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The hotel is located in a great, albeit touristy, location. The waterfront is just across the street, and I was able to escape my meetings and take a stroll along the water. Alcatraz is just across the bay, abd boats to the island leave regularly from a pier just a few blocks away from the hotel. Ghirardelli square is a block away, and there are all sorts of good restaurants within walking distance. North Beach, famous for its Italian restaurants is an easy walk. Two different cable car lines originate at points within easy walking distance as well (and both lines get you to Chinatown and Union Square in no time).

Overall, the Hyatt will provide you with great service and the predictable (and clean) rooms you would expect from the chain hotel. What Hyatt lacks in small-hotel charm it makes up for in service. Not a bad trade-off at all.

You can''t miss the elegant old King George - the hotel''s facade is painted dark green with white trim. Spotless, efficient and nicely situated, you can''t get a better deal.

http://www.kinggeorge.com/index1.html

The Sheraton is located within easy walking distance of two cable car lines, bus lines, Ghirardelli Square, and the ferry to Alcatraz. While the immediate area around the hotel is touristy, a short walk will get you to North Beach, with its outstanding Italian restaurants and funky shops. It is easy to access just about any part of the city from Fisherman''s Wharf - the cable car and bus routes are easy to follow.

In all, our experience at the Sheraton was a good one. What it lacked in trendy chic or small hotel coziness it made up for in convenience and efficiency. Plus, the staff was very nice and helpful. In all, the Sheraton is a safe bet.

In addition to having great food, Pinocchio's staff was efficient, friendly, and eager to please. The restaurant's Tuscan-style decor is open, airy, and pleasant. Be sure to check this place out before everyone finds out about it!!

We waited a long time for our table, but the bar is so nice (and smoking is prohibited in bars and restaurants in SF) that we enjoyed having a drink there while we waited. Be aware that this is a very loud restaurant (they have a jazz trio playing by the bar), so I don't recommend it for a romantic night out. We also waited some time for our meal to arrive, but the food was good once it came.

I wouldn't recommend Rose Pistola for a quiet night out. But it's a fun place, visually interesting and the jazz music was pretty good. Plus, it's located in the funky North Beach section of town, so the loud, eclectic atmosphere kind of goes with the whole feel of the neighborhood. Go here with a large group of friends, when you won't mind the wait.

Old Shanghai is also a good place to buy shams for throw pillows - they seem to have the most unusual and high-quality assortment in Chinatown, as even salespeople in other stores have commented on shams I purchased at Old Shanghai! I bought beautiful 14" double-sided silk shams for $14 each that feature traditional Chinese themes. Ceramics, chopsticks, silk purses and cases, Chinese boxes, jewelry and furniture are also available at Old Shanghai. I can't get enough of this place! I am glad we don't have anything comparable in New York - I'd be broke!

Overland is open every day from 11-7.

Open 5 pm-2 am nightly except Monday.

The oldest Japanese garden in the United States, the Tea Garden features a tea house that overlooks a small pond. A variety of teas (rice and green tea among them) and Japanese cookies can be ordered here for $3 per person (and it is well worth it!). The views of the garden from the tea house are wonderful.

The garden has several architectural features that enhance the beauty of the landscape. The high, graceful arch of the Moon Bridge reflects in the pond below to form a perfect circle. A towering red pagoda and Shinto gate also grace the garden. A large statue of Buddha and several large lanterns are placed among the network of winding paths. The horticulture is spectacular, and the garden is carefully planned so that plants are in bloom year-round.

A visit to the Japanese Tea Garden is a peaceful and most enjoyable experience. There is a small admission fee to enter the garden - $2.50/adults. The garden is open 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.

If you love chocolate, be sure to stop by See's Candies. They have many locations in San Francisco, which is the hometown of this incredible candymaker. My favorite location in the Market Street store - the staff is great and they give out wonderful samples! They have make nut clusters that are to die for, and their milk chocolate bars with almonds are sublime. My absolute favorites are the Milk Chocolate P-Nut Crunch and See's incredible Victoria Toffee. Just about anything chocolate-covered you could dream up, they have. It's heaven! While See's black and white checkered storefronts are common on the West Coast, us Easterner's aren't so lucky -- but at least they deliver!

No trip to San Francisco is complete without a visit to See's - it's the perfect gift for the people at home, too. They'll love you for it!

The "entrance" to SF's Chinatown is located at the intersection of Grant Avenue and Bush street, and is marked with a magnificent Dragon Gate. Grant Avenue, which is the "main drag," has street lamps in the style of elegant Chinese lanterns. Grant is loaded with small shops that are crammed with Chinese merchandise -- lace tablecloths, enamel chopsticks, and embroidered silk garments most notably. I bought a beautiful reversible silk jacket and also had a nice afternoon chatting with the ladies who ran the shop. It was a great experience.

The restaurants are also incredible - you really can't go wrong anywhere you stop. There are small noodle shops and large, grand restaurants. Try Gold Mountain for dim sum - yummy!

Unlike in New York, San Francisco's Chinatown holds truer to it's heritage. Even the architecture is reminscent of China. It's definitely worth spending a good part of a day poking around the streets and checking out the shops and restaurants - it's like walking into another world!

Check out the SF Chinatown Website: http://www.sfchinatown.com/Welcome.html