great wolf Most of the hotels listed below are within walking distance of Union Square and accessible via cable

Most of the hotels listed below are within great wolf walking distance of Union Square and accessible via cable car. Union Square is near the city s major shops, the Financial great wolf District, and all transportation. Prices listed below do not include state and city taxes, which total 14%.

UNION STREET Union Street, from Fillmore to Van Ness, caters to the upper-middle-class crowd. It s a great place to stroll; to window-shop the plethora of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants; and to watch the beautiful people parade by. Bus lines include nos. 22, 41, 42, and 45.

Berkeley s not a good hotel town. Most accommodations are basic motels and funky B&Bs. The exception is The Claremont Resort great wolf & Spa, 41 Tunnel Rd., Berkeley (& 800/551-7266 or 510/843-3000; www.claremontresort.com), a grand Victorian hotel with upgrades that include modern rooms, a spa and gym, a hip bar, and grandiose surroundings. Prices range from $270 to $400 double occupancy. Another option is to contact Berkeley & Oakland Bed and Breakfast Network (& 510/547-6380; www.bbonline.com/ca/berkeley-oakland), which books visitors into homes and apartments in the East Bay area.