Steep Discounts in San Francisco

The city of San Francisco, a favorite destination of senior travelers, is now offering a number of attractive discounts for museums, hotels and various forms of transportation. Some highlights:

* The National Maritime Museum Assn. has two exhibits at Fisherman’s Wharf dedicated to the preservation of America’s maritime heritage. One is the Maritime National Historic Park that includes two tall ships, a ferryboat, a schooner and a classic car collection. The $3 admission fee is waived for seniors over age 62. The second exhibit features the World War II submarine, the USS Pampanito, and includes a self-guided tour demonstrating what life was like aboard that submarine, and telling the story of how it sunk six Japanese submarines. The regular $4 admission is reduced to $1 for seniors over 62. For brochures, write NMMA, Presidio of San Francisco, Building 275, Crissy Field, San Francisco 94129-9906; telephone (415) 929-0202.

* The Academy of Sciences in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park is composed of three popular sites: the Natural History Museum, the Steinhart Aquarium and the Morrison Planetarium. One admission price provides access to the academy for seniors over 64. The regular entry of $7 is discounted to $4. For a brochure, write to the California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco 94118.

A ride on San Francisco’s municipal bus system, known as Muny, costs $1 except for seniors over 65, for whom the price is reduced to 35. Cable car fare is reduced one-third, from $3 to $2. The wide-ranging rapid transit system (BART) that covers San Francisco and its peninsula to the south, plus East Bay communities such as Oakland and Richmond, offers a booklet of tickets worth $16 for $1.60 for travelers over 65.

Many Bay Area hotels offer discounts to mature travelers:

The Grant Plaza Hotel is at the entrance to San Francisco’s Chinatown, one block from the city’s financial district near restaurants, shopping and the cable car. The Plaza is a good buy for seniors over 55, who get a room with a double or twin bed for $39 per night (regular rate $52 and $55). (800) 472-6899.

Hyde Park Suites at Fisherman’s Wharf is offering a “suite deal” that provides guests with discounts based on their ages, at the rate of $1 off for each year of age if they plan their visit so that they arrive within five days before or after their birthday. For example, a guest age 65 would receive a $65 discount from the room rate. Any guest age 100 or older stays free. Regular rates for a one-bedroom suite range from $165 to $190 (prices do not reflect birthday discounts). The offer is valid until June 30, with proof of birthday at check-in. (800) 227-3608.

The Kimco Management Co. group of West Coast hotels, most of them in the San Francisco area, caters to the senior market. Many Kimco hotels are older, landmark-type hotels that have been completely redecorated with working fireplaces and antique furnishings. Most have cable TV, VCRs, writing desks and other amenities. They are smaller, intimate lodgings with between 100 and 200 rooms. Senior rates are generally valid for AARP members or guests 55 or older. Among them are:

* The Bedford Hotel, in the theater district near Union Square, has a senior rate of $94 (regular $119). (800) 227-5642.

* Cartwright Hotel, near Union Square, cable cars, major department stores. Rate $89 single or double (30% off the regular $109 minimum). (800) 227-3844.

* Galleria Park Hotel, in the heart of the financial district, one block from Chinatown, two blocks from Union Square. Rate $105 (regular rate $149). (800) 792-9639.

* Harbor Court Hotel, a historic waterfront hotel in the financial district, near ferry terminals. Weekday rate $115, weekends $99 (regular rates begin at $150). (800) 346-0555.

* Juliana Hotel, near fashionable Nob Hill. Daily rate $95 (regular rate begins at $134). (800) 328-3880.

* Monticello Inn, very central location at Union Square. Rate $99 (regular $120). (800) 669-7777.

* Prescott Hotel, central location near theaters and shopping. Rate (deluxe queen) $110 (regular $165). (800) 283-7322.

* Hotel Triton, in the heart of downtown at the entrance to Chinatown. Rate $98 single or double (regular $129). (800) 433-6611.

* Tuscan Inn, in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf, near cable car terminal, Pier 39 attractions. High season (April through October) rate $143 (regular $178). (800) 648-4626.