anonymouse

Has anyone stayed at this hotel located at California and Van Ness in San Francisco? Is it a good hotel and a good area? It seems to be centrally located and convenient to public transportation. I would appreciate the thoughts of anyone who has stayed there. Thanks so much.

anonymouse

Anyone?

Spike

Hi anonymouse. I live near SF and have actually stayed at this hotel with out-of-town guests. We got an exceptional deal at hotwire.com (I think under $80 per night), but otherwise I would not have stayed there. It is a fine hotel in an okay location, but nothing to write home about. There is a nice view from the higher floors but you will pay more for them and could be better located in the city for that price.

For just about the same price and also available on hotwire.com I'd suggest the Harbor Court Hotel located in the Embarcadero area. It is on the water in a much more attractive part of town and equally well-located to transportation options. In fact, perhaps a better location because you are walking distance to the Ferry Plaza where you can take a ferry to Alcatraz or Sausalito.

Another area of town I always like to suggest to visitors is the Marina or Cow Hollow. Also, North Beach is a fun part of town to stay in and centrally located.

Most tourists stay in the Union Square area or Fisherman's Wharf, and both areas offer much for the tourist. As a neighbor to SF, though, they wouldn't be my choice for just those same reasons.

Hope this helps. Good luck with your decision.

Faina

I don't know about the hotel, but for me this area would be safe and convenient if you don't mind occasional non-aggressive panhandlers. Good bus connection with all tourist places.

enjoylife

Use Priceline to get a better hotel at a better price. I stayed at the Radisson Fisherman's Wharf (3 star) for $45 and the Grand Hyatt San Francisco *4 star)for $61.

Have a great trip!

calnative

The area where this hotel is located is rather dity and run down (urine soaked sidewalks, garbage, as well as illicit activities I'd rather not have to explain; but I think you get the picture.) Faina's right about the panhandlers, although I would have to disagree with the description of them being non-agressive.

SAB

Haven't stayed there since I live in SF -- have been to conferences however. Seemed to be a fairly typical urban Holiday Inn. Van Ness is a very busy, centered divided street. Lots of traffic because it is a major link to the GGB. Hotel is far enough up Van Ness to be away from the edge of the Tenderloin (what I think Calnative had in mind) and close to the beginings of some upscale neighborhoods. SF is not that big and neighborhoods can change dramatically within a 2 block walk. Anyway, the end of the California cable car line is nearby. There are quiet a few mulitplex movie theatres in the area (the other reason why I go there). The hotel would not immediately spring to mind if someone was asking for a recommendation just because it is not in the usual tourist area, but I certainly wouldn't warn someone not to stay there.

Quinty

I stayed there once a few years back. It was an alright hotel. Nothing snazzy, but nothing gross either. I had a higher floor room that had a rather large window with a nice view. If you get a good deal, go for it!

applejaxs

It's ok, I much prefer the Holiday Inn at China Town (if you lean towards HI). If you have business near that area, it would be a fine choice, but I would opt for Cow Hollow or a smaller place over this block of a building.

kellyrr

I'd advise a smaller hotel in the Union Square area.. this hotel is not great. I attended a class there. Location is not that great and you're not as near to the happening area as you could be.. try www.hotelres.com - for my last 4 trips to San Francisco, I've used this site successfully. If you're looking for VERY inexpensive but good location and private bathroom.. check the King George. It's Small, clean and excellent location.