The Best Bed & Breakfast Inn in San Francisco
A Victorian Bed & Breakfast Inn
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The Chateau Tivoli B&B's Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located? Is the neighborhood safe?
We are located in the Alamo Square Historic District. Our district is filled with gorgeously-restored Victorians dating from the 1880s, including the iconic "Painted Ladies" of Alamo Square Park.
Our district is part of a larger neighborhood called the Western Addition, which also includes Hayes Valley, the Fillmore Jazz District, Japantown, and the North of Panhandle neighborhood.
We consider our area friendly and safe.

What kind of parking is available?
Parking is first-come, first-serve on the street only. We do not have reserved parking. Parking is free. Restrictions, such as weekly street cleaning, are posted block-by-block.
Parking easiest during the day but can be hard to find after 7 pm; at that time you may have to park 1 or 2 blocks away. There are 2 parking garages 3 blocks away.

Can I take public transportation from the San Francisco Airport (SFO) to the B&B? How much does it cost?
Yes. The total cost is approximately $10/person. From SFO:
-Follow the BART signs to the subway station on the terminal's lower level.
-Board any northbound train.
-Exit at Powell Street Station.
-Exit the subway station at Powell & Market Sts., where the cable cars turn.
-Walk to the sidewalk bus stop for the #5 Fulton bus, heading west (outbound) towards Ocean Beach.  Ride to the McAllister & Pierce stop.
-Exit at McAllister & Pierce. Walk down McAllister 1 block and turn left at Steiner Street. We're the last building on the left, at the intersection of Steiner and Golden Gate Avenue.

How far are you from Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, or Union Square? Can I walk there?
We are 3.2 miles from Fisherman?s Wharf, 2.5 miles from Chinatown, and 2 miles from Union Square. Our guests usually take public transportation to these areas.
Is public transportation easily available?
Yes. There are two bus lines within 2 blocks (#22 and #5) and several others within 7 blocks.  The cable cars are only available downtown and are useful just for Fisherman?s Wharf, Chinatown, and Union Square. 
Where can I walk to from the B&B?
3 blocks -- Alamo Square and the Painted Ladies
3 blocks -- Divisadero Street, lined with local restaurants, stores, and coffee shops
4 blocks -- The Fillmore Jazz District, featuring Yoshi?s Jazz Club and the famous Fillmore West
6 blocks -- Japantown
8 blocks -- Pacific Heights (north) or Hayes Valley (south) ? hip, bustling neighborhoods jammed with restaurants and boutiques
16 blocks -- Haight-Ashbury, a 25-minute walk...dig it, man!
Golden Gate Park's Panhandle area (The main park is a 10-minute bus ride from the B&B.)

Do the rooms have air conditioning?
No. San Francisco's year round weather average is anywhere from 60 to 70 degrees.

Do the bathrooms have showers or bath tubs?
Six bathrooms have showers. Three bathrooms have antique claw-foot tubs with either a fixed showerhead or a European-style shower handle attached.

Are there any T.V.s in the house?
No.

Do you have Wi-Fi?
Yes. We have a secure wireless network throughout the house. The signal is strongest on the main floor of the house.

Do you have a computer for guest use?
No.

Do you allow children?
Yes! We welcome children of all ages. We have a portable crib and high chair available.

Do you allow pets?
No. We only allow service animals with medical licenses.

Do you have rollaway beds available?
Yes. We have two twin-size rollaway beds. (Please inquire before booking as some rooms are too small for a rollaway.)

Are breakfast/brunch and the wine-and-cheese reception included in the room rates?
Yes, our weekday continental breakfast, weekend champagne brunch and daily wine-and-cheese reception are included in the room rates.

Do you accommodate dietary needs?
Yes, please contact us at least 7 days prior to arrival with any dietary requests.

Is the Chateau Tivoli family-owned?
Yes. Our owners, Dr. and Ms. Shohet, have been San Francisco residents since the late 1960s.

Questions about San Francisco:

If I want to visit Alcatraz, how far in advance do I need to buy tickets?
For a summertime visit (June ? August), we recommend booking at least 1 month in advance. For all other months 1 week is usually sufficient.

How do I book Alcatraz tickets?
Alcatraz tickets can only be booked online at www.AlcatrazCruises.com or purchased in person at Pier 33.

What's San Francisco's weather like in the winter?
San Francisco's winters are mild. Day temperatures are usually 50-54 degrees. Nighttime temperatures are usually 38-42 degrees. Fog, rain and strong, cold winds are frequent. It does not snow.

Is a car necessary to go around the city?
No. We discourage guests from bringing a car. All major areas of the city are accessible by public transit.  Our innkeepers can also call taxis.

Are there any city events should I be aware of when planning my trip?
Several annual events are large enough to interrupt transportation and impact visitor sights:
May - Bay to Breakers 12K Running Race - Citywide
June - LGBT Pride Parade - Market St., Civic Center
October - Fleet Week - Fisherman's Wharf
November - Oracle Software Conference (40,000+ participants) - Downtown, Moscone Center


The Chateau Tivoli
1057 Steiner Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
(800) 228-1647
(415) 776-5462
Fax: (415) 776-0505
mail@chateautivoli.com