Re: MWSF hotels... have not gone in a few years, but if past experience means anything, it is probably too late to get a nice room near Moscone...
One I used to stay at in the early 90s when my budget was modest was The Nob Hill on... I think it is Pacific... it is not close to Moscone, but it is only a couple blocks to a cable car that goes down to within 2 blocks of Moscone... and the bonus is there is a nice cafe right next to the cable car stop near the Nob Hill...
Although, looking at this website: www.nobhillhotel.com I'd have to say the Nob Hill no longer resembles the AAA recommended modestly priced place where I used to stay -- looks more like... well... not exactly my cup of tea and probably way more expensive now...
The last 5 years I went to MWSF, I stayed at the Westin on Union Square... hard to beat, but needed an expense account to afford/justify it.
Or there is the Sir Francis Drake just a couple blocks up from the Westin... also features a must-see view from the top floor Harry Denton's Starlight Room -- dinner, dancing and cocktails supreme with an incredible view in all directions.
Jim