's devoted to insider advice, money-saving tips, and ways to stretch your budget so you keep your accommodation costs and three meals a day to as little as $70 a day. (We assume that two adults are traveling together and that, between the two of you, you have at least $140 to spend.) The cost of transportation, activities, sightseeing, and entertainment are extra, but we have plenty of insider tips to save you money on those activities as well.
But the best advice we can give you about San Francisco is to just go. Enjoy the cool blast of salty air as you stroll across the Golden Gate. Stuff yourself with dim sum in Chinatown. Browse the Haight for incense and water pipes. Walk along the beach, pierce your nose, see a play, ride on a cable car-the list is endless and always affordable. It's all happening in San Francisco, and everyone, whether filthy rich or in the red, is invited. All you have to do is arrive with an open mind and a sense of adventure-the rest is waiting for you.
When To Go
1. Try to travel in the off season, roughly October through April. Most room rates at the smaller hotels decrease by as much as 50% November through February, and 10% to 15% March through May. Some hotels also offer slightly lower rates Sunday through Thursday. Case in point: A room at the Marina Inn on a summer Saturday is about $110. The same room on a weekday in February is less than $80. Ironically, because San Francisco's weather is so screwy, you'll have a much better chance of a sunny vacation during the winter months. When you're looking for a room, also inquire about special packages a lodging might offer, ranging from a reduced rate for a multi-night stay, to packages which may include a number of meals and attractions.
Airfares
2. Surf the Internet for bargains. There are lots of sites and online services designed to find you discounted airfares, accommodations, and car rentals.
3. Even in the age of computers, you won't find bargains if you don't know where to look. Especially if you're not particularly Net savvy, it can be a good idea to call or visit a travel agent before your trip and see what can be arranged in the way of low airfares, room rates, cheap car rentals, and package deals that you don't have access to independently.
4. When calling the airlines directly, be sure to ask for the lowest fare. (And don't forget to inquire about discounts for seniors, children, and students, and any promotional fares.) Note, though, that the lowest-priced fares will often be nonrefundable, require advance purchase of 1 to 3 weeks and a certain length of stay, and carry penalties for changing dates of travel. If you can be flexible, ask if you can secure a cheaper fare by staying an extra day or by flying midweek. Many airlines won't volunteer this information. Although you might find a slightly better rate by flying into Oakland International Airport, taxis and shuttles from Oakland downtown San Francisco are far more expensive than the cheap ($5) and convenient BART train from SFO to the city. It's only worth it if you save about $50 or more on airfare. And forget San Jose's airport -- its way too far south and the traffic is horrible on Hwy 101.
5. Check the advertisements in newspaper travel sections, which often feature special promotional fares and packages. You'll rarely see a sale during the peak summer months of July and August, or during the Thanksgiving or Christmas seasons; but in periods of low-volume travel, you should pay no more than $400 to $500 for a round-trip cross-country flight. As we go to press, JetBlue (www.jetblue.com) has a fare from New York to Oakland for as low as $190 one-way; and ATA (www.ata.com) and America West (www.americawest.com) were offering round trips for under $240.
6. Always check the Sunday travel section of your newspaper for consolidators ("bucket shops") and charter flights. Though tickets are usually heavily restricted (ask about all the details), you're likely to save a bundle -- usually 20% to 35%. This can really be a great way to go if you're buying at the last minute. There are lots of fly-by-night consolidators, though, and problems can range from disputing never-received tickets to finding you have no seat booked when you get to the airport. Play it safe by going with a reputable business. Discounted fares have pared the number of charters, but they're still available. Most charter operators advertise and sell their seats through travel agents, thus making these local professionals your best source of information for available flights. Before deciding to take a charter flight, check the restrictions on the ticket: You may be asked to purchase a tour package, to pay in advance, to be amenable if the day of departure is changed, to pay a service charge, to fly on an airline you're not familiar with (this usually is not the case), and to pay harsh penalties if you cancel, but to be understanding if the charter doesn't fill up and is canceled up to 10 days before departure. Summer charters fill up more quickly than others and are almost sure to fly, but if you decide on a charter, consider cancellation and baggage insurance.
7. Don't take a taxi from the airport into the city. The fare from the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to the downtown area will run $25 to $30 plus tip, so unless you're with a group who can split the fare, you're far better off taking BART (www.bart.gov) or a shuttle. Both SFO and the Oakland International Airport (OAK), the two major airports serving the city, have convenient shuttle services that will take you directly to your hotel for far less money than a cab, and the new BART line from SFO to the city is only a few dollars.
