Mood:
celebratoryTopic: USA/World_Trips
Leave everything behind and get away for a week-end in San Francisco. That's what my wife and I did a few months ago. We were fortunate enough to have our in-laws volunteering to stay with our kids. I will admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the proximity of the hotel to the activities on the wharf. It's truly located at walking distance. My wife and I managed to negotiate a good price for two nights at the hotel. Paying a little bit above $230.00 was not bad at all. That's if we could really spend the second night there.
Early that Friday morning, we leisurely got on the road to San Francisco. At least, once for all, we did not have the little ones in the back of the car. It was the two of us. We had time to do the small talk and appreciate the drive. After stopping in Modesto to visit with a family member, we stopped to fill up the car. Prices were barely coming down. We did not have to worry about our Honda. Since it was a Friday morning, traffic on the reputedly congested freeway was not bad. We got to the Bay Bridge at about 12 pm. By 12:30 PM, we were already in the lobby of the hotel surrounded by a diverse and international group of tourists. As soon as we got to the front of the hotel, the valet came up and got the keys to our car. We unloaded the trunks and watched our car disappear. We did not need it at all. From walking to taking the tramway and other transportation systems in San Francisco, we did not have to drive in town. We talked to various couples who brought their children. They said that's one of the things they like the most about the place.
What about the reception at Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf?
To tell you the truth, I had nothing to reproach them. They were professional and blameless. That's before we entered our room though. We had explicitly requested a King size bed. We found two small beds in the room. Everything was so compact in there. But don't feel discouraged about your reservations. The hotel offers so many amenities. The designers and hotel managers have long figured out that tourists only use the room to sleep. That's why they provide the swimming pool, huge and long lobby area and the bar grill restaurant. After all, they know that people come to San Francisco to explore the city, not to hold up, bunch up in a room. Who would want to forego the beauty of the great San Francisco outdoors for a big room especially if the kids are not around?
What else to say about the Sheraton Fishermans Wharf?
FoodIn the comfort of your room, you can order room service. We decided against it because we did not want the room to smell food. So we decided to have buffet breakfast. The food articles were plentiful. The chefs and foodservice people were very helpful too. They were more than willing to answer our questions. They promptly refilled the missing items to the delight all all the tourists. The restaurant atmosphere is very gay. It's probably due to the effects of the right lighting.
Lobby area: The lobby area is like the Grand Central station. We were somewhat surprised that there were so many people who want to stay at this hotel. But there again, we are talking about San Francisco's prime real estate, a hotel close to the Fisherman's Wharf. The furniture and magazines are kept very neat. Right around the corner from the Car rental company are two desks for employees providing information on various shows and conferences that are scheduled in town. If you feel like reading something else or buying some souvenir for your family and friends, you can do so at the hotel boutique. Just be warned that you will have to pay exhorbitant price for the items. It would be better to purchase it in one of these sidewalk businesses.
Weatherwise: You also have to take this in consideration. If you are planning on getting out of the hotel, then you may want to have a wind breaker to say the least. When we were there, even though back home the temperature was nearing 100 degrees, we had to purchase two sweaters. It was cold. It's a combination of the sea breeze and the temperate climate of San Francisco that will get you as you go about your business there.
The Swimming Pool: After getting back from the streets, you can always go to the pool to cool off. Its location contributes to your privacy. But then again, you are at the pool. Unlike many other hotels we stayed at, the placement of the pool is a little bit out of the way. The prying eyes of the public won't bother you.
Final thoughts The phone calls started coming. The kids did not want to go to bed. Everybody was tired back home. We realized it was a better idea to just pack up and return home. We drove most of the night to reach home by 2 am. One of the kids was still awake. We just hope you can spend the whole time at the hotel.
Don't forget to tip the valet. Just go to the lobby and inform them that you are about to leave. In a matter of minutes, your car will be parked in the front.
Enjoy your getaway to San Francisco.
California: a Breath of Fresh Air is the new book by this author. Find it at http://shopnowshop.tripod.com
