Fishing for New Rooms in San Francisco

Visitors to the Fisherman’s Wharf district of San Francisco have a new lodging option: the 252-room Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites at 550 N. Point St., about three blocks from Pier 39.

Opened late last month next to the Holiday Inn-Fisherman’s Wharf, the new hotel is part of the chain’s budget line--a relative term in the pricey City by the Bay. An introductory rate of $109 per room per night is offered through March, subject to availability. After that, rates will vary from about $199 to $249, said general manager Mike Cunningham. Published rates at the Holiday Inn next door are $212 to $300 per night, dropping to $169 with advance booking, said guest service manager Henry Wong.

Like other Holiday Inn Express hotels, the one at Fisherman’s Wharf lacks a restaurant, bellman or doorman but offers free local phone calls and continental breakfasts. It also has a lounge area with fireplace. Tel. (415) 409-4600 or toll-free (888) 501-7757.