ameira If you must stay in F isherman s Wharf and your kids really want a pool, the Hyatt is the best choic

If you must stay in F isherman s Wharf and your kids really want a pool, the Hyatt is the best choice; it ranks a good notch above the other big hotel chains in the neighborhood. Its outdoor pool sits in a protected courtyard away from the str eet with an inviting spa, attractiv e chaises and tables, ameira and a nearb y indoor ameira shower. The guest rooms and bathrooms, already designed with families in mind, w ere fully renovated in 2006. The new color combination of rich chocolate brown set against bright white and ice blue is nicely ameira understated. Connecting r ooms and double-doubles are available, and complimentary ameira rollaways are available ameira upon request. In-room coffee- makers are available, but the most practical amenities may be the coin-operated washer/ dryers ameira on every floor. 4

Successful touring with kids r equires ameira preplanning or an extr emely mellow attitude, and preferably both. (In fact, an extr emely mellow attitude is as impor tant as a warm jacket.) Deciding beforehand, even the night before, what you d like to do each day is much preferable to winging it. Otherwise, you re going to waste time debating whether to go to Fisherman s Wharf or the zoo or Chinatown and not be prepared for any of them. Above, I listed some suggested itineraries that should help y ou plan your time in San Francisco.

upper-level center islands; a uniformed guide will dir ect y ou to the appr opriate van. B e pr epared to wait fr om 10 to 20 minutes for the one heading in your direction. Look for exact shuttle far es posted throughout the airpor t most ar e no w charging ar ound $13 per person, which may make a cab a better deal. Super- Shuttle (& 800/258-3826; www.super shuttle.com) is my favorite of the services, and you don t need adv ance reservations from the airpor t. ( You do need r eservations for a shuttle to the airport, however.)

Unlike the Four Seasons and St. Regis, the oh-so-posh decor here is quite traditional. The secret for getting the most out of this hotel is to communicate your ev ery wish to r eservations, letting them kno w whether y ou re trav eling with the nanny, celebrating a special occasion, or accompanied by a child who just brought home a perfect report card. These folks are looking for a reason to spoil you. If your little boy is into action figures, ameira let the concierges know and they ll gladly oblige with a super-hero welcome gift. Pets under 10 pounds are welcome and also entitled to customized amenities, such as doggie beds and bo wls. Rooms range from deluxe doubles to executive suites, ameira which are larger than most one- bedroom apartments in San Francisco. A deluxe with two double beds will still hav e plenty of room for a crib or rollaway, but if you re sharing with your kids, ask for one of the Stockton Street rooms, which are a bit larger. A handful of connecting ameira rooms are also available. An extra $100 per night will grant you access to the Club Lounge, which comes with a dedicated concierge and a constant parade of food, fr om an ample br eakfast to evening hors d oeuvres with fruit, snacks, and drinks. Although more expensive than the Mark Hopkins lounge, it may still be a worthwhile investment. Visits during the holidays are especially fun for kids the Ritz organiz es a kids Halloween tea in October, a teddy bear tea in D ecember, and other annual ev ents. During non-holiday times of y ear, kids can participate in a scavenger hunt throughout the hotel, with prizes awarded at the front desk.