We (the wife and I, as well as our 2 grown children) are planning a trip to San Francisco in late June to see the mighty orange and french vanilla play in person. It's been several years since we were there, and at that time we had relatives that we could stay with in the city - but that is no longer the case.

So I'm looking for advice, either from natives or from others in the Diaspora like me who have recently made pilgrimages to the House That Bonds Built.

Primarily, I'm looking for advice on hotels in the city. Where have you stayed that you enjoyed, or where should we avoid? And a larger question: what part(s) of town should we ignorant touristy-types avoid?

Plans are to visit Fisherman's Wharf, Ghiradelli Square, Chinatown, Pier 39, various sites along the Embarcadero, and of course PacificBell Park PacBell Park AT&T Park Mays Field. Union Square seems to have a lot of hotels, and also seems rather centrally located. Anything I should know about that area?

All help greatly appreciated. I hope to meet some of you at the game (June 27th vs. the hated Dodgers).