Hello all,

Coming to San Francisco in early May for some classes. The "school" is on Union St. right near the water, and I'm looking at a few hotels nearby (sort of). I have narrowed down my list, and any opinions you have on these properties would be greatly appreciated.

My main concerns are: cleanliness, safety and a good "starting-point" location.

Hotel Mosser

Hotel Des Arts

Galleria Park Hotel

I like the Hotel Mosser and Hotel Des Arts because they look funky and cool. However, the Galleria is having a very tempting Buy 2 Nights Get One Free special.

Can anyone vouch for the quality of these hotels?

Thanks!

I have stayed at the Galleria Park several times - most recently about a year ago. I had heard that they were remodeling some of the rooms, but don't know this for a fact. The rooms I've stayed in have been large, but pretty dated, with some peeling paint/wallpaper, thin, worn carpeting, rusty bathrooms, etc. The last room, the bathroom was so tiny that the toilet was behind the door and right between the wall and the shower (no tub). Street noise was a problem on all of my stays. OK, those were the cons. The pros - nice bar downstairs, very nice staff, great little raised garden area, very convenient to Union Square. I am NOT a fussy hotel person - all I really want is simple and clean - but I don't think I'd stay at GP again - I've given it several tries and think it's time to move on..

Brandie- Did you mean Union Street or Union Square? The hotels you mentioned are closer to Union Square and Market Street area not Union Street. If you want to give me the school name or address I could help. Will you have a Car? There are motor inns near Union Street in the Marina/ Cow Hollow district that are nice and have free parking (Chesea Motor Inn, Coventry Motor Inn, etc.). I have personally stayed at the Coventry on Lombard Street and it was very nice and clean.

Hi trippinkpj,

No, I did mean Union Street - it's at 1 Union St.

I will not have a car, but I like to walk and will also take public transportation and/or cabs. It doesn't appear as though there are many hotels very near the school, so I'm willing to say up to a mile away.

Thanks for your help!

This is really just an excuse for a bump, but...

Made a reservation at the Mosser. Is anyone familiar with that hotel?

I looked up the location (hello, LoveItaly ) it's on 4th @ Market, in the shopping area! Bring lots of greens

Good choice.

Hi brandie (and Hi back Faina) guess this is a newly renovated botique hotel from what their website says. I am not familar with it. Notice that they have some rooms that have a hallway bathroom rather than an ensuite bathroom so imagine those rooms are reasonably priced.

Union St. ends at Pier 17 at the Embarcadero. You can walk if you like walking or take the street car (F Line) that runs on Market (where your hotel is located) and goes up the Embaradero. So that is good. And the location of your hotel is perfect!! Imagine you will be quite happy with your hotel selection brandie. Enjoy your time in San Francisco!!

I've heard good things about the Hotel Mosser. Although I think there are good properties closer to your school. I'll check to see if it's close to my faves on Lombard street (Coventry Motor Inn, Chelsea Motor Inn, Cow Hollow Inn & Suites).

My places are near the other end of Union Street, so not that close. I think the Mosser will be good (I've seen it though haven't stayed there), and you can use the Muni rail line. It's right by the Metreon also. I stayed at the Pickwick near there at 5th and Mission. It's an okay there, just use care after dark.

Thanks everyone!

brandie, any feedback on the hotel?

Oh sure!

Stayed at the Mosser and it was just great. I requested a room that might be quiet, and got a top floor room off the street. Never heard another soul. Room was good-sized (for one person, I guess) and the bathroom was not too small. Bed was quite comfortable. Nice decoration, not the crappy bedspreads you see at a chain hotel, but no local art on the wall like you might see at the Hotel De Arts. Comfortable, you might say.

Free wireless internet was great. Fridge in the room - used it for my own stuff, didn't eat any of theirs. Very convenient. Aveda shampoo and conditioner which I'm not ashamed to say I stole every day and put in my bag.

They have a free wine hour every day, not my thing, but seemed a nice social setting. They also have a free business center if you didn't bring a laptop.

Excellent staff, asked one of the women behind the desk for several recommendations and she came thru each time. Also, on their website they have some great 'city guides' that you can also get at the hotel. I really liked those. Also stored my bags when I got there before my room was ready and I wanted to go walk around.

Cafe Andree attached to hotel was wonderful. Small, never seemed very busy, but the two dishes I had were excellent. Empenadas and a smoked corn ravioli that was one of the most interesting dishes I've ever had. Highly recommended. Only ate there once 'cos I wanted to visit other places.

Location was absolutely perfect, on Sutter and Powell. Walked and rode public transport everywhere. 1/2 block from trolley, 4 blocks (?) from streetcar and BART. Lori's Diner on the corner, typical diner food, ate breakfast there 3 times. What can I say, I love pancakes. Three or four coffeehouses within walking distance, good for evening socializing, some with free WiFi (Cafe Royale). About 2 blocks from Union Square and all the shopping and restaurants.

Overall I give it an A+, and as I recall I even got a deal on the rate (I think it was like 20% off if you book X number of days). The only reason I wouldn't stay there again is that I like to go new places. Of course, with that logic, I might not go back to San Fran

Thanks for Sharing Brandie. I've thought about staying at the Mosser in the future, so I appreciate your report.

Sounds like a great deal!

I was confused though by you mentioning it was at Sutter and Powell. So I checked the website:
http://www.themosser.com/location.html
It's on 4th Street near Mission and close also to Market.
Thanks again Brandie.

Ok, I think I figured out the problem...

I didn't stay at the Mosser.

I stayed at the Hotel Rex.

And I'm known amongst my friends for having a really good memory...

How funny!

How was Diamond Lake? (or do you remember?)

See now that was just last week, so yes, I remember

It was great. Perfect weather Monday, we swam and fished, talked and ate. Just what I needed.

Rained all day Tuesday, I sat in the boat. While it was docked and suspended out of the water under its 'shorestation'. It was the only place outside that was covered. Read a book, ate fresh apple cobbler and tooled around on my laptop (ah, wifi).

Wednesday the sun came out enough for us to swim, then I had to come back home.

Grilled out all three nights, man there's nothing like fresh grilled corn!

LOL. I know, all of our research into the various places seeps into our minds. I can relate.

I did -walk by- the Mosser, just to give it a look see, and I'm glad I stayed where I did. Seemed a little less hectic.