AAE Amsterdam San