Sunday, August 05, 2007

With everything from designer boutiques to funky shops to superstores to discount emporiums, San Francisco is a shopper's paradise that will delight vacationers and serious shoppers alike.

At the heart of San Francisco shopping is Union Square, featuring haute couture from designers like Chanel, Gucci, Hermes, and MaxMara, jewelry stores like Bulgari, Cartier, and Tiffany, funky boutiques like Three Bags Full, department stores like Macy's and Nordstrom, and familiar brands such as Nine West, Banana Republic and Victoria's Secret. You'll also find Virgin Megastore, Borders Books & Music and the Apple Store.

Not far from Union Square, in San Francisco's Financial District, the Embarcadero Center features brand names like Gap, Liz Claiborne, Ann Taylor, and Express Jeans. It also offers the Discovery Channel Store for science enthusiasts and the Giants Dugout for sports fans. Take a break and rest your feet at the Embarcadero Theater, showing alternative and independent films by top directors.

In the Italian District of San Francisco, North Beach, find European-inspired boutiques along Grant Avenue, vintage clothing stores, and music (Italian and otherwise).

Chinatown, tucked between North Beach and Union Square, offers eclectic shopping with import vendors that sell practically everything, including carved Buddhas, mahogany furniture, exotic teas, and fortune cookies.

Near San Francisco Bay and the Marina District, Chestnut Street offers a prime mix of neighborhood stores, trendy shops, and familiar chains like Williams-Sonoma and Body Shop.

If you are headed to San Francisco, CRSHotels.com has the perfect hotel for you. Choose the Hotel Mark Twain, the King George, Hotel Diva, the Adante, or Hotel Union Square. Stay at the Hotel Stratford, Hotel Griffon, the Kensington Park, the Mosser, or Hotel Fusion. Enjoy the Renoir, Hotel Metropolis, the La Luna Inn, or the Touchstone Hotel.