virtual tour of mount vernon Halcyon Hotel Penny pinchers will appreciate this clean, low-key option only a few blocks fr om U ni

Halcyon Hotel Penny pinchers will appreciate this clean, low-key option only a few blocks fr om U nion S quare. H ere y ou ll find r ock-bottom rates; kitchenettes virtual tour of mount vernon in ev ery room equipped with a toaster, microwave, coffeemaker with complimentary coffee, and a small fridge; coin-operated laundr y facilities with fr ee detergent and bleach; and a friendly general manager by the name of D ennis Hale who truly wants to ensure your stay in San Francisco is a good one. The carpets in the tiny guest r ooms were recently replaced with pleasant laminated flooring in a pale pine style and the hallway floors were also due to be replaced by early 2007. The guest room walls were also slated for painting when this book went to press, something they sorely needed. The mattresses, bedspreads, and furniture could also use replacing, but for these low rates near Union Square, perhaps that s too much to ask. R oom configurations v ary; one family virtual tour of mount vernon option is a twin bed bunked over a double bed. The hotel says that, technically, it permits no more than three guests in a room, but does offer a complimentary floor futon for emergencies. If anyone in your group has physical limitations, you may want to think twice before booking here, as the hotel is located uphill from Union Square, and once inside, you ll have to take the stairs. If you have cats or dogs, they are welcome to stay for an additional $5 per day.

When Nature Calls: Public restrooms are available inside the de Young Museum lobby (accessible without an admission fee), as w ell as near the Childr en s Playground, Stow Lake, and the Conservatory of Flowers. Nursing moms can find any comfortable spot or head for the Strybing Arboretum.

Belden virtual tour of mount vernon Place, an alley betw een Kearny, 49 Bush, and P ine str eets, offers outdoor dining in good w eather and E uropean ambience all y ear r ound, and the Crocker virtual tour of mount vernon Galleria between Post, Sutter, and M ontgomery str eets offers good fast food, in addition to upscale shopping oppor tunities. You ll also find a growing collection of informal, organic, and healthy lunch spots gear ed to the working crowd.

130 Franciscan AMERICAN/SEAFOOD It s all about the view here, which explains the upside-down nature of this oddly shaped, peach-color ed structure. Stairs lead you from the crowded wharf below into a welcoming dining room, which offers bay vie ws from practically every table. Given its location in the most heavily touristed part of town, you ll pay more than you should for a crab cake appetiz er ($12) or slice of halibut ($26), but you do get a fabulous vista, friendly ser vice, and better far e than at most r estaurants virtual tour of mount vernon in the vicinity. The pasta and sandwiches come in at under $20, and all kids menu items are $5. The kids fish and chips is big enough for adults and comes with cray ons and drawing materials. I wouldn t go out of my way to eat here, but if you want a nice lunch without having to leav e the neighborhood, the F ranciscan may be wor th the higher prices.