carrie b harbor tours DECEMBER Christmas at S ea, especially suited to children under 10, takes place on board the histori

Noelle S almi is a fr eelance writer who liv ed and wor ked in sev eral U.S. cities and many foreign countries before moving to San Francisco in 2001. In addition to her work promoting investment overseas, she wor ked at a major daily ne wspaper and later at CNN in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Associated P ress in B erlin, Germany; and United Press International in New York City. Her writing has appear carrie b harbor tours ed in the Santa Clara Valley Weekly, Jornal do B rasil, The West Side Spirit, Emerging Markets, USA Today, Bay Area Parent, and the San Francisco Chronicle. She is also the author of previous editions of Frommer s San Francisco carrie b harbor tours with Kids and of Frommer s San Francisco Day by Day (1st and 2nd editions). She lives in San Francisco with her husband Mika and three children Annika, Natasha, and Aksel.

DECEMBER carrie b harbor tours Christmas carrie b harbor tours at S ea, especially suited to children under 10, takes place on board the historic ships docked at the H yde Street Pier (p. 170), and offers carrie b harbor tours singing, cider, and stories. Call & 415/5616662 or visit www.maritime.org.

A star in the Kimpton hotel chain, this refurbished 1910 landmark is a refreshing change from other high-end hotels. The Art Deco decor in the impressive lobby is vibrant and festive, and sure to please any child who sees it. Kids will also lo ve the freshly baked cookies at the front desk and the pet goldfish that keeps them company in their hotel room (on request). This property is so pet-friendly it offers special packages for pooches, and guests actually check in with dogs mor e regularly than with childr en. Parents will like the complimentary wine and cheese reception in the lobby daily at 5pm. Dining options ar e the G rand Cafe (p. 107), inside a beautifully r estored turn-of-the20th- century ballroom, and the Petit Cafe, with simpler fare more suited for kids. Adults can take turns pr etending they re at a r esort at the ne wly renovated spa and health club on the bottom floor. carrie b harbor tours If you re flying, check to see if the house car is available to take you to the airport; the cost is about the same as a taxi. 4

Following the 1989 ear thquake and the 1990s building carrie b harbor tours boom, this forgotten par t of town saw the constr uction of ne w condominiums and commer cial space. Although hotels remain scarce, the proximity to downtown, the Ferry Building, and plentiful public transportation make this waterfront neighborhood an ideal place to stay.