Verily, I Have Dropped the Ball

Question

Usually I love trip planning, but Fate has had other ideas for me of late and I find myself needing help for a trip to SF May 2-May 5.

We are currently booked at the Queen Anne, with plans to see the de Young Museum one day and cycle over the Golden Gate Bridge the other. (with a light lunch at Saulsilito) Then we meet family and depart SF for part 2 of the trip.

The Queen Anne looks lovely, but now I'm second-guessing myself---is it convenient to the things I want to do? (We do like the look of the place, and love having breakfast included.)

I have the bike company picked out. (It's on Lombard Street) I have two restaurants I am considering for the last night ---The Tailor's Son or Pazzio Ristorante.

We both went to school in the area so have done all the touristy things in SF (except the bridge by bike) But it was many years ago.

So, should I keep my hotel? If not, what would you recommend?

Answer

The Queen Anne Hotel is a charming choice with a lot of character and the added bonus of breakfast included. It’s located in Pacific Heights, which is a beautiful neighborhood with historic homes and quieter streets. For sightseeing and activities, it’s moderately convenient, but not right in the thick of the main tourist areas.

For your specific plans, here’s a breakdown:

De Young Museum: Located in Golden Gate Park, it’s roughly a 15-20 minute drive or a 30-40 minute bus ride from Queen Anne. A bit farther if you plan to walk, but manageable with Uber or rideshare.
Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge: The bike company on Lombard Street is a 10-15 minute drive or a 20-25 minute walk from the hotel. Not a major issue, so your current location works well.
Dining options: Both The Tailor’s Son and Pazzio Ristorante are easily accessible by rideshare. Parking in the city can be tight, so being slightly away from the downtown core can be a benefit.

Advantages of staying at Queen Anne:

Charming, historic property with included breakfast.
Quiet neighborhood away from tourist crowds.
Reasonable access to your activities by short drives or rideshare.

Potential disadvantages:

Not within walking distance of main downtown attractions, Fisherman’s Wharf, or Union Square.
If you were hoping to stroll to restaurants or attractions in the evenings, you’ll need rideshare or a longer walk.

If convenience is your top priority, you might consider staying closer to the Marina District, Cow Hollow, or near Fisherman’s Wharf. These areas are closer to the bike rental, dining, and scenic strolls, but they are busier and less quiet.

Overall, keeping the Queen Anne is perfectly reasonable given your itinerary. It’s comfortable, beautiful, and not inconvenient for your specific activities. If the allure of being closer to the bustle and restaurants outweighs the charm of Queen Anne, then a hotel in Cow Hollow or Marina could be a good alternative.

Recommendation summary:

Keep Queen Anne if you value charm, breakfast, and a quiet neighborhood.
Consider a hotel in Marina District or Cow Hollow if you want easier access to dining, shops, and more central locations.
All planned activities are easily reachable via rideshare from Queen Anne, so there’s no logistical issue with your current booking.

Verily, I Have Dropped the Ball

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