Verily, I Have Dropped the Ball

Question

Usually I love trip planning, but Fate has had other ideas for me of late and I find myself needing help for a trip to SF May 2-May 5.

We are currently booked at the Queen Anne, with plans to see the de Young Museum one day and cycle over the Golden Gate Bridge the other. (with a light lunch at Saulsilito) Then we meet family and depart SF for part 2 of the trip.

The Queen Anne looks lovely, but now I'm second-guessing myself---is it convenient to the things I want to do? (We do like the look of the place, and love having breakfast included.)

I have the bike company picked out. (It's on Lombard Street) I have two restaurants I am considering for the last night ---The Tailor's Son or Pazzio Ristorante.

We both went to school in the area so have done all the touristy things in SF (except the bridge by bike) But it was many years ago.

So, should I keep my hotel? If not, what would you recommend?

Answer

The Queen Anne Hotel is a charming and historic property located in the Pacific Heights neighborhood. It has a lot of character, and the included breakfast is a nice perk. However, in terms of convenience for your specific plans, there are a few things to consider:

Location Considerations:

The hotel is a short drive or rideshare away from the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, so it’s workable for that day, though not within easy walking distance.
For your bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge, the Lombard Street bike rental is located further north, near the Marina District. From the hotel, it’s about a 10–15 minute drive, so it’s not inconvenient, but you won’t be walking there.
The neighborhood itself is quiet and upscale, but restaurants and nightlife nearby are limited. You’d likely need rideshares or a short drive to reach most recommended dinner spots.

Hotel Pros and Cons:

Pros: Beautiful historic building, unique architecture, included breakfast, quiet and elegant atmosphere.
Cons: Less convenient for walking to tourist areas, dining, or bike rental pick-up. Limited nearby casual dining.

Alternative Hotels (if you wanted more central location):

Marina District / Cow Hollow: Closer to Lombard Street bike rental, restaurants, and easy access to Golden Gate Park via short drive or rideshare.
Union Square / Downtown: Central, excellent dining options, good public transit connections, slightly farther from the de Young Museum but manageable by rideshare.
Fisherman’s Wharf / North Beach: Closer to bike rental and scenic waterfront, convenient for first-time visitors or those who enjoy walking to attractions.

Given your priorities—historic charm, included breakfast, and light sightseeing—you could absolutely keep the Queen Anne Hotel. Your plans are mostly accessible via short drives or rideshares, and the hotel offers a cozy, unique atmosphere that other more central hotels may lack.

If convenience and minimizing travel time is a higher priority, a hotel in the Marina District or near Fisherman’s Wharf would put you closer to the bike rental, restaurants, and waterfront, making your days slightly more efficient.

For your last night, either The Tailor’s Son or Pazzio Ristorante works well; both are accessible by rideshare from Pacific Heights.

In summary: if the ambiance and breakfast are important to you, stick with the Queen Anne. If you want to minimize drives and be closer to the bike rental and dining options, consider a hotel in the Marina or North Beach area.