$150–250

The Francisco Bay Inn (1501 Lombard St., 800/410-7007, www.franciscobayinn.com [1], $172–210) offers good motel lodgings at reasonable-for–San Francisco [2] rates. The stellar location provides easy access to the Golden Gate Bridge [3], famously crooked Lombard Street [4], and Fisherman’s Wharf [5]. Best of all, the Francisco Bay offers free parking—a City rarity worth upwards of $50 per day.

Pack the car and bring the kids to the Hotel del Sol (3100 Webster St., 415/921-5520, www.thehoteldelsol.com [6], $230–275). This unique hotel-motel embraces its origins as a 1950s motor lodge, decorating the guest rooms in bright bold colors with whimsical accents, maintaining the heated courtyard pool, and offering the ever-popular free parking with rooms. Family suites and larger rooms have kitchenettes. The Marina [7] locale offers trendy cafés, restaurants, bars, and shopping within walking distance, as well as access to major tourist attractions.

A cute small inn only a short walk from the Presidio [8], the Laurel Inn (444 Presidio Ave., 800/552-8735, www.jdvhotels.com/laurel_inn [9], $230–265) provides the perfect place for people with pets, or for travelers who want to stay a bit longer in the City. Many of the rooms have kitchenettes, and all are comfortable and modern. The G Bar lounge next door offers a nice place to stop and have a cocktail, and the exclusive boutiques of Pacific Heights [7] beckon visitors looking for a way to part with their cash.

The exterior and interior amenities of the Hotel Majestic (1500 Sutter St., 415/441-1100, www.thehotelmajestic.com [10], $185–295) evoke the grandeur of early 20th-century San Francisco [2]. The Edwardian-styled 1902 building now boasts antique furnishings and decorative items from England and France. Cozy guest rooms, junior suites, and one-bedroom suites are available. If you’re in the City on business or just want to go shopping, take advantage of free car service to Union Square [11] and the Financial District [12] on weekday mornings. The Café Majestic serves breakfast and dinner, with a focus on local, healthful ingredients.

Another Pacific Heights [7] jewel, the Jackson Court (2198 Jackson St., 415/929-7670, www.jacksoncourt.com [13], $210) presents a lovely brick facade out into the exclusive neighborhood. The 10-room inn offers comfortable, uniquely decorated queen-bed rooms and a luscious continental breakfast each morning.