Getting the Best Hotel Rates in San Francisco

If you have the time (30 minutes to an hour), you can get excellent rates on San Francisco hotels. At the very best, you can get a four-star hotel for the price of a one-star. Even if you don't do quite that well, you'll know you got the best rates possible.

In August, 2004, Consumer Reports magazine reported that they more frequently got the best prices for big hotel chains by going directly to the hotel website rather than through a consolidator such as Expedia, Orbitz or Hotels.com. However, they also noted that prices for small hotel chains and independent hotels are often found through the consolidator. Our process lets you compare the two prices. You will also check directly with the hotels by phone, which can get you the best rate of all almost half the time.

Hotels in a Known Area

You can get an excellent hotel price by using Hotwire or Priceline if you are comfortable with their limitations:

• You'll know the area you will be staying in
• You won't know know the name of your hotel until after you've paid for it
• Reservations are not refundable
• You are guaranteed a double room, but cannot make any special requests
• You cannot earn frequent stay points for hotels reserved through these services.

Using these services, you can often get a four-star hotel for the price of a one-star. Are you game? Go to our instructions. Too much uncertainty? follow the steps below.

Known Hotel

Using this approach, you'll know the hotel name in advance, and in many cases, you can make a reservation with no prepayment and no cancellation fees (as long as you follow the rules).

1. Set a budget for you hotel rate per night. Remember that hotel tax is 14%.

2. Choose the area(s) you want to stay in.

3. Go to our hotel profiles for your area and budget:
   • Fisherman's Wharf
   • Union Square
   • Waterfront, Financial District
   • Nob Hill
   • South of Market (SOMA)
   • Other Neighborhoods
   • San Francisco Airport

4. Choose three or four hotels that meet your needs. Note the cost/value of their extra fees and freebies.

5. Go to the hotel websites by clicking on the reservations link from our profile page.
   • Check for their lowest rates.
   • Check for special rates for any organizations you belong to such as AAA and AARP
   • If you are eligible, check for government, military or corporate rates.
   • If you are a member of the hotel chain's rewards program, enter your membership number to check for special rates and extras.

6. Go to one or two booking websites such as Expedia, Orbitz or hotels.com and check their best rates. Or try Tripadvisor, which checks the rates at several booking services with one click.

7. Consumer Reports also reported that they often got an even better hotel price by calling the reservations desk on the telephone. Call your top two or three choices, using our tips for how to get a better hotel rate on the phone.

8. Choose the hotel with the best overall price. Don't forget to factor in extras such as parking fees and resort fees, and things that might save you money such as free breakfasts or free Internet access.

9. Make your reservation. Print the confirmation page and confirmation email and set them aside to take along with you in case of any questions. If you reserve by phone, write down your confirmation number and the name of the reservationist. Grab your calendar and make a note of the last day you can cancel your reservation without a penalty, just in case things change and you forget.

Want to save a little more money? Call the hotel again on the day you'll arrive and see if they've lowered their rates. It happens more often than you might think, and they'll often be willing to give you the lower rate if you ask.