Hotel and length of stay

Question

First, i'm interested if 3 full days in san francisco is long enough? I'd go oct 6-10th. I have asked questions already and i am trying to narrow down the hotel. I was considering hotel fiona in south of market, cow hollow inn and suites or comfort inn by the bay. I haven't heard anyone on this forum mention comfort inn by the bay but it seems people like the location. I'm concerned cow hollow isn't as convenient to transit. I chose hotel fiona as the other hotels mentioned in south market were expensive. I did like reviews seemed to mention they liked chestnut street for dinner by cow hollow and its a good price.If there other considerations let me know. I would like to fee safe to walk around.

Answer

Three full days in San Francisco can be enough to see many of the city's highlights if your itinerary is focused, though it won’t allow for a very relaxed pace. You could comfortably cover key attractions such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, North Beach, the Mission District, and a couple of museums. If you prefer a more leisurely experience or want to explore neighborhoods in depth, an extra day is ideal, but three days is workable.

Regarding hotels:

Hotel Fiona (SoMa): Located in the South of Market area, this hotel offers more affordable rates compared to other SoMa options. SoMa is convenient for public transit (BART, Muni) and walking to downtown attractions, but some parts of SoMa are more industrial or less scenic. Generally, the area is safe, but as in any city, it’s best to stay aware of surroundings at night.
Cow Hollow Inn & Suites: Located near Chestnut Street, a charming area with restaurants and shops. It’s a quieter, more residential feel compared to SoMa. Transit access is somewhat more limited; you’d likely rely on buses, ride-share, or longer walks to reach main tourist areas like Fisherman’s Wharf or Union Square. Safety is generally good, and walking around the neighborhood is pleasant.
Comfort Inn by the Bay: Situated near the Embarcadero and Fisherman’s Wharf area, this hotel has a strong advantage for sightseeing on foot. You can easily walk to many iconic attractions, and it has good public transit options. The location is touristy but generally safe during the day; evenings may be quieter in some sections, so usual city precautions apply.

Other considerations:

If your priority is convenience to public transit and major tourist sites, Comfort Inn by the Bay or Hotel Fiona would be better choices than Cow Hollow.
If you prefer a quieter, neighborhood vibe with easy access to cafes and dinner options, Cow Hollow is appealing, but plan for extra time to get to central attractions.
Chestnut Street in Cow Hollow is great for dining and evening strolls, which makes it a strong contender if you enjoy a more local, relaxed experience.
In general, SoMa has more business traffic and nightlife spots, which can feel lively, whereas Cow Hollow is more residential and comfortable for casual evening walks.

In summary, for a first-time visitor prioritizing sightseeing and transit convenience, Comfort Inn by the Bay or Hotel Fiona are likely the most practical. Cow Hollow is excellent for ambiance and dining but requires slightly more planning for getting around the city efficiently.

Hotel and length of stay

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