The hotel features a large restaurant particularly popular with theatergoers. The hotel bar, just inside the restaurant off the lobby, has a beautiful original Tiffany ceiling. An Internet caf? offers high-speed Internet access as well as a computer, printer, fax, and copier. The hotel's fitness room, with a view of Market Street, is carpeted and includes weights, stationary bicycle, treadmill, and water cooler.

This historic building, with its gargantuan, marble-lined lobby, was originally called Hotel Whitcomb. It was built in 1910, and was used as a temporary city hall. Giant metal doors in the basement lead to still-intact jail cells. The lobby's beautiful ceiling beams are architectural remnants of the post-earthquake era and are made of fire-resistant concrete painted to look like wood.

Driving directions from San Francisco International Airport: Exit the airport and take US-101 N toward San Francisco, following the signs for the Civic Center. Take the 9th St / Civic Center exit. At the traffic signal, go straight onto Harrison St and proceed one block. Turn right onto 9th St and proceed about four blocks to Market St. Turn right onto Market St, and hotel is immediately on right.

Oakland International Airport (OAK): Approximate driving time to the Ramada Plaza Downtown is 25 minutes and distance is 20 miles.

Driving directions from Oakland International Airport: Exit the airport on Hegenberger Rd. Take I-880 N toward Oakland. Take I-80 W / San Francisco / Bay Bridge, crossing over the Bay Bridge. Bear right onto US-101 N. Take the 9th St / Civic Center exit. At the traffic signal, go straight onto Harrison St and proceed one block. Turn right onto 9th St and proceed about four blocks to Market St. Turn right onto Market St, and hotel is immediately on right.
Getting there: From SFO, taxis (more than $36), airport shuttles ($5-$15), BART trains (under $5), and rental cars are the most popular ways of getting to the hotel. Fees subject to change without notice. Airport shuttles are found on the Arrivals level of the airport, above baggage claim; no reservations are required. BART runs directly from the airport to the Civic Center Station, in front of the hotel. From OAK, taxis (more than $36), airport shuttles ($26-35), BART trains (under $5), and rental cars are the most popular options. Fees subject to change without notice. At OAK, airport shuttles require reservations. A BART shuttle departs every 10 minutes for the Coliseum Station, where guests can catch a train to the Civic Center Station. Car rentals are available online.

Getting around: Walking is a popular way of getting around the city. San Francisco's MUNI system offers routes throughout the city and includes electric streetcars, cable cars, trolleys, buses, and light rail. Several MUNI stops offering access to a variety of routes are in front of the hotel. All-day and three-day MUNI passes both cost between $5-$15 and are valid for unlimited travel and transfers. Fees subject to change without notice. The BART rail system provides access to much of the Bay Area, including Berkeley and Oakland; the Civic Center BART Station is in front of the hotel. Taxis are also available. Plentiful alternative transportation makes renting a car unnecessary, and parking in the city is generally scarce and expensive. For travel to outlying areas guests can rent a car for the day.