The almost weekly San Francisco thread

[Bo Benn]

I'm heading for San Francisco for two days next week on my way to San Diego. Looked at a previous thread about hotels, but thing is I'm on a pretty tight budget leach so price is big concern for me.

 

Now I have a friend in Berkely, but I've heard that's quite a bit from the SF attractions. Does anyone know if can find a livable hotel for under $100 for two nights? Or is it okay to stay in Berkeley?

 

Also any further advice on what to do there. I'm about to book the Alcatraz tour. How long does it take? Does it matter what time I go?

BDB and the others who've been there - What would you say I shouldn't miss out on during two days?