Hi, I'm staying for two nights in San Francisco in September. I've seen the San Remo Hotel and Fishermans Wharf hostel recommended on a previous post. San Remo has rooms available for when I'm there, the hostel says no vacancies, before I make a booking at San Remo does anyone have advice, or any other ideas from first hand experience? Thanks.

There are several more hostels in SF. At least 2 are Hostelling international (same group running fishermans wharf- ft Mason.) I wouldn't hesitate to stay at either of those two- I've yet to stay at a bad Hostelling international and I've stayed at several in the us. So I'd comparison shop before booking anything. I looked at all three- chose fishermans wharf only because it came with parking. What kind of bed set up are you looking for?

Hi Marvelousmouse (cool name),

I'm travelling solo and want to have my own room, but happy to share a bathroom. Happy for a 'mature peoples' hostel with nice ambiance, not a party place. Thanks.

Oh, and forgot to say - won't have a car!

Give ft Mason (fishermans wharf) a call. Availability totally disappears after beginning of August- I think what it is is that they haven't opened up the calendar for that late. No way is EVERYTHING sold out so soon.

And I think from what you've said, you'd really like that hostel!


(I understand the private room thing, but their 4 bunk dorms are so worth saving money- I've never had problems sleeping in the deluxe dorms)

Also ft Mason was great ambiance wise but if you're flying solo, and are cautious like me, I'll add you'll probably want to budget for taxis at night. The hostel is in the middle of an old army fort- that last bit near/in the fort is a lonely walk after dark. I didn't really feel "at risk"- just wanted to be sure. Location is great otherwise. One of the benefits of the fort location is that it's also very quiet in terms of sleep (unless you are unlucky enough to be there during the marathon.)

It all depends on what you're looking for.

Pacific Tradewinds Hostel - Nice, small friendly hostel. Good if you want to socialize with a small group of people.

Green Tortoise Hostel - Very big, noisy, hippy hostel. Good if you want to socialize with a big group of various people.

HI Fisherman's Wharf Hostel - Great location, somewhat institutional feel. Quiet, but maybe somewhat social. Best choice for older travelers, families, etc.

(Is there no way to edit/delete posts in this forum?!) I was going to edit that to say that the Green Tortoise is probably better described as somewhat big rather than very big.

Thanks everyone, I like the idea of being by the waterfront - also I did email Fishermans Wharf Hostel and, quite true, their online system doesn't reach as far as September and they have several options available. Emilya your suggestions get a good rap on Trip Advisor, I just have a gut feeling about Fisherman's Wharf. Also it seems close to things I want to look at, the standard attractions for my first (and brief) SF visit - Fishermans Wharf, Lombard Street, Alcatraz tour. Thanks again for your input.

Have fun! If you get a chance- the cable car museum was really neat. And Chinatown is a good spot for cheap lunch.

When in September? Oracle World starts about Sep. 19 or so and prices everywhere from 5 start to hostels will double and triple. September is a popular month for conventions.

Oh joy, I fly out on the 19th!

San Francisco is possible as a long day trip from Sacramento even without a car. My favorite HI hostel is the Victorian mansion at the corner of 10th & H in Sacramento.
The hostel is within walking distance of the Amtrak station and you can ride a Capitol Corridor train or the Coast Starlight if you can get up early enough (leaves 6:30AM) to Emeryville with a bus over to San Francisco.
You would want to take a bus back from Fisherman's Wharf to catch a Capitol Corridor instead of waiting for the CS which gets into Sacramento at midnight.

Wouldn't worry about it. Hostels don't generally double/triple in price- they do sell out, though, because the hotels' prices shoot up. Just reserve as soon as possible- if you think there's a chance you might stay longer, reserve extra nights because you can always cancel part of your reservation.

We stayed at San Remo. It was many years ago, but we really liked the location and it was clean and friendly. Based on the recent reviews, seems they've kept up the place just fine, I wouldn't hesitate booking there since you don't mind the shared-bath situation.

Thanks everyone, I've secured a booking at Fishermans Wharf Hostel in a private 'Houston' room, $109/night, apparently it's upstairs with a great view of the Bay and next door to the cafe but they assure me not as noisy as the rooms below the cafe! Think I can handle that. San Remo was my second choice. Looking forward to it!