ballestas islands peru 4.5 liters of wine and beer , or 1.125 liters of liquor. New Zealand currency does not carry import

p. 69. The elegant infinity ballestas islands peru pool at the St. R egis (125 3rd St.; & 415/2844000) is so inviting, par ents will want to go for a swim ev en when the kids have had enough. S ee p. 87. The San Francisco Marriott (55 4th St.; &415/ 896-1600) has an indoor pool, which isn t elegant, but is big, clean, ballestas islands peru and open from 6am to 11pm. See p. 87. Best Outdoor Pool: As you might have guessed, ballestas islands peru the competitors for this honor are fe w. Ar ound U nion S quare, the award goes to the Handlery (351 Geary St.; & 800/843-4343 or 415/7817800) for a small, heated pool in a pleasant patio. See p. 78. Among F isherman ballestas islands peru s Wharf hotels, the Hyatt at Fisherman s Wharf (555 N. P oint St.; & 800/223-1234 or 415/563-1234) fields far and away the nicest pool. S ee p. 90. The Hotel Del Sol (3100 Webster St.; &877/433-5765 or 415/9215520) wins for the best poolside decor , with palm tr ees and a hammock, but the pool itself is miniscule. See p. 97. Best I n-House E ntertainment: The Top of the Mark at the Mark Hopkins InterContinental (1 Nob Hill; &800/ 662-6455 ballestas islands peru or 415/392-3434) is terrific for drinks, views, or weekend dinner and dancing. I f the kids ar e old enough to leave tucked in bed in a room downstairs, you ll have the pleasure of going out for a nice evening without v enturing far fr om your temporary home. See p. 95. At the Hotel Bijou (111 Mason St.; 800/7711022 or 415/771-1200) a tiny in-house movie theater shows a nightly double billing of filmed-in San Francisco movies, so you can round out your day of sightseeing with a lo w-key ev ening activity. S ee

4.5 liters of wine and beer , or 1.125 liters of liquor. New Zealand currency does not carry import or export restrictions. Fill out a certificate of export, listing the valuables you ar e taking out of the countr y; that way, y ou can bring them back without paying duty. Most questions are answered in a free pamphlet available at New Zealand consulates and Customs offices: New Zealand C ustoms G uide for Travellers, Notice no. 4. For more information, contact New Zealand Customs, The Customhouse, 17 21 Whitmore S t., Bo x 2218, Wellington ( & 04/473-6099 or 0800/ 428-786; www.customs.govt.nz). WHEN TO GO

1800 Sutt er St. (at Buchanan St.), San F rancisco, CA 94115. & 800/738-7477 or 415/921-4000. F ax 415/563-1278. www.jdvhotels.com/tomo. 125 units. $109 $189 double; from $550 suite. Kids under 17 stay free in parent s room. Rollaway $10; cribs fr ee. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Self-parking for $20/day or on overflow lot a f ew blocks a way for $15/day. No pets. Amenities: Restaurant; c oncierge; fitness c enter; laundry service; dry cleaning. In room: A/C, TV w/movies and games, dataport, wireless Internet access, fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, iPod dock.

issues reading maps, y our vacation could turn chilly (or very, very loud) the moment you exit the motorway. Along with aggressive local driv ers, one-way str eets, no right/left turns when y ou really need one, and dead ends, ther e s a decided lack of parking and too many o veranxious meter maids ready to pounce. Fortunately, ballestas islands peru it isn t necessary to driv e to many of the places you ll want to go. When driving is imperative, you can easily r ent a car for the day. For those of y ou who ar e arriving in the city by car, park at your hotel and do your best to use public transportation or walk.