has anyone recently stayed there. your opinions on the hotel, rooms, restaurant(s) and location would be appreciated. family member is considering it for her first trip (husband was there year ago) to san fran for 25th anniversary. thanks.

Where exactly is this hotel and what is the cross street? If this is Civic Center the area may be not safe.

the location is 333 fulton street - by gough and franklin streets - says 6 blocks from civic center

sorry don't know this particular area well, anybody?

When I pass it on the bus looks OK.

It is right behind the War Memorial Opera House in Hayes Valley and it is a safe neighborhood-I'd say less than 1/4 of a block from Opera House. I believe that many visiting musicians and singers stay there when performing at the opera house or Davies. Hayes Valley has numerous restuarants and shops and is a very lively neighborhood. Neither the Inn nor Hayes Valley are your typical tourist destinations-- which in my book is a good thing.

If you are staying in this neighborhood you must have a meal at Citizen Cake. A restaurant with its own (famous) bakery where you can choose any dessert you want from the glass case at the front of the place. Not just the usual desserts, but all kinds of puddings, cookies and homemade chocolates!

I just posted this to another thread:

"In case this is still of interest, I just the Inn at the Opera is quite nice. My friend just had her wedding at the War Memorial and spent the night here. The ambiance is very warm, cozy and there is that special attention to detail that I love. The rooms are very nice with great lighting. Every room is a queen and includes a microwave and fridge. I've never heard of the downstairs restaurant, Ovation.

Anyway, it's not particularly convenient to anything except for the Civic Center and Hayes Valley. I would recommend this place to people who come to SF frequently and are looking for a really nice place at a decent price. I just did a test pricing for one night in Oct and it came in at $99. Quite the deal!"

It's definitely romantic but not the best location if you've never been to SF. I would recommend another three star for that, like the Vintage Court or Kensington Park Hotel. As for the neighborhood... I wouldn't suggest walking around there late at night. I doubt anything would happen but it's better to be safe than sorry.

Hayes Valley, which is right in the vicinity, has great restaurants. Suppenkuche isn't romantic but is great German food. Citizen Cake is awesome. Indigo has some great prix fixe dinners. Jardiniere is a favorite and a very quick, safe walk from the hotel. Quince is a quick cab ride away and is one of the new French hot spots.