Hotel del Sol551

Hotel del Sol is a hidden gem for families traveling to San Francisco. The 50s-style motor lodge, now converted to a cheerful boutique hotel, delights guests with its mix of old-fashioned charm and new-fangled luxury. The beach house feel of this urban oasis appeals to parents and children alike.

The hotel not only welcomes families, it caters to them. The office boasts a closet full of coloring books, videos, balls, and games. Children are offered free sunglasses and beach balls. Strollers and car seats are available upon request. Two of the rooms are completely baby proofed; one of them, Kids Culture Room, is quite likely the best room in San Francisco for a family with small children. Kids Culture is a two-room suite with kitchenette (microwave, fridge, dishes, small table, etc). The kid's room has a trundle bed (outfitted with pooh bedding) a beanbag chair, and drawers full of toys, games, and books. Close the door to the kid's room, and parents relax in a lovely room with fireplace, television, and romantic view of the brightly lit towering palm trees.

If the Kids Culture room is booked, ask for the two-room suite with a queen bed and pullout sofa. For parents traveling with just one baby or a toddler, there is also a queen with a kitchenette available. All of the rooms are impeccably clean and furnished in modern décor. (The lack of floral bedding is quite refreshing!)

Visitors with rental cars can appreciate the free parking (notice the drapery in the car port, just one of many lovely touches throughout the hotel). Other amenities include heated swimming pool, sauna, continental breakfast, same day laundry and valet service, pillow lending library, choice of complimentary handmade aromatherapy soap, in-room video lending library featuring children's films and films shot in San Francisco, cable television, wireless high-speed Internet access, data ports, complete concierge services, custom, staff-authored guides to the hidden sites and sounds of San Francisco, and two very comfy hammocks swinging from the palms.