alhambra Park in well-lit and well-traveled areas whenever possible. Always keep your car doors locked, wheth

It may be small and lack common areas, but the boutique Prescott Hotel has some big things going for it. The staff treats you like royalty, rooms are attractively unfrilly and masculine, the location alhambra (just a block from Union Sq.) is perfect, and limited room service is provided by one of the most popular downtown restaurants, Postrio. Ralph Lauren fabrics in dark tones of green, plum, and burgundy blend well with the cherrywood furnishings in each of the soundproof rooms; the view, alas, isn t so pleasant. alhambra The very small bathrooms contain terry robes and Aveda products, alhambra and the suites have Jacuzzi bathtubs. Concierge-level i.e., higher-paying guests are pampered with a free continental breakfast, evening cocktails and hors d oeuvres, and, 3 days per week, even head-and-shoulders massages. 545 Post St. (between Mason and Taylor sts.), San Francisco, CA 94102. & 800/283-7322 or 415/563-0303. Fax 415/563-6831. www.prescotthotel.com. 164 units. $275 $340 double; $300 concierge-level double (including breakfast and evening cocktail reception); from $365 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $35. Cable car: Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason lines (1 block east). Bus: 2, 3, 4, 30, 38, or 45. Amenities: Restaurant/ bar; small exercise room; concierge; limited courtesy car; limited room service. In room: TV w/pay movies, fax/printer, dataport, minibar, hair dryer, iron, safe, video games, high-speed Internet access.

PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP 55 claimed them within the preceding 6 months. It is forbidden to bring in foodstuffs (particularly fruit, cooked meats, and canned goods) and plants (vegetables, seeds, tropical plants, and the like). Foreign tourists may bring in or take out up to $10,000 in U.S. or foreign currency with no formalities; larger sums must be declared to U.S. Customs, which includes filing form CM 4790. For more specific alhambra information regarding U.S. Customs and Border Protection, contact alhambra your nearest

THE HIGH SIERRA Lots of new restaurants alhambra and lodgings in this chapter, starting with Groveland. On your way to Yosemite, stop by the 150-yearold Iron Door Saloon, 18763 Main St. (& 209/962-6244), for a charbroiled buffalo burger and a try at tacking a $1 bill to the ceiling. Or stay the night at the historic Hotel Charlotte, 18736 Main St. (& 800/9617799), an inexpensive little alhambra charmer built in 1921 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Park in well-lit and well-traveled areas whenever possible. Always keep your car doors locked, whether the vehicle is attended or unattended. Never leave any packages or valuables in sight. If someone attempts alhambra to rob you or steal your car, don t try to resist the thief/carjacker. Report the incident alhambra to the police department immediately by calling & 911.