What to do with rental car

Question

We are driving a rental car going into San Francisco May 17th. We will be staying only one night there. I’m trying to decide if it is best to turn in the rental that afternoon when we get there and have the hotel to hold our luggage till we fly out at midnight on the 18th. Or keep the car for the day. We will be doing things around town that evening and all of the 18th.

And any suggestions on where to stay? Budget would be about $250 for the 1 night.

TIA

Answer

For a short stay of one night in San Francisco, it often makes sense to turn in your rental car soon after arrival, especially if you will be staying in a central location. Driving in SF can be challenging due to traffic, steep streets, and limited/expensive parking, so relinquishing the car allows you to enjoy the city without stress.

If you turn in the car that afternoon, most hotels in central areas will hold your luggage until check-in or after check-out. This allows you to explore the city on foot, by cable car, or with rideshare services, which is generally more convenient than dealing with parking.

However, keeping the car may be useful if you plan to visit areas outside downtown, such as Golden Gate Park, Marin Headlands, or other locations not easily accessed by public transit. If your itinerary is mostly around downtown, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, and Union Square, the car is likely unnecessary.

Hotel Suggestions (Budget ~$250, Central SF):

Stanford Court Hotel: Near Nob Hill, walkable to Union Square and Chinatown, good for sightseeing and evening walks.
Hotel Zephyr: Located near Fisherman’s Wharf, fun vibe, easy access to waterfront and Pier 39.
Handlery Union Square Hotel: Classic hotel in Union Square, convenient for restaurants, shops, and transit.
Holiday Inn Express Fisherman’s Wharf: Reliable, comfortable, near waterfront attractions.

Tips:

Check if your hotel offers luggage holding before check-in or after check-out.
If you decide to keep the car for part of the day, plan for parking fees—many downtown garages charge $50–$70+ per night, and street parking is limited.
Use public transit (MUNI buses, cable cars) and rideshare for getting around efficiently without worrying about parking.

Overall, for a one-night stay focused on downtown attractions, turning in the car shortly after arrival is usually the easiest and most stress-free option.

What to do with rental car

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