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Thoughts on hotel prices in San Fran
H and I are planning an anniversary trip to SF at the end of July. We talked to the travel agent that planned our HM and for 7 nights at the Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf plus round-trip flights from O'Hare, it was $1525/person.
When I went online to Travelocity, I was able to find that same package for around $1300/person. I also found deals on what seem like even nicer hotels (like the Omni) for even less.
She did a great job booking our HM and was able to get us free airport transfers and breakfast at our hotel. For those familiar with SF, do you think the price she quoted us is fair for that hotel? Any experience with that hotel?
What about some in Union Square like the Omni? Which area is more desirable? We had hoped to keep it around $1300-1400 per person, but she made it sound like this deal was really good and low for SF in the summer. I'm just wondering if we should book independently through a website instead, or if that's more of a hassle (have never used a website before to book a trip).
Re: Thoughts on hotel prices in San Fran
First I would make sure that the price you're looking at includes what your TA is giving you -- same room category, same taxes and fees, etc. Second, if you're not insanely picky about the hotel look into Priceline. When we went to SF a couple years ago in July we got the Marriott Marquis in Union Square for $99. Also look at the hotel web sites and see what they charge for booking direct.
Also, and this is completely just my opinion, there's no reason to use a TA for this trip. If you've never booked a trip yourself before this one (a direct flight and one hotel in a major US city) would be as easy way to try it out.
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.
Mark Twain
My Travel Blog
As an FYI, summer is not a popular time of year in San Francisco. Ever hear the alleged Mark Twain saying, "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco?" Summer = rainy season, and while Twain's statement was an exaggeration, it does get wet and foggy often in the summer months. That said you might get beautiful, sunny weather--you just never know and dressing in layers will be key.
I agree w/pp that you don't need a TA to book this trip. If you found a better deal on your own, then cancel with her if you can and book it on your own. 99% of the time I book my own trips, even a five-week jaunt through multiple countries in Asia. You can do it! And Union Square is the ideal neighborhood to stay in and you can look up extensive hotel reviews on TripAdvisor.
Yup! I had heard July in SF can be chilly and foggy. It may actually feel nice since it tends to get extremely humid and in the 90s that time of year in the Midwest
So (dumb question): If we do book through, say, Travelocity, I'm assuming you pay the full amount up front and there's no cancellations? When you book, do they send you all the airfare and hotel paperwork electronically?
I don't know about cancellation policies; read the terms on their site or call them. I would assume the plane tickets definitely can't be cancelled without major penalties. Hotels, when you book them independently (aka not part of a package), can generally be cancelled up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival date, but that varies by establishment.
I wouldn't book through Travelocity. I'd just book directly with the hotel and airline. SF is really, really easy, no need to use a TA or a website where you are totally locked in.
I've stayed in nice hotels in SF for $99-$150/night - I agree with the PPs that you don't need a travel agent.
I don't know whether I'd recommend the Omni though. We stayed there and it is definitely in need of some renovation love. If you don't have status with their Select Guest program, I'd probably look elsewhere.
Thanks for the tip! It got high ratings (ranked #3) on Trip Advisor, but I like hearing from other people their experiences with it. Have you ever stayed at Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf? Is that a good area to stay in?
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.
Mark Twain
My Travel Blog