pictures of the vietnam veterans memorial Whereas do wntown hotel prices don t vary much with the seasons, M arina and Fisherman s Wharf rates

The TSA has phased out gate check-in at all U.S. airports. Passengers with e-tickets can still beat the ticket-counter lines by using airport electronic kiosks or online check-in from your home computer. Ask your airline which alternativ es ar e av ail- able, and if you re using a kiosk, bring the credit card you used to book the ticket or your frequent-flier card. If you re checking bags or looking to snag an exit-r ow seat, you will be able to do so using most airlines kiosks; again, call y our airline for up-to-date information. Curbside check- in is also a good way to av oid lines, although a fe w airlines still ban curbside check-in; call before you go.

ITALIAN A perennial favorite among in-the-kno w locals, pictures of the vietnam veterans memorial L Osteria seems to hav e as many people lining up outside as ar e actually seated inside. Once you have gotten a table, you ll appreciate the authentic, rustic feel in the cozy dining room. The terrific Italian dishes, which rank among the best in North Beach, pictures of the vietnam veterans memorial include such delightful dishes as crepes filled with saut ed porcini mushrooms, ham, and b chamel sauce; and succulent skewered lamb marinated in ginger, rosemary, and garlic. If the kids are apt to be noisy, this tiny place may not be the best choice. 519 Columbus Ave. (btw. Union and Green sts.). &415/982-1124. www.losteriadelforno.com. Reservations not ac cepted. Highchairs. Main courses $5 $19. No cr edit cards. Mon, Wed, Thurs, Sun 11:30am 10pm; Fri Sat 11:30am 10:30pm. Closed Tues. Muni: Powell-Mason cable car to Union St., and then walk 2 blocks pictures of the vietnam veterans memorial east, or no. 30-Stockton bus to Union St., and then walk 1 block east.

Whereas do wntown hotel prices don t vary much with the seasons, M arina and Fisherman s Wharf rates climb in the summer. Given the summertime fog, the price increase has less to do with the best time to visit San Francisco than with when most families take their v acations. If you buck the tr end and come in the late winter , you ll save money.

This is one of the few downtown boutique hotels constructed as an entirely new building (in 2000). That means you get spacious pictures of the vietnam veterans memorial rooms compared to other nearby hotels in this price categor y, large bathr ooms with separate sho wers and tubs, and nicely soundproofed walls. Since each floor has few rooms, pictures of the vietnam veterans memorial and therefore less foot traffic, pictures of the vietnam veterans memorial the hotel says the only noise you re likely to hear is the occasional ring of the cable car bell. The still-new decor has an Art Deco touch with plenty of wood and muted colors. Only the waterfall-type fountain in the lobby seems out of place. Funky fountains aside, pluses at the Orchard include complete entertainment centers in every room, free DVDs, complimentary Euro-continental breakfast (the Euro part means cheeses and cold cuts are served alongside the freshly baked pastries), and A veda products. Should you find the platform beds too firm, you can request a pillow-top mattress cover. Finally, the hotel is one of a handful of S an Francisco hotels that hav e earned a G reen Seal of FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATIONS