Hotel del Sol in San Francisco, California
My brother got married this past June and as big sister/bridesmaid/travel writer, I was tapped to help find suitable accommodations for the incoming legions of friends and family. The stipulations — affordable, family-friendly and close to the Presidio where the wedding took place.
I set my sites on the lively Marina district of San Francisco adjacent to the Presidio, a former military post which is now one of the most stunning public areas in the city. The Marina is close to the bay as well as restaurants, cafes, the Exploratorium (a hands-on science museum), a great playground and two huge waterfront parks — the Marina Green and Crissy Field. There are several motels/motor lodges on Lombard St. which rambles over Russian Hill (the crooked part) and cuts through the Marina into the Presidio. Among the strip of run-of-the-mill motels, a bright, sunny yellow beacon beckoned — the aptly named, Hotel del Sol.
This vibrant, colorful, former ’50s-style motor lodge, has been renovated into a cheerful boutique hotel with a heated outdoor pool and a Southern California vibe. The interior courtyard is lined with hammocks suspended between palm trees. Amenities for kids include sun visors, sunglasses, beach balls, a free video library and cookie hour from 3-5 p.m. A nice feature for families is that suites are split and have a separate sitting area next to the small bedroom. The “family suite” has bunk beds, kid-sized furnishings, toys and games. Continental breakfast is served poolside and parking is free. We booked it.
One big caveat is that the common outside area is next to the parking lot, so for young children and kids prone to bolting, parents need to be extra vigilant. Suites come with refrigerators and microwaves, but guests need to request them for standard rooms.
The wedding went off without a hitch and most guests were pleased with their lodgings, though one couple complained that the walls were too thin and that the hotel was just an overpriced motor lodge with a paint job — but hey, that’s family, there’s always one, n’est-ce pas?
Photos by Dan Dion
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7 Responses
I love the Marina District, too, and have a brother and sister-in-law who live there on Fillmore St. We have been in search of a reasonably priced family hotel in the area and will definitely check this one out next time we make a trip to San Fran. Cookie hour would be a big hit, I”m sure, with the kids and being close to the Exploratorium is another major plus. Thanks!
What a great hotel with fun kid amenities! I think it looks like a lot of fun. I love that you shared the one complaint…there’s always one, I agree. It’s scary when there’s more than one…and the WHOLE family’s like that. hehe
I had out of town relatives wanting to stay in the City at an affordable, yet hip and well located hotel. Hotel del Sol in San Francisco is where they landed and they’ve been returning ever since. This is a great hotel. Thanks for sharing!
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