Holiday Inn Express Fisherman's Wharf Planning & Tips

All about the Extras
If you're seeking recommendations regarding babysitting services, other area offerings and amenities, or in booking tours, inquire at the front desk. If they can't assist, then you, as an HI Express guest, are also welcome to utilize the services of the concierge at the nearby Holiday Inn Fisherman's Wharf.

Off of the lobby is a small business center, where you can find print brochures and digital information about area attractions. There's also a machine here that prints airline boarding passes, and two computers and printers are available for use (for adults only); copy and fax services are available through the front desk.

A small fitness room, with a few treadmills, is located off of the lobby and is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Guests of the HI Express may use the swimming pool at the neighboring Holiday Inn.

Free daytime luggage storage is available through the front desk. Dry-cleaning services are available. And, if you want to tackle laundry, you can use the coin-operated washers and dryers at the nearby Holiday Inn Fisherman's Wharf (at the garage level; open 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.).

The Art of Smart Timing
The property is open and bustling year-round. San Francisco also draws tourists throughout the year, though the high season is typically from around April through October or November. During this period, the hotel is usually at 90 percent capacity, according to the management. The summer months bring the most tourists into town. The slowest period is from December through February (though the weeks surrounding the Christmas and New Year's holidays can be busy). Expect the best deals at this hotel in January and February.

Weather-wise, San Francisco, a.k.a. Fog City, is an anomaly, and what the skies will deliver in these parts is often unpredictable. Bring layers of clothing and, even if you don't think you'll need them, pack jackets for all -- even in the summer, which always has its share of foggy, chilly days. The most "summery" weather in San Francisco often occurs in September and October.

Getting There
Fisherman's Wharf sits along the waterfront in the northeast part of San Francisco. The Holiday Inn Express is on North Point Street, just a few-minutes' drive from the Golden Gate Bridge.

Those flying in will likely use San Francisco International Airport or Oakland International Airport. South of the city, SFO is about 15 miles from the hotel; OAK, about 20 miles by road from the hotel, is on the other side of the Bay Bridge. Public transportation options from the airports include BART, though from OAK, you'll need to take a short shuttle to reach the nearby BART station.

Once in the city, you could take a bus, street car or cable car to reach the Wharf. A number of MUNI options exist. Perhaps your easiest option, though, is to disembark BART at Embarcadero Station and take a quick cab to the hotel.

The hotel does not provide complimentary shuttle services but recommends Lorrie's Airport Shuttle for service to/from SFO (you'll get a slight discount on the return trip to the airport if you go through the hotel to book).

If you're unsure about bringing a car, consider costs of parking. Both at this property and around San Francisco parking can be pricey, and the only option to parking at the HI Express is valet-parking. We were able to shave a little off of the price of parking by parking at a private garage a couple of blocks away. Elsewhere in San Francisco, parking is rarely easy and is often expensive. Public transportation, on the other hand, is ubiquitous, cheap, and fun, especially for kids unaccustomed to it.

For Mom and Dad
For moms and dad who can sneak away for a date night, the City by the Bay offers countless opportunities for unique and romantic outings. Close to the hotel, the Buena Vista Cafe, near Aquatic Park, is worth a visit for its famous Irish coffees, reputed the best in the city for many decades. And, for those who book well ahead, Restaurant Gary Danko is a fine dining experience unlikely to disappoint.

A short walk, bus ride or cab away, the Italian district of North Beach offers restaurants aplenty to suit most budgets and a lively bar and cafe scene. Right alongside this neighborhood, Chinatown is a distinctly different feel, and is also packed with eateries.

But anywhere in this seven-by-seven square mile city is fair game for a night out, thanks to the easily navigable transit system. Use local resources like SF Weekly and Guardian to help you get a handle on the goings-on about town.