Wharf Inn

The Wharf Inn is a budget motor inn at 2601 Mason Street, at the corner of Beach Street, in the Fisherman's Wharf district of San Francisco, California. The property is a low-rise motor-style building with on-site parking, an uncommon and valuable feature in a city where garages are expensive. Fisherman's Wharf is the city's waterfront tourist district, and the inn places visitors within walking distance of Pier 39 and its sea lions, Ghirardelli Square, the Hyde Street Pier historic ships and the ferry departures for Alcatraz. The Powell-Mason cable car and the F-line heritage streetcar both serve the area, giving access to North Beach, Chinatown and Union Square without a car. The Fisherman's Wharf area is busiest on summer days and weekends and can be crowded and noisy, but evenings are quieter away from Jefferson Street. Rooms are simple and functional, offered as Queen rooms and rooms with Two Queens, suitable for couples and small families. Amenities listed include on-site parking, an outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi. Visitors should note that the pool is outdoors, and use is influenced by San Francisco's often cool and foggy weather. There is no on-site restaurant listed, though the surrounding wharf district has a very large choice of seafood restaurants, crab stands, cafes and bakeries, including the well-known sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab. The service character is basic and practical, in keeping with the motor-inn category, with a focus on location, parking and value rather than extensive facilities. Nightly rates typically run from about $140 to $280, which is low by San Francisco standards, though rates rise in summer and during holiday periods. The inn suits families and road-trip travellers arriving by car who want parking included, a short walk to the waterfront attractions and a more affordable stay than the larger Wharf hotels. Advance booking is advisable in summer.