I am, indeed, assuming that for the evening activities, cabs, public conveyances and/or pleasant brisk walks will be required.

BtD
There is this:

It's near the BART (if you are flying in to SFO or Oakland) and is not too far from Union Square. It's in a slightly seedier area, but 2 blocks over, it's Union Square and much nicer. SF is like that as Alex pointed out, one block is scary, the next gentrified (or at least colorful). About $90 a night, depending on the room. Not sure how inexpensive you mean. For SF, this is cheap, I'd say.

http://www.hotelmetropolis.com/

Anyway, from here you can catch MUNI, BART and a Cable Car or cab and get around town.

it's an option

I have always been a fan of the JDV hotels. I have stayed at the Phoenix and the Hotel Carlton. They also have some hotels in the east bay.

The Phoenix has free parking, and the Hotel Carlton has a lot that you can pay for and leave your car. (somewhere like $30 a day)

As Alex said, the good and bad areas are intermingled when you are in the city. One just needs to be aware when walking. I have never had a problem and I have walked all over the place at all hours of the night.

There is a big difference walking around a city a night with a vagina than it is with a penis.

And you are probably the one that everyone else is afraid of :D

True.

For the record, I have a vagina, and I do walk around the city in most areas, just some of them I don't walk around at night. It's simple common sense, really, and not any scarier than some sections of LA that I've been in.

After a certain hour in the bitter naked city, isn't that really what everyone is walking around with?

I've been to the Phoenix and it is fine if you're into the kind of scene is plays host to (nothing too raunchy, they just aren't quick to shut down a party).

But it is a perfect example of not knowing what "safe" is. That part of the Tenderloin wouldn't bother me at any time of night but I know people that would be worried just being there during the day.

Travelocity has some good deals on flights/hotels. We think we're driving but with gas doing what it is, it's not set in stone.

Any opnions about these hotels?

Wow, those are some good rates!

You'd be fine with any of them as far as I can tell. If you really want to be in the heart of the San Francisco shopping district Christmasy brouhaha then the Westin St. Francis is probably best for that. It is a monstrosity of a hotel in the classic urban style with rooms appointed with unstealable furniture (not because it is bolted down but because a table lamp weighs 4 billion pounds).

I've always wanted to stay at the InterContinental just because the have the coolest driveway so I'd pick that one but you'll be a bit further away from things and any trip on foot will at some point involve a serious uphill walk.

Thank you so much Alex!

I just got approval for the time off, so it's a go. SUPER EXCITED!!!!!!!!!