Car Rentals
8. If you plan to spend all your time in San Francisco, don't rent a car. Parking's a nightmare, most hotels charge a hefty parking fee, and the city is so condensed that you can easily bus, cab, cable car, or walk it.
9. The only reason you'd really need a car is if you're planning to do any road trips to the Wine Country or other surrounding areas. If that's the case, be sure to call all the major car-rental companies to compare rates, preferably before you arrive in San Francisco.
10. Don't book a rental car through an airline's partner when you purchase your ticket without doing some research first. Airlines may not offer the best deals; you may do better calling the chains directly, or going through a major Internet travel site.
11. In addition to the big chains, consider renting from one of the dozens of regional rental places in San Francisco for your getaway, many of which offer lower rates. A good choice is A-One Rent-A-Car, 434 O'Farrell St. -- between Jones and Taylor sts (tel. 415/771-3977; www.aonerents.com). Even after you've made your reservations, call again and check rates a few days or weeks later-you may stumble upon a lower rate.
12. Be sure to check whether your credit card or personal auto insurance policy covers you when you rent a car. If you're covered by one or the other, you'll be able to avoid the cost of collision-damage waivers (usually an additional $10-$12 a day) that the car-rental agencies are eager to sell you.
13. Whether you're driving or not, it's a good idea to be a member of the American Automobile Association (AAA), (tel. 800/922-8228; www.aaa.com) which charges $40 to $60 per year (with an additional one-time joining fee) depending on where you join. Members (only those who carry their cards with them) not only receive free roadside assistance, but also have access to a wealth of free travel information (detailed maps and guidebooks). Also, many hotels and attractions in San Francisco offer discounts to AAA members-always inquire. Amoco Motor Club (tel. 800/334-3300; www.amocomotorclub.com) is another recommended choice.
14. Fill the tank before you return the rental car or you'll end up paying $2 or more a gallon to have the rental company fill it for you.
Public Transportation
15. San Francisco's public transportation system -- known as Muni (www.sfmuni.com) -- is both an easy and affordable way to get around (but certainly not the fastest or most reliable). Muni discount passes, called Passports, entitle holders to unlimited rides on buses, Metro streetcars, and cable cars. An even better deal, however, is the new CityPass (www.citypass.net) package, which includes free public transportation for a week and admission to six of the city's major attractions.
Accommodations
16. In addition to airfare, you'll also have better luck saving on room rates if you visit in the off season. In winter, when hotels have a low occupancy level, they slash rates by as much as 40%; be sure to call as far in advance as possible to get these discounts.
17. The sooner you book a room, the better. The cheapest accommodations are always the first to go, so the farther in advance you commit, the better your chances of scoring a bargain. You might score a great room at the last minute with a service like Priceline.com, but you have more control over the whole process if you book well in advance.
18. Whether you make a reservation or arrive on the spot, ask for the cheapest room and about any promotions, package deals, or discounted rates for students, seniors, military personnel, or government employees -- whatever applies. Also, inquire about what makes a room worth less than other options (such as shared versus private bathrooms) and be sure that the downsides are acceptable to you.
19. When booking your hotel, find out if there's an extra charge for parking if you're going to have a car in the city. In downtown San Francisco, stashing your car can cost up to $25 per day (sometimes more) without in-and-out privileges. If there's a charge, be sure to ask about the availability of street parking; hotel employees are usually more than happy to give you the lowdown on the local parking scene. Also consider staying at one of the city's few hotels offering free parking.
20. Bargain at the front desk. A hotel makes zero dollars per night on an empty room. Hence, most hotels are willing to bargain on rates. Haggling probably won't work too well during the high season, when hotels are almost 100% booked, but if you're traveling off season and the answer is "no," try politely speaking with a manager, with whom you might be able to negotiate a better deal. An especially advantageous time to haggle for lower rates is late afternoon or early evening on the day of your arrival, when a hotel's likelihood of filling up with full-price bookings is remote.
21. If you think "B&B" refers to "bargain and budget," think again. You're likely to pay higher prices to stay at one of these homey little spots than you are at many hotels and motels.
22. If you're traveling with kids, try to book a room at a hotel where children stay in your room for free. Families may also wish to book rooms or suites with kitchenettes to save money on meals.
23. Even if you don't have a car, consider staying at a chain motel on the fringes of the city such as HoJo or Rodeway Inn. Rates are far lower than at downtown hotels, and it's only a $1 bus ride to anywhere in the city.
24. At hotels, if the first room you see is disappointing (all right, dismal), don't storm out. Ask to see other rooms; they often vary considerably, and if you're polite, the management might upgrade you to a better room for free just to keep you happy.
