aerostat adventures The walk from Union Square east to the SoMa neighborhood takes maybe 5 minutes and brings you into a

665 Bush St. (at Stockton St.), San Francisco, CA 94108. &888/717-2881 or 415/362-8878. Fax 415/3628088. www.theorchardhotel.com. 104 units, including 9 suites. $179 $439 double; $279 $439 suite. No rollaways; aerostat adventures cribs $15. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $34. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; exercise room; concierge; courtesy car; room service (limited hours); laundry service; dry cleaning. In room: A/C, TV/DVD w/movies and games, dataport, free high-speed Internet access, fridge, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, CD player.

Despite its siz e, perpetually cr owded lobby, and, quite frankly , impersonal feel, the hotel s prime location on U nion Square seems to make it v ery popular. If high energy, location, and the historical aspects intrigue y ou, her e s some advice: P hone in-house reservations and be as specific as possible about y our needs. Prices can fluctuate wildly due to the many r oom configurations, some less desirable than others. S tandard queen rooms are barely large enough for two. Traditional queen rooms have more space, and can accommodate a crib or r ollaway. The deluxe double-doubles are very spacious with renovated bathrooms, and the Grandview rooms have smarter decor. aerostat adventures Ask for a view or a corner room if you want natural light and avoid rooms by the ever-busy elevators. Hallways go on for ever. If your child has forgotten his sw eatshirt, you ll have to go back to the room with him unless he s outfitted with a compass and a map.

If you have only 1 day to spend in S an Francisco, the B est in O ne D ay tour introduces y ou to the city s most enduringly popular highlights and giv es y ou a chance to take in its beloved views as well. Should you have more time, take the Best in Two D ays and B est in Three D ays tours on days 2 and 3.

The walk from Union Square east to the SoMa neighborhood takes maybe 5 minutes and brings you into an amazing cultural zone. The Yerba Buena Gardens, Metreon, the Cartoon Art Museum, SFMOMA (the S an Francisco Museum of Modern Art), and the California Academy of Sciences can all be r eached on foot and can cer tainly make up a full day s program. Families with determined teens may want to tour the Westfield San Francisco Centre mall at 5th and Market streets as well.