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Though the hotel doesn't offer much in the way of special areas for children, it is an environment where kids generally feel at ease. There's nothing fussy about the place, and the clientele in the high-season months are largely families visiting local attractions.
There are no shops in the hotel, though you'll find whatever you need -- from foods and drinks to over-the-counter medications -- within just a couple minutes' walk around the neighborhood. The helpful front desk at the hotel can help point you in the right direction.
No special kids' programs are offered at the hotel and onsite childcare is not available, though the front desk can refer you to local resources.
Swimming Pool
Although you won't find a pool (or any common recreational space) at the Holiday Inn Express, the neighboring Holiday Inn has a pool that HI Express guests may use free of charge. A heated, outdoor, rectangular pool spanning in depth from 3 feet to 8 feet, it's nothing fancy, but will certainly do the trick for kids wanting to get wet. Several deck chairs surround the pool, and the gated area is open from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sorry, no Jacuzzi.
Area Attractions
You stay at this hotel to play outside of it. Step out to be greeted by the sea-salty air, and dive into the area's many attractions, which begin just a short walk from the property. Near the water, you'll see vendor after vendor serving up Dungeness crab and other seafood, as well as sourdough bread bowls filled with New England clam chowder. The other edible for which these parts are famous is none other than chocolate, thanks to the presence of Ghirardelli (pronounced "Gear-ar-delly"). Kids will clamor for sundaes, hot chocolate and more at the Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop at Ghirardelli Square.
Pier 39 is a historical landmark that doubles as a vast entertainment zone. One of its less-manufactured, and more sought-after draws, are the "Sea Lebrities" -- California sea lions that voluntarily laze and frolic at pier's end, as their cohorts have done for over 20 years. Inside Pier 39's retail complex are restaurants, shops and an impressive two-level carousel (hand-crafted in Italy). My 4 year old loved this, as well as the hour or so we spent in the next-door Aquarium of the Bay, where she saw all kinds of sea creatures and explored the touch tank.
A whole host of bay cruises can be booked from this area. Tours of Alcatraz Island, the infamous former site of a federal prison, depart from Pier 33. Other area attractions include the Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf, Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum and the enchanting Musee Mecanique.
Don't miss out on the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, where kids (and you) can explore a submarine museum, an 1886 square-rigged ship and more. Plus, it's a pleasant, low-key area that might just prove a nice breather after hours at more high-energy sites.
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