Getting a Good Rate on a San Francisco Hotel

If you have just half an hour to devote to finding your San Francisco hotel, you can find a good rate on a nice place.

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. However, they also noted that prices for small hotel chains and independent hotels are often found through booking services. Our process lets you compare the two prices.

Consumer Reports also reported that they often got an even better hotel price by calling the reservations desk on the telephone. If you have time, you may want to try this option, too.

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:
   • Union Square under $200, Union Square over $200
   • Waterfront, Financial District, North Beach
   • Van Ness, Lombard Street, Marina
   • Nob Hill, Pacific Heights
   • South of Market (SOMA)
   • Other Neighborhoods
   • San Francisco Airport

4. Choose two to three 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's Quick Check, which checks the rates at several booking services with one click.

7. If you have time, call your top two 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 e-mail 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.