25. Don't make local phone calls from your hotel room if you can avoid it. Hotels often charge 75[ce] for local calls, as well as inflated rates for long-distance calls. Even if you use a calling card for long-distance calls, you're often charged a fee for access. Save money by making your calls from the hotel lobby or a nearby phone booth. If you plan to make a lot of local calls for business or other reasons, find a hotel that offers free local calling.
26. In a fiercely competitive market, more and more hotels are offering free continental breakfast with coffee as an enticement. Find out from your hotel or travel agent if this is available at your hotel. The savings can really add up, especially if you're staying for a longer period of time. But beware: Sometimes continental breakfast means nothing but so-so coffee and processed pastries.
Dining
27. San Francisco boasts some of the world's finest dining. If you want to try a place that's beyond your budget, consider going for lunch instead of dinner. Often the lunch menu is served until 4 or 5pm, and main courses usually cost 30% less than the same dishes do at dinner. You probably won't be hungry for the rest of the day, and will avoid spending big bucks for dinner.
28. Keep an eye out for happy hours at the bars and lounges throughout the city. Aside from cheap drink specials, many establishments provide a free snack spread that can easily replace dinner. The city's best happy hour is at the Tonga Room, 950 Mason St., at California Street (tel. 415/772-5278). From 5 to 7pm you can pull an all-you-can-eat binge for $6.
29. Pick up the San Francisco Bay Guardian, one of the city's free alternative newspapers, and look for "two-for-one" and other discount coupons for restaurants around town.
30. Fixed-price menus and early-bird dinners are big money-savers. Look for restaurants that offer them. If you're traveling with children, find restaurants that offer reduced-price children's menus.
31. San Francisco is an outdoor, sporty kind of place. If weather permits, instead of dining in restaurants, consider putting together a picnic breakfast, lunch, or dinner. There are myriad idyllic outdoor dining spots, and hundreds of phenomenal takeout joints that will help you create a cheap feast to go; even a gourmet spread can cost less than a meal in a restaurant.
32. Sure, there's plenty of hype about California-inspired cuisine; but if you follow the locals' lead to any of the city's fantastic ethnic restaurants, you'll find that, while few of them are locally influenced, they're definitely world-class -- not to mention a heck of a lot cheaper than California-style restaurants. Two of my favorites are: Thep Phanom, 400 Waller St. (tel. 415/431-2526), for exceptional Thai and Taquerias La Cumbre, 515 Valencia St. (tel. 415/863-8205), which cranks out hefty fresh burritos, tacos, and combination plates for less than $7.
Sightseeing
33. The San Francisco Visitor Information Center, on the lower level of Hallidie Plaza, 900 Market St., at Powell Street (tel. 415/391-2000; www.sfvisitor.org), offers money-saving coupons for restaurants, shops, and attractions in the area. To get your hands on some, call or stop by.
34. Most museums are open to the public free 1 day per month (sometimes 1 day per week). Call the museum of your choice to find out which day is free day. Some museums also offer free admission later in the day at least 1 day a week.
35. Check out local alternative and tourist newspapers, many of which regularly run discounts for attractions and activities in San Francisco. The San Francisco Bay Guardian is free and is your best bet -- it's widely distributed in street-corner boxes and at cafes and restaurants throughout the city. Another good one is the San Francisco Weekly.
36. Many attractions offer discounts to seniors, students, or military personnel. Inquire before paying full admission, and be sure to bring your ID.
37. Skip the pricey guided tours and do it yourself. Use the walking tours or put together your own sightseeing itinerary. But if you'd still rather have someone lead you around town, you can take one of the free neighborhood tours offered by City Guides, (www.sanfranciscoonline.com) an affiliate of the San Francisco Library.
Shopping
38. If you live out of state and make a substantial purchase while in town, it may be wise to have the store ship it to your home. You'll have to pay a shipping charge, but you won't have to pay California sales tax-or lug it along the rest of your trip.
39. San Francisco is saturated with secondhand stores, and the selection is phenomenal. Two good haunts for pre-owned goods are Polk Street and Haight Street, though thrift stores abound everywhere, including ones that offer high-quality merchandise.
Nightlife
40. Avoid clubs with high cover charges. There are plenty of bars and dance clubs with cover charges of just a few dollars, and some with no admission fees at all.
41. Keep your eyes peeled for bars and clubs advertising happy-hour specials, discounted covers, ladies' nights, and other money-saving theme nights.
42. If you want to see a musical or theatrical performance, contact the TIX Bay Area box office (tel. 415/433-7827; www.theatrebayarea.org/tix/tix.shtml) to inquire about discounted or matinee shows. Also, some theaters and companies offer same-day reduced tickets, student discounts, and standing-room rates.