Hotel des Arts: http://www.sfhoteldesarts.com/index.php

Although it's sort've ghetto and can be loud, it's a step-up from the hostels. Actually, the two hostels downtown are both pretty good and go for really cheap (used to be $25/night).

If you want a more standard fare hotel, just use hotwire. I've used it twice and gotten some really cheap rates. There's generally a low $100s rate for a 4.5 star hotel in SOMA - that's the Intercontental as it's the only 4.5 there. Not as much character as des arts but you can't beat the veiws for the price. Also, the Queen Anne Hotel is pretty funky and they often have good deals going if you call and ask them.

Hope that helps.

Define "reasonable rates" - SF is an expensive city.

Define "reasonable fares" - SF is an expensive city.

Palomar :)

The Baldwin. It was clean, comfortable, cheap and located in a good spot - right outside the entry into Chinatown.

http://baldwinhotel.com/

Try the Mosser Hotel. Right downtown, nicely designed. Cheap. We've often stayed there. Many of the rooms have shared baths, but for the price? Great deal!

The Mosser

Joie de Vivre has quite a collection -- all at decent rates for SF.

http://www.jdvhotels.com/