ars5960

Review of Hostelling International San F...

I hadn't planned on staying here, but since it was...

I hadn't planned on staying here, but since it was close to where a friend of mine, whom I haven't seen in 20+ years, it fit the bill, as I didn't have to spend too much time navigating all the one-way streets.

I got a private room (2 beds) with a private bathroom, which for me, was worth the extra dollars. Yet, still more affordable than nearly anywhere else in the heart of downtown SF.

However, getting here was no easy task. Even though I never got lost (yea), in driving South on Mason, I was in the wrong lane for the garage, which was on the other side of one of many one-way streets.

So, I had to make a BIG loop to get back here, which took a bit of time since the streets were so crowded with vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, mopeds and cyclists.

Once I parked, and dispite the chaos in the lobby, and several guests milling about, the place was relatively clean, quite (excluding street noise) and comfortable.

Even though there were 3 staff members checking people, it took a bit of time as those guests/new residents had a lot of questions.

I got a private room (2 beds) with a private bathroom, which for me, was worth the extra dollars. Yet, still more affordable than nearly anywhere else in the heart of downtown SF.

In a Hostel, things work a lot differently than elsewhere. You get a badge that contains your name, checkout date and key card all in one.

The elevator reminds me of those in Europe (small, sliding door and manual operated door + only 1 floor at a time; 1st push, 1st go. So, you could find yourself going from the lobby, to the 4th floor (I was on the 5th), then back down to the lobby).

The room was small and sparse, but functional. Good for a night. Though I wouldn't want to be here for an extended amount of time.

At night, the curtains are too thin, so all outside lighting filters into the room, leaving the room in a perpetual dawn.

While the noise from inside was minimal, the street noises were intrusive (luckily, my hearing issues helped a lot here).

An interesting experience. But, not one I would care to repeat.

Boy, but what a racket they (the city + Hostel) got going here! I paid a $6 toll to drive 6.5 miles, $176+ for a small room, and I had to take my dirty linen down with me. Then, to top that off, I had to pay $35 for parking, and I wasn't even there 13 hours! Sheesh!