San Francisco Hotel Tips by CarolynShort

This one of the friendliest hotels I've stayed in. I was there for 10 days. My room was large, traditionally decorated, with drinks and snack bar, TV, shower/bath, fax machine, alarm clock, double bed, sofa, writing table, and drawers. My view was into central courtyard, which I think was quieter than looking into street.

My favourite thing was acomplimentary wine reception from 17:30-18:30 every evening, with a choice of red/white/white zinfandel and delicious chicken wings to nibble.

Perry's Restaurant next to Reception was also good.

The surrounding area was also safe enough, well away from Tenderloin, yet within 5 minutes walk from Union Square, and Montgomery BART station.

Unique Qualities: The hotel also had a garden on the second floor, offering an oasis of greenery and peace in the centre of the city.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$120-180  » Currency Converter
Phone: (415) 781-3060
Address: 191 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94104
Website: http://www.galleriapark.com" target=_blank rel="nofollow">www.galleriapark.com
Other Contact: (800) 792-9639

Good base in central San Francisco, very close to Union Square, and Powell Street and not too close to Tenderloin. Other central IYH hostel was in a much dodgier area a couple of blocks away.

I had a private room, with bunk beds, sink, locker and chair, and two windows looking into air shafts. Shared shower / toilet facilities in hallway. Only about $35 per night with $3 reduction for Hostel Association members. Family, en suite, and dorm rooms also available at different rates.

Unique Qualities: Fairly plainly decorated, and large kitchen only equipped with fridge, toaster and microwave, but plenty of restaurant options around.

Offered range of activities, including day trips to Yosemite, or Wine Tasting in Napa, or free walking tours around the city.

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Theme: Hostel
Comparison: least expensive
Prices: US$20-40  » Currency Converter
Address: Mason / O'Farrell
Directions: On the corner of Mason and O'Farrell. Look for 'Hotel Virginia' sign
Website: http://www.norcal.org" target=_blank rel="nofollow">www.norcal.org

Spent 5 nights here.... not the cheapest place in town, but can get good deals on travel sites. The hotel is located on Sutter Street, 4 blocks west of Powell Street (5 minute walk?), so pretty well placed for Union Square and the cable cars. Immediate area seemed safe, so long as you didn't head down Jones towards O'Farrell and Ellis, then things start to feel ominous (but to be fair, we had no trouble).

Our hotel room was clean, brightly decorated, and large (twin), with TV, large walk-in wardrobe with little fridge, decent shower and hair dryer. Our view was a bit disappointing - into an air shaft, but then I'd requested a quiet room which presumably doesn't mean a street view.

Didn't try the breakfast in the adjoining cafe , but looked OK, and there's always the cool Cafe Bean over the road.

On the other side of the hotel is the Red Room, a bar in which everything is red!


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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$80-120  » Currency Converter
Address: 825 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Website: http://www.jdvhospitality.com/hotels/hotel/4