lodging in SF at the end of a 3 week tour?

4 of us well be ending our 3 week tour (from Astoria, OR) and are looking for a place to crash for a few days prior to getting on a plane back home...

we are looking for a place that will:

**Accommodate 4 tired cyclists

**close to bart so we can train-it to the airport

**ship our boxes for holding from OR so we can ship our bikes home

**in a fun area for touristy things for hubby who has never been to SF

thanks in advance...

Denise G...do you have any advice? this is our first tour...hope we are going about it the right way!

Wow, that sounds wonderful!

So you won't have your bikes when you go to the airport? In that case it might even be worth it to take a cab if there are four of you. Also, some hotels have airport shuttles. Just to broaden your options.

Also, are you on a tight budget? Staying in the touristy area of SF can get a bit pricey. That might depend a bit on the time of year.

And when do you plan to be in SF? Perhaps you can prevail upon one of your local TE buddies (hello) to store your boxes whilst you galvant down the coast. It might cost you a beer though.

check the warmshowers list to find host housing. my one-bedroom condo is too small or I'd invite you to stay.

the hostels in SF are great! I like the one at Ft. Mason. maybe that's an option?

Lorri

Velo - you are the second to mention Ft Mason...will have to check into that one!

Jo - ooo...oooo....oooooo!!!! you have a storage unit??? :p We are having a meeting with the other couple so I will mention it! We have spent way too little time planning that aspect of the trip...in fact little time at all (except setting up the bikes! I have been commuting as a tour'r just to see what it is like!)

Not sure of budget...do not think it is that tight! but you never know...

Thanks

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Originally Posted by bouncybouncy

Jo - ooo...oooo....oooooo!!!! you have a storage unit??? :p

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Yep, it's called a garage. :)

I second (or third?) the hostel at Fort Mason. If you want to ride your bikes into SF you could bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, or take the ferry from nearby Larkspur into SF. I think there are busses that go near Ft Mason as well.

hint:
when I went to visit cousins in Italy by myself my cousins all opened their doors and welcomed me into their homes.
When I came back with husband and two sons in tow, they told me where the hotels were. There are 4 of you. Most generous and friendly people blanch at the idea of 4 strangers in their homes.

But not their bike boxes. :D

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Originally Posted by jobob

I second (or third?) the hostel at Fort Mason. If you want to ride your bikes into SF you could bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, or take the ferry from nearby Larkspur into SF. I think there are busses that go near Ft Mason as well.

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D'oh, I was thinking of the Marin Headlands hostel when I wrote that.

Here's the description of the Ft Mason hostel, near Fisherman's Wharf, which would probably be an ideal location for you.

I frequent the city- and because of traffic and other hassles, usually stay in Berkley or Oakland, and take the Bart into the city. Saves a big hassle and a ton o' cash.

Either way, enjoy the city. It is so beautiful.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bouncybouncy

**close to bart so we can train-it to the airport

**ship our boxes for holding from OR so we can ship our bikes home

**in a fun area for touristy things for hubby who has never been to SF

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Close to BART consider:
Downtown Berkeley
Rockidge Area of Oakland
Peidmont Ave also Oakland

Nice areas, lots of food and shopping options, close to BART and each even has some good bike shops nearby.

We came up with some bike shop recommendations here.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=24262

mimi - I went back and read my original post...sorry my message did not get across clear (typing words sometimes mushes it all up!!!)

I am not looking for people to open their homes...I totally agree, 4 strangers is a bit much! I was hoping for some names of some B&B's or hotels that anyone would like to put the word out...as opposed to randomly picking one from the internet.

Thanks for all the tips and links so far...I know there are a ton of you out there! Our time is limited and I used to live in N Cali so I am hoping to get some visit time in aside from having to get bikes packed and hubby tourized hehe!

How about the Claremont?

www.claremontresort.com

Close to BART, near Rockridge shopping areas, across the street from Left Coast Cycles and .... PEETS, on a major popular climbing route.

Well, I have booked space at the downtown hostel (the Wharf was full :( )

It is close to BART, Cable Car (hubby is very excited about this!), a post office (for lots of shipping purposes) and basically it is downtown...maybe not ideal for most but I think it will be neat for 2 of them who have never been to SF!

Our tour plans are to not really have plans! except get to the end in time to catch our plane...hehe!!! We are not against having to rent a car at the end if we run out of time...as long as we make it to the Redwoods!!! We are all avid cyclist so a 50-60 mile a day average is not too far out of reach...although we will be toting heavy bikes and are looking forward to not having a schedule our average may be lower, resulting in the rental car!

haha...one in our group would be making all these plans the day before! He is also the most knowledgable in trekking of sorts! He did the Appalachian Trail from end to end (his now wife was with him for 2 weeks of the journey)

I am the middle of spontaneous camp/travel...and this is all new for hubby!

Thanks for all your help and any ideas for "MUST-DO-THINGS-IN-SF" please post!!!!

I am kinda hoping to get to the Golden Gate Rec area and stay there a night before we cross the bridge!!! Marin area I guess...I used to go to a beach over there and eat oysters in a fun little dive...hmmm wish I had the memory to recall names of these places!

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Originally Posted by bouncybouncy

Marin area I guess...I used to go to a beach over there and eat oysters in a fun little dive...hmmm wish I had the memory to recall names of these places!

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Tony's in Marshall perhaps?

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Originally Posted by maillotpois

Tony's in Marshall perhaps?

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I'll have to try that :D My fave place for oysters is Drakes Beach in Pt. Reyes seashore, the little park snack bar there has great oysters both smoked or fried. When the weather is good they sometimes BBQ outside and you have that beach to walk on.

On the way back out or back you could stop at Johnsons for fresh local oysters :) I also like to take the detour to the lighthouse and climb the stairs down to it. Not so keen on the climb back up.