I will be in San Francisco alone for a few days and will stay at a hostel. Which are the best for meeting people and what are the neighborhoods like that they are in?

here's a link the the place i'd stay if i didn't live in SF: http://bayarea.citysearch.com/E/V/SFOCA/0000/31/44/

there are other hostels located closer to downtown and union square, but they're kinda crowded, dirty and in ify neighborhoods.

have fun!

There are two hiayh hostels in SF , www.hiayh.org , one at Ft Mason in what use to be an old army base and one downtown in what used to be the Virginia Hotel. The Ft Mason location would probably be more condusive to meeting people , much larger public areas where travellers hang out. The hostel itself looks out over the Golden Gate and is very close to the wharf. The Mason St hostel would have better chances of having a private room if that is a consideration. More centrally located , near the edge of the theater district , but an area that can change very quickly within a block. Of course that is also true of the Hilton which is kitty cornor to the hostel. We're a very small city and getting around by walking or public transportation is quite easy. Unless you are wanting a private room I would suggest Ft Mason both for the location and fellow travellers. These are both quite popular so take that into consideration depending on when you are planning on visiting. Check the citysearch site map for visitorinfo

THe Fort Mason hostel does have at least one private room (well, it has bunk beds in it) overlooking the Golden Gate bridge and across the hall from the women's bathroom. It is spare, but clean. Costs a little more than the dorms. There is a small cafe on the premises which has surprisingly good food at a nominal price (if I remember correctly, the room came with tickets for a free and good breakfast) and getting to the Wharf is a beautiful walk along the ocean. Flowers fall down the walls in one section of it. I'm in my 70's and was quite happy staying there; it would be perfect for someone with one child or grandchild - lots of open space in front and lots of dogs being walked nearby, too. There is a TV in the common room, along with computers and a fireplace. It was quiet, there were washers and dryers, and the grounds are lovely with lots of history attached to what was a former military base. I can recommend this hostel very highly.

with hotels so cheap right now in SF, I'm curious as to why you would want to stay in a hostel?

I'm curious as to why salina5 brought up a 10-year-old post!

I would be happy to stay at a hostel in San Francisco if the price was right. The Fort Mason hostel is in a good location.

Lee Ann

Fort Mason hostel is beautiful on weekends, deserted and scary to be alone at night.

Mason street is much better location, easier transport access, more eating places, more people around.

Hey, Andrew, time for another visit

Wow, I wasn't even around in 2000! Remember the Y2K fun?

ElendilPickle: "I'm curious as to why salina5 brought up a 10-year-old post! "

I'm curious as to <red>HOW</red> salina5 found a 10-year-old post to bring up!

>>Wow, I wasn't even around in 2000! Remember the Y2K fun?