When you're looking to explore the town of San Francisco (known as ?The City? to the inhabitants), you need to know where you can get onto one of the cable cars in order to see the most of the city during your stay. By finding a hotel in the heart of the shopping as well as the history, you can make the most of your San Francisco visit.

One of the most often recommended hotels in the San Francisco area is the Powell Hotel (http://www.thepowellhotel.com/). Located at the cable car turnaround, you are right in the heart of the city with access to transportation that can get you to Fisherman's Wharf or the Aquarium on the Bay. This hotel was built in 1908 and unlike some of the larger named hotels; Powell hotel strives to keep its historical appeal with lower prices to boot.

The Union Square shopping center is the main center of attraction offering stores such as Urban Outfitters, Old Navy, the Gap, H&M, Macy's, and J.Crew. You can spend hours and hours reaching into your wallet to pay for the purchases and bargains that can be found here. A walk around the Union Square park can help to rejuvenate you and get you ready to head over the local Cheesecake Factory.

Located on 4th and Market Streets, the Hotel Palomar (http://www.hoteldetective.net/Top-Deals/EN/Hotel_Palomar-United_States.htm) is another gem in the hat of San Francisco. Newly renovated, this hotel offers guest deluxe accommodations as well as a central location for the shopping of Market Street. Adjacent to many of ?The City's? location transportation options, this is the perfect setup for the traveler that wants to see it all.

The Renaissance Parc 55 Hotel (http://www.parc55hotel.com/) is located in Union Square as well and features wonderful views of the city and surrounding areas. A guest can watch over the Golden Gate as well as the cable cars as they rest in comfortable accommodations. Amenities include everything from Internet service to private voicemail.

The premium room service is open until midnight, but the morning has a simple breakfast served in the lobby. Special touches like the San Francisco Chronicle that is delivered to the doors each morning help to immerse a guest in ?The City's? culture as well as make anyone feel right at home.

With a 1940s styled outside, it's no wonder that the Maxwell Hotel (http://www.maxwellhotel.com/ ) is still getting attention from travelers. Located on Geary Street near Union Square, this hotel is right in the heart of the city and ready to show you whatever you'd like. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) transportation is available to get you off to Haight Ashbury or the Golden Gate Recreational Park. Perhaps you're like to head over to the Museum of Modern Art or stop into one of the many fine coffee shops.

There are many more hotels in San Francisco that can place you right in the action and the elegance of ?The City,? but the bigger named hotels sometimes lose their appeal when they begin to all look the same. These hotels that have been listed appeal more to the traveler that wants their stay to be as intriguing as their daily tours and exploring. What's San Francisco without a little character?