AAE SF European Hostel

The easiest way to go to the European Hostel is by public transportation -- the tram or the bus. When you are arriving by car, you should be aware that the hostel does not have its own parking spaces. Parking in the street nearby is prohibited, but right across the little street there is a small parking lot, where you can leave the car for a fee. There are a lot of homeless people on the streets nearby, so it's not in the best part of town but it's still reasonably safe.

The reception in the hostel is not always occupied. It is better to call before arriving or you might have to wait on the street until somebody arrives.

The hostel has mixed two-, four-, and six-bed dorms. They are very small and only very sparsely furnished. There is a shared kitchen, fully equipped with a microwave, fridge, stove and dishes. There are also four tables and chairs to sit on, if you'd like to eat in the kitchen. Eating in the dorms is prohibited. Free tea and coffee is available in the kitchen and if you'd like to watch TV, there is a huge TV for general use in the kitchen. The kitchen is not too clean -- be aware of little animals in the toaster.

The bathrooms and toilets are very small too and they don't always smell good. One good thing is that they should have a storage room so if your train, bus, or plane goes late. And they do have a little terrace on the roof of the house.

All in all the hostel is cheap, but not too clean. It's not very far away from all the major tourist attractions, especially from lots of museums in SOMA.