Traveler`s Guide: San Francisco Bay Area LIVING SAN
Transcription
Traveler`s Guide: San Francisco Bay Area LIVING SAN
Traveler’s Guide: San Francisco Bay Area San Francisco is considered one of the most visually stunning seven by seven square miles on earth! Bay Area natives and transplants are fiercely loyal to their city and could never imagine living anywhere else. Now that you are stepping into this beautiful Northern California location, we hope this guide will arm you with valuable information to your new destination. We offer information on housing, transportation, pet resources, and the many wonderful venues, vistas and cultural spots San Francisco and the Bay Area has to offer! LIVING SAN FRANCISCO Housing Resources The San Francisco Bay Area is a populated region that encompasses the major cities and metropolitan areas of SF, Oakland, and San Jose, along with smaller urban and rural areas. Skyrocketing rents are fed by a constant demand for housing, fueled mainly by the growing tech industry and rapid gentrification. With rent prices hitting a record high and inventory drying up, you have to move quickly in your search. Tip: Search with relevant key words, “corporate housing”, and “short term rental”, “vacation rental,” and “corporate hotel” as examples. As these words will be necessary to find the information you are looking for, surround them with quotation marks so the search engine knows to look for the specific words in the order you typed. Internet Searching When scouring the internet, please do not be fooled by embellished advertisements that tout low starting rents. Ideally, work with websites where you can interact directly with the owner or landlord in advance. Most are free and some offer membership plans. A few recommended Online portals are: www.airbnb.com www.vrbo.com www.urbanflat.com www.furnishedfinder.com 1 www.emeraldhs.com Corporate Housing Recommendations In addition to websites, your Housing Department has solid suggestions that are both current and in safe residential communities in a short commuting distance to our major hospital facilities. As we accommodate several hundred travelers yearly, we have great recommendations all over Los Angeles with positive feedback from our Travelers! SAN FRANCISCO Tower 737 737 Post Street San Francisco, CA 94109 415-787-4485 www.experience737.com Amenities include Flexible lease terms Studios, 1, & 2 bedrooms On-site concierge Fitness center Business center Rooftop lounge Parking: $300 Near Union Square 2 www.emeraldhs.com Bayside Villa Apartments 3 Bayside Village Place San Francisco, CA 94107 415-491-7650 [International Headquarters] www.baysidevillage.com Located in the tony South Beach area of SF, Bayside Village is steps from the Embarcadero and a stroll to the Ferry Building. You can stay as short as 30-days. Amenities include: Fully furnished Studios and 1-bedrooms Inclusive of all utilities Three heated pools Weight Room Yoga and Aerobic classes Home theatre room Onsite grocery and deli International Quarters 2143 East Francisco Blvd. San Rafael, CA 94901 415-491-7650 http://www.iqhousing.com/ Provides beautifully furnished temporary housing in the San Francisco Bay Area and North Bay Area. Visa/MasterCard is accepted as payment Credit Card authorization form [needed for any damages or additional ` costs incurred SOUTH BAY AREA Palo Alto Place Apartments 565 Arastradero Road Palo Alto, CA 94306 650-493-8577 www.srgliving.com/paloaltoplace Amenities include Central AC Elevators In-home Washer and Dryers Elevators Fitness Center Pool 3 www.emeraldhs.com Westlake Village Apartments 333 Park Plaza Drive Daly City, CA 94015 650-755-8133 www.westlakevillageapts.com Amenities Include: 3,6, and 12 month lease options Walk to BART Laundry Facilities 24-hr Courtesy Patrol Elevators Close to walking and biking trails Urban Flat [at Radius Apartments] 620 Veterans Blvd. Redwood City, A 94063 www.urbanflat.com [email protected] 424-299-0773 Amenities Include: Fully furnished 1-bedroom “turn-key” unit In-home Washer and Dryer All utilities covered Pool & Spa 24/7 Fitness Center 24/7 Security Underground Parking Walking distance to CalTran Pay by Credit Card Can accommodate less than 30days and long term [best rates] . 