Are you heading to the 42nd annual Biofreeze San Francisco Marathon? You'll be among more than 27,000 other runners who are excited for a chance to run across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge or choose one of two half marathon routes. But with this many people can also come crowded hotels, lines at restaurants and information overload about what else to do race weekend.
But don't worry. The San Francisco Ambassadors at Racertrips.com have you covered. Here are some of our picks from local San Francisco runners who have the inside scoop on the Best Hotels and the Best Places to Eat.
You can see Racertrips.com's full list of recommendations, including Top Things to Do and answers to your SF Marathon FAQs in its marathon travel guide.
Best Hotels
Closest to the Starting Line
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
It's harder to get closer to the starting line than this, according to Racertrips Ambassador Derek. The Hyatt Regency San Francisco is a luxury choice that is just steps from the starting line, and has sweeping views of San Francisco Bay and the Embarcadero. The rooms are contemporary and include free wifi.
Traveling with your pet? Ask the hotel about its pet-friendly policies. There's an on-site lounge and restaurant, as well as a 24-hour fitness center and a spacious lobby with tons of cool spaces and comfy furniture to meet up with other runners before or after the race. The room rates during the marathon can be steep, so we recommend booking early and looking for special deals or using rewards points.
Best Budget Friendly
San Remo Hotel
The San Remo Hotel is a cozy, budget-friendly option with a European feel in the North Beach neighborhood. The rooms are furnished with antiques and decorated with Victorian heirlooms and historic photos. Each room includes a pedestal sink, and there are shared bathrooms on each floor. The rooms include free wifi, and guests are provided with ear plugs to block out any noise (like creaky floorboards). Fior d'Italia restaurant is located on the first floor of the hotel and is one of the oldest Italian restaurants in the country.
Best Neighborhood Accommodation
Monte Cristo Inn
For a fun, neighborhood experience, consider the Monte Cristo Inn. It is a fun, historic bed and breakfast built in 1875, which survived the devastating 1906 earthquake and subsequent fires. Located in the Presidio Heights neighborhood, this two-story, 14-room hotel features traditional rooms, small suites and larger condo-style rooms for longer stays. Each room includes a flat-screen TV, complimentary breakfast and complimentary wifi, making this a perfect hotel for those who don't want to have to spend extra for these features.
Best Luxury Accommodation
Fairmont Hotel
Those looking for the ultimate in luxury should book a stay at the Fairmont San Francisco. The historic 5-star hotel is situated at the top of Nob Hill and offers amenities such as a rooftop bar, in-room nanny service, two restaurants and two lounges. Racertrips Ambassador Luda thinks it's the perfect way to treat yourself after the race for a job well done! Just make sure to visit the Tonga Room, an underground tiki bar with a mean Mai Tai. This used to be the pool for the Fairmont Hotel back in the day, and there are cool, old pictures lining the hallway as you walk back to the bar. The pool is still there but nowadays houses a boat with a live band for evening festivities.
Visit page two for the best places to eat in San Francisco.
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