[squiggs96]

I've been to SF about 15 times now and I usually stay at the Westin on Third St. I've also enjoyed The Grand Hyatt, Parc 55 and Hotel Nikko. Others that were okay were the Orchard Hotel on Sutter and the Hilton on O'Farrell. I stayed at the Pickwick on 4th. It's pretty much a dive but it was a last second booking during the NLCS and most places were already full.

My best advice is everywhere is walkable. It's cool to take the cable cars once, but in all four trips this year I've walked to the ball games, Fisherman's Wharf and in between without any issue. I used to MUNI most places but not anymore. I still take the BART downtown from SFO though.

There is a thread titled Dining recommendations in San Francisco on CP that gives lots of places to eat.

I've never done Alcatraz, mostly because it sounds dull. I've done the boat ride that goes near it, under the bridge and around in an hour which was neat, but walking through a jail isn't my thing.