4 www.emeraldhs.com EAST BAY AREA Bella Vista at Hilltop 3400 Richmond Pkwy Richmond, CA 94806 510-223-2000 www.bvapartments.com Amenties Include: Smoke Free Community Four swimming pools Fitness Center Lighted Tennis Courts Full size in-home Washer & Dryer Close to BART and Freeway access 24-hr Courtesy Patrol NORTH BAY AREA Extended Stay America –San Rafael 1775 Francisco Blvd. East San Rafael, CA 94901 415-451-1887 www.extendedstayamerica.com Amenties Included: Kitchens with refrigerator, microwave and stovetop, cooking utensils On-site guest laundry Fitness Facility Free Wi-Fi Covered pool Tip: Please use our Corporate Code: “emrld” when booking to capture a discounted rate for all length of stays. Updated Spring Discount Book now and capture a 30% discount on stays 30 days or more. Offer expires May 2, 2015. Use discount code EAMTP at http://extendedstay.mkt6478.com/ESATempMedProgram 5 www.emeraldhs.com Pets in San Francisco When traveling with your furry companions, having recommended pet resources at your fingertips is vital. The following ‘pet picks’ are referenced by many of our Hotel and Landlord contacts in the Bay Area. Here you can explore San Francisco’s top dog parks, shops, groomers, and pet sitters. Dog Parks Crissy Field Dog Run and Beach 1199 E. Beach 94129 Lafayette Park Gough & Sacramento Street, 94115 Who Let the Dogs Out? [mobile grooming, dog walking & sitting] 415-419-8777 1819 Polk St, 94109 Pet Shops Le Marcel Bakery for Dogs 2066 Union Street, 94123 Sitters & Walkers Pet Food Express 3 locations: 3160 20th Ave, 3050 California St, and 1975 Market St. Dogstar Pick up! Serving SF & surrounding areas. 415-829-7376 Pet Groomers Doggie Day Spaw 415-933-0991 920 Harrison St., Suite 6,94107 Wag Hotel 415-876-0700 25 14th Street,94103 TRAVELING SAN FRANCISCO Parking & Transportation Resources For renters in San Francisco, a parking space is considered an amenity and extremely costly. The average monthly parking rate for those lucky to get an assigned garage or lot space in the heart of the financial district has increased 9.43% from $404.25 in 2010 to $442.38 per car, month in 2015. Most other areas in and around the City seem to average close to $375. Innovative Parking Solutions Many commercial garage or lot signs have you inquire within for the monthly rate. To avoid circling around the city for hours looking for an available garage, consider parking search engines. 6 www.emeraldhs.com The SFpark app provides real-time information on parking availability and cost. You can find prices and hours using the on-line map and mobile map. It is currently available in the Financial District, along the Embarcadero, Fisherman’s Wharf, Civic Center, Marina Union Street, and Mission District. Available in iTunes and Google Play Stores. Tip: Check out: www.sfpark.org & www.sanfrancisco.bestparking.com These sites periodically adjust meter and garage pricing up and down to match demand. Demand-responsive pricing encourages drivers to park in underused areas and garages, reducing demand in overused areas. Public Transportation If you opt not to take your own automobile and plan on relying on the public transportation offered for your community, carefully research the transit routes and schedules. San Francisco is one of the easiest cities in the world to navigate. There are plenty of transportation options, including the world famous cable cars, bus lines, and ride sharing. The following sites offer trip planners, routes and schedules: Transit.511.org Sfmta.com Bart.gov Rental Car If public transportation is not your preference, renting a car in the Bay Area is easy, but can be costly. If you are flying into Oakland or San Francisco International Airport and need a rental car, booking ahead is highly recommended. Suggested Companies If renting a car, check out these companies that offer a discount by utilizing Emerald Health Services corporate code. Tip: As renting a car at the airport is the most convenient option, many times you can capture better rates at the off –airport locations. 800-527-0700 www.budget.com Discount Code: U343028 800-654-8216 www.hertz.com Discount code: 1608528. 800-593-0505 www.enterprise.com Discount Code: 32C4388. PIN: ‘EME’ 800-CAR RENT www.nationalcar.com Contract ID: GCAMA032 www.nationalcar.com/offer/GCAMA032 800-327-7607 www.thrifty.com Corporate Account 00102293 7 www.emeraldhs.com EXPLORING SAN FRANCISCO Known as “The City by the Bay,” there is no shortage of things to do in this bustling metropolis. Famous for Victorian home lined streets, classic cable cars, and diverse nightlife, San Francisco has it all! City Escapes Union Square www.visitunionsquare.com This one block plaza and surrounding area bordered by Geary, Powell, Post and Stockton streets is one of the largest collections of department stores, upscale boutiques, gifts shops, art galleries, and restaurants in the United States. The City of Paris was one of San Francisco’s most important department stores from 1850-1976, In 1980 the store was demolished to build the current Neiman Marcus however, the original rotunda and glass dome were preserved and incorporated into the design listing it as a California Historical Landmark. Golden Gate Park www.golden-gate-park.com Golden Gate Park is located in the heart of San Francisco and consists of over 1017 acres. It is the fifth most visited park in the United States after Central Park in New York City. The “Janis Joplin Tree” is a favorite site for many tourists and locals. Located on the edge of Hippie Hill [a small hill on the eastern end of Golden Gate Park] it is said to have just enough room in its branches for a girl and her guitar. AT&T Park http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/sf/ballpark/ AT&T Park is home to the World Series Champions: The San Francisco Giants! Opened in 2000, AT&T park has breathtaking views of the Bay and fantastic amenities. Catch a game when the Giants are in town. Even the worst seats in the house [way out in left field] still gives one a commanding view of the Bay Bridge and Marina. Ferry Building Plaza www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com It is the center of a transit hub that connects all of San Francisco’s neighborhoods and the surrounding bay communities. Located within the historic Ferry Building is the Ferry Building Marketplace serving an array of eateries and restaurants. A must: The Slanted Door www.slanteddoor.com . A wall of floor to ceiling windows overlooks the Bay in this contemporary Vietnamese restaurant. 8 www.emeraldhs.com More Escapes The Marin Headlands www.nps.gov/goga/marin-headlands Located at the southernmost end of Marin County, this hilly peninsula connects the two counties. The entire area is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The headlands are famous for their views of the Bay Area, especially the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. This is a photographer’s favorite vantage point! Alcatraz Island www.nps.gov/alca In 1934, the largest reinforced concrete structure, the Penitentiary Alcatraz was completed. It was in operation from 1934-1963 and was home to some of America’s notorious criminals. Look into the Alcatraz Night Tour which includes roundtrip ferry transportation! Advanced reservations are a must: www.alcatraztickets.com. Hidden Escapes The Octagon House Museum 2645 Gough Street San Francisco, CA www.nscda-ca.org The McElroy Octagon House, also known as the Colonial Dames Octagon House is in the Cow Hollow neighborhood of San Francisco. Built in 1861 across the street from its present location. In 1971, it became San Francisco Landmark #17. Winchester Mystery House www.greystonemansion.org The Winchester Mystery House was once the personal residence of Sarah Winchester, the widow of gun magnate William Wert Winchester. The Queen Anne Style Victorian is known for its 160 rooms and bizarre phenomena. The architectural oddities include a window built to the floor, staircases leading to nowhere, doors that open to blank walls, and upside down posts. Tours range from The Grand Estate Tour, The Mansion Tour, and the Flashlight Tour (offered every Friday the 13th). Angel Island www.angelisland.com Open daily, Angel Island State Park is a hidden gem and a wonderful destination for great food, exploration and expansive views of the San Francisco skyline, the Marin County headlands and Mount Tamalpais. From San Francisco, take the Blue & Gold Fleet from Pier 41. Departure is at 9:45 am both weekdays and weekends. www.blueandgoldfleet.com. For more recommendations & information about San Francisco and your upcoming travel assignment contact our Manager of Nurse Concierge Services & Corporate Housing: Nora Adams | (800) 917 -5055, ext. 109 | [email protected] | http://www.emeraldhs.com 9 www.emeraldhs.com