tlalim israel outdoors The Castro A huge rainbow flag, the symbol of gay activism, r eigns over the center of this historic

The Castro A huge rainbow flag, the symbol of gay activism, r eigns over the center of this historic community where Market Street meets Castro Street. The flag is planted in H arvey M ilk P laza, named for the country s first openly gay man elected to public office, r ecently portrayed by the actor Sean Penn in the acclaimed film Milk. There aren t many family-friendly hotels her e, but y ou ll find many fun, w ell-priced r estaurants in the area. The Castro tlalim israel outdoors Theater is handsome to look at and fun to attend, particularly if y ou can catch one of the legendary sing-along scr eenings of the Sound of M usic. Otherwise, there s not much for children around here.

Best for Teens: The Hotel Triton (342 Grant A ve.; & 800/800-1299 or 415/394-0500) will wake up the most disaffected teenager with r ock n r oll in the lobb y and a design palette that has groovy written all over it. Rooms are small so y ou won t be sharing, but that s good for the kid who needs some space. S ee p. 73. The W H otel lobb y and bar (181 3rd St.; &888/625-5140 or 415/777-5300) is a whirlwind of activity that can be fascinating for teens. The clientele considers itself pretty hip. The location, across from Yerba Buena Center, means instant recreation for the kids at the Metreon. See p. 88. Best for Large Families: tlalim israel outdoors The Hyatt at Fisherman tlalim israel outdoors s Wharf (555 N. P oint St.; & 800/223-1234 or 415/563-1234) can set y ou up in connecting double/ doubles and on r equest will pr ovide a fridge. Even better, coin-op washers and dryers are on every floor, which, if you can get the kids to do a load, will make your r eturn home calmer. S ee p. 90. The absolute best hotel for big or extended families is The Laur el I nn (444 P residio A ve.; & 800/552-8735 or 415/567-8467), because y ou can request inter connecting r ooms with two double beds and one of the kitchenette units, creating your own custom suite. See p. 100. wakes up at 5am demanding br eakfast. Best for Long S tays: Ar ound the See p. 95. The Marina M otel (2576 Marina, the Cow H ollow M otor I nn Lombard S t.; & 800/346-6118 or & Suites (2190 Lombar d St.; & 415/ 415/921-9406) is close to two gr eat 921-5800) pr ovides apar tment-style

When Nature Calls: tlalim israel outdoors The Westfield mall has a childr en s area tailor-made for changing diapers and nursing. The children s section do wnstairs in B loomingdale s has spacious restrooms and an area for nursing moms; the ladies room at Nordstrom also has an area for nursing tlalim israel outdoors moms. Metreon is also well equipped with toilets.

oven, coffeemaker, and plates and utensils. The two-bedroom suites also have two bath-97 rooms. The Huntington suite, complete with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchenette and a dining room, sleeps six. At $275 per day, that s a money-saving deal. Your kids might also get a kick out of the claw-foot tubs and faux antique telephones; par ents will appreciate the complimentary breakfast and afternoon tea and sherr y. The only downsides are smallish rooms and the inn s location on a busy street (Pine Street is an oft-used one-way thoroughfare from downtown tlalim israel outdoors to residential neighborhoods, so cars whiz b y in the afternoons). B ut it s not enough to deter the many families who come for the inn s kitchenette suites. If you want one of them, you should tlalim israel outdoors reserve it well in advance.