Thanks to the Idiot In Chief.....

Question

....we just had a wonderful staycation in San Francisco at bargain prices!

Normally we head out to Marina/Cow Hollow neighborhood and stay in one of the many refurbished motor lodges (that have free parking), but this time we found that Union Square hotel prices have dropped on weekends.

The Orchard Garden Hotel was available for $160 per night on Saturday and Sunday. Normally this hotel is out of our price range but thanks to the boycott of Canadian and EU tourists, we were able to get a good rate

Only 1 block away is the Sutter Stockton garage ($22 for the night if you enter at 6 PM and leave by 9 AM).

We could have stayed at a plethora of Union Square hotels for as low as $112, but we chose the Orchard Garden for it's being #9 on Trip Advisor.

Answer

It sounds like you had a fantastic staycation in San Francisco, taking advantage of unusually low hotel rates in Union Square. Normally, the Marina/Cow Hollow area is your preferred spot, especially for the motor lodges that come with free parking. However, with the drop in tourist demand, Union Square became a great alternative, offering centrally located accommodations at surprisingly low prices.

The Orchard Garden Hotel, which you chose, seems to be an excellent pick. At $160 per night for a weekend stay, it offered good value for a highly rated property (#9 on TripAdvisor). Being in Union Square, it puts you right in the heart of downtown San Francisco, with easy access to shopping, dining, and public transit.

Parking logistics are also important in San Francisco, and the nearby Sutter Stockton Garage is convenient and reasonably priced at $22 overnight if entering after 6 PM and leaving by 9 AM. This is a much more manageable option than typical downtown rates.

Other takeaways from your experience:

Weekend rates in Union Square can be significantly lower when tourist traffic is down.
Choosing a hotel based on TripAdvisor ranking ensures a quality stay, even at bargain rates.
Nearby garages can provide practical overnight parking without breaking the bank.

Overall, your strategy of exploring Union Square during off-peak times is a smart way to enjoy central San Francisco without paying premium prices, and it highlights how flexible planning can lead to great deals and enjoyable stays.

Thanks to the Idiot In Chief.....

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