San Francisco Hotel Tips by goshawk301

Before its renovation, the Clift had a warm, most inviting and charming lobby/reception area. I had passed by the hotel entrance many times on my trips to San Francisco, thinking I'd love to stay there one day; and eventually I did get to stay, and enjoy the hotel. Then came the renovation....

On my second visit, I arrived at the hotel on a Friday night, quite late, in March, 2003. There was industrial music pumping out from the back of the lobby area; the crowd was spilling out onto the sidewalk outside. I asked the doorman "is there a party going on?" He replied "it's Friday night, and it's the Clift!" At the reception desk, I had to be shouting to the receptionist (who was very helpful, and upgraded the room so that I could stay smoke-free) in order to overcome the music.

Alas, the lovely lobby is no more. The new lobby is a square, gray space dominated by a curious, way oversized French chair. There are seating areas around the periphery of the lobby areas, recessed and rather dark. I liked the elevators, each with differently colored (although very dim) interior lighting.

Even before the renovation, I didn't think the room itself was all that remarkable; and that impression carried over to the post-renovation Clift. Philippe Starck's interior design is light, elegant and delightful (I liked the acrylic bedside tables) but, at least in my room, it couldn't quite mask the fact that the room was basically a shoebox. Especially after dark, when the room lost natural light, it turned somewhat dreary. On the other hand, I liked the "Agua" toileteries.

Perhaps working in a hotel like this makes employees themselves feel self-conscious? While I have no complaints whatsoever about their friendliness, competence etc., I had a vague feeling that many of them themselves didn't feel quite comfortable about the place either!

Unique Qualities: Go to the Clift for the style. Keep in mind though that style is not the same as character or personality.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$180 and up  » Currency Converter
Address: 495 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102

From its location right on the corner of 4th and Market, I wouldn't have expected the Palomar to be such a quiet, intimate hotel. This hotel occupies upper floors of a retail building, with only an entrance and reception - hardly a lobby - at the ground level. (There is some lobby space adjacent to the bar/restaurant on the fifth floor.) The staff is friendly, upbeat and helpful. My room faced the inner courtyard (thankfully!) but was bright, with a nice proportion (single King) and a warm, stylish decor (contemporary deco). Fast internet access and a CD player were much appreciated. The fitness center is tiny, but serviceable.

The Fifth Floor restaurant serves innovative French-inspired fare; I had delicious duck accompanied by an exquisite glass of burgundy. It is upscale but not too snobbish, in line with the character of the hotel.

All in all this was one of the best hotel stays I had in San Francisco. I will surely return.

Unique Qualities: Outstanding characteristics - Being so quiet and cosy given its "extremely" central location.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$180 and up  » Currency Converter
Address: 12 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Book a bayview room at the Harbor Court and you are in for a treat! Across the Embarcadero, you get to see the changing lights and maritime traffic of the San Francisco Bay, accented by the crossing of the Bay Bridge. My room was decorated in tasteful tones of gray; it was small (this hotel is part of a renovated old YMCA) but was adequate for myself. Still, if you are traveling with family or otherwise need space, you should be aware of this. Also, the hotel is some distance away from Union Square and, depending on the purpose of your trip, may not be most conveniently located.

Unique Qualities: View! And its location away from the Union Square crowd.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$180 and up  » Currency Converter
Address: 165 Steuart St, San Francisco, CA 94105

The Cornell is a French-themed bed-and-breakfast hotel. The location is excellent, halfway between Union Square and Nob Hill and just off the Powell streetcar line. It reminded me of a small European town hotel. Each floor is named after a French painter, and the corridor is decorated with art reproductions as well as Jeanne d'Arc memorabilia (that's also the name of the cozy French restaurant in the basement, where complimentary breakfast is served.)

I got a superior-grade queen room on the fourth floor ("etage Chagall"). It was rather small (made me wonder what size a standard room would be like) and plain, but clean and comfortable, and it had most amenities a regular traveler would need. The bathroom had a nice, deep claw-footed tub.

Although the hotel is French the breakfast is American! It was not overwhelmingly big - coffee, juice, two eggs with a slice of bacon and toast - and I thought was just right.

Overall I thought this hotel was an excellent deal for San Francisco, especially for the location, overall coziness, and breakfast.


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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$80-120  » Currency Converter
Address: 715 Bush Street, , San Francisco, California 94108