02/07/07

Great location, but not optimal for business traveler.

by tamahome

Great location, within walking distance of the Moscone Center, BART, Muni, and the mall at Powell. The smoke-free rooms are pleasant, though the contrast between the slightly peeling paint in the fan-less bathrooms and the marble panels provided unintentional humor. The refrigerator is greatly appreciated, while the flaky TV's that randomly lose channels, not quite as much. The tiny gym room is good for only a few aerobic machines, but at least all machines are in good working order.

It should be noted that this is a poor hotel for business travelers. The "business center" has only two computers and a printer, lacking even the most rudimentary office supplies like staplers, scotch tape, or even paper notepads. The wireless network is only accessible from the lobby and the mezzanine, while the in-room Internet access is limited to wired, 10 Mbps Ethernet. (The actual bandwidth is closer to 25 KB/sec.) The second floor rooms do not even have wired Internet access--avoid! There is no space in standard room for impromptu business meetings, unless your business is appropriate when sitting on the bed. The desk provided can hold a small laptop, and free outlets are difficult to come by for travelers with many rechargeable gadgets.

• Pros: Location, room price
• Cons: Lousy/unavailable Internet, lacking business traveler support, parking price

05/13/05

What a deal, what a value

by wbinder2001

Clean, comfortable, cheap and a GREAT location. Right next to the shopping centre, a block from the BART and a block and 1/2 from the cable car turn around. Room was small, but who goes to San Francisco to sit in a hotel room? Refrigerator and Internet connection were nice touches. Staff was friendly and helpful.

The hotel has recently been remodeled and it shows. Will definitely stay there again.

• Pros: location, price, value

05/18/04

Reasonable rates for pleasant rooms in a convenient location for conventioneers.

by Contributor

The Scene
With its South of Market location, this hotel doesn't reside in a traditional tourist spot. Still, it's within easy walking distance of Union Square and Chinatown. And if you're in town for a convention, you couldn't pick a better setting--the hotel is next to Moscone Center. Proximity to the grassy slopes and waterfalls of Yerba Buena Park is a plus.

The Details
With its vaulted ceilings and marble reception desk, the hotel is famous for being featured in Dashiell Hammett's book The Maltese Falcon. Its 188 rooms are simple but warmly decorated with a cream, gold, and red color-scheme. Larger than average, they have space for a bed, desk, armchair, ottoman and armoire. Overall, though, the look is somewhat worn. As if to make up for the lackluster style, amenities include cotton robes and Nintendo in addition to standards like TVs, hair dryers and coffee makers.