HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel

I did a lot of comparing, reading reviews and going back and forth with where to stay while in San Francisco. I wanted a central location but also not too close to the ”less safer” areas. The room was small but comfy. The room was a bit humid throughout the day and warm at nights but the phan, that was already in the room, helped a lot. There was also a radiator ready to be used, if needed. The kitchen facilities were great and the breakfast was a nice plus. It is a basic breakfast with bread, eggs and oat müesli, but it gave a good start for the day, especially for someone who needs their breakfast as soon as they get up. Some of the reviews warned about noise coming from the streets and surely, if one is a light sleeper, they might need earplugs (available downstairs). I was actually surprised that it was not as noisy as I imagined. The building itself is very quiet and the noise from the streets was minimal to our room. The location was truly superb. The hostel is very accessible and close to the public transport. It is also at walking distance to pretty much everything. I felt safe in the area and I did not think that it was too close to the ”less safer” areas. There are grocery stores, department stores and shopping possibilities nearby. Cable car runs from a close by station and you’ll walk to Fisherman’s wharf in no time. WiFi worked like a dream. The hostel also takes care of the environment by recycling which is always a great thing. I liked the shower heads showing how much I have used water and how to keep my water usage in control. I truly recommend this hostel for short and long stays. I would most likely stay here again, if I visit San Francisco.

This hostel is clean, safe and friendly. There is a cosy international traveller feel and everybody says hello at breakfast. The breakfast is simple but served on time in the communal kitchen, where you can also cook and bring your own extras. You wash your own dishes. There is a "bohemish" lounge room where you can relax if jetlag keeps you awake out of hours. The staff is friendly and helpful. There is staff on the door/reception 24 hours. There is fast reliable internet. The rooms are simple but clean. Showers are warm and toilets clean. As a single female traveller, I felt safe and comfortable. The hostel provided bed linen and towels. When I visited many of the guests were visiting a large professional/academic conference, and there was a mixture of genders and ages, which also included younger holidaymakers. The location is convenient for the Moscone center, SFMOMA, and for catching the classic cable cars, or the vintage streetcars trams to the piers. It is an easy walk from the BART underground Powell Street station which connects directly to the SFO airport.

The hostel is situated in the city centre, and in all city centres, there is some expected level of noise. San Francisco has a big issue with homelessness and drug use and seeing people suffering in the streets in the city centre is a difficult experience. Although I was not feeling in any particular danger, and the people living in the streets seem to not engage with tourists, I did not feel totally safe and comfortable in the city centre. (This is obviously not the fault of the hostel).

Great price/value ratio, good size room and private bathroom, great location close by downtown SF and close to restaurants and shops, friendly staff, convenient kitchenette and laundry room

Overall, we were pleased with the room. The bath had an unattractive stain, which made it feel dirty (it's just an old stain that can no longer be removed), although the whole place was actually properly cleaned.

Location was great close to public transport and to Union square, homeless around but during the day was fine, bed was comfy and room was very clean and nice, staff was helpful

Not the hostels fault but I didn't feel safe to walk alone at night due the homeless

Great facilities. Breakfast was also provided every morning. Only 2 public showers and toilet on every floor, but I didn’t have to wait every time I need it. One of the greatest hostel I’ve ever stayed.

Many teenagers or students stayed here during the camp or a trip, which can be really noisy.

This Hostel is located very close to the Union Square and many transport options like BART station where you can get train to the airport. They offer breakfast in the morning which consist of hard boiled eggs, toast bread, butter, jam, oats, ,milk and bananas. In the morning there is tea and coffee available and for the rest of the day there is machine with hot and cold water. Fully equipped kitchen allow you to cook your own meals and there is a fridge to store all your food. They will store your luggage after check out up to 10pm for free. There is a lounge area and launderette (they provide detergent). Bed was comfortable and I had a little sink in the room as well as some chairs and little table, which was very handy. Check out is at 11am.

Part of the staff was not very interested in helping you but they do answer all your questions. The hairdryer in my room was not working. It would be great if they offer different options for breakfast on different days as if you stay there for few days it gets really boring. People do not really stick to the quite hours so earplugs are recommended. Be warned that they allow children there and a huge group of teenagers were staying the same time as me...you can imagine that this was not fun. Water under the shower was not very hot but ok.

Really enjoyed the location of this property, and the fact reception is 24 hours. We felt very safe and secure here. The breakfast was basic but appreciated.

The shower rooms were pretty grim at the best of times.

Great location, room was comfortable and staff were friendly.

Unfortunately the streets of San Francisco are very noisy and the window in our room was very thin - some earplugs did the trick though!

The location is great. The hostel is centrally located. There are a lot of homeless people downtown but I always felt safe because there was always staff at the reception and guests need their room card to get in so no strangers would have access to the hostel. It was never loud and we couldn’t hear steps or any noise from rooms around us.

The nights were really cold so I recommend to bring long sleeve pyjamas. They turned off the main electricity next to the sink every night until the morning so I couldn’t charge anything there but we had individual plugs connected to our bed. The lights were also not working during the night and morning so we had to use the bathroom without lights during the night and morning.

Great breakfast, easy access to trains nearby.

Be careful at night as located close to tenderloin and lots of homeless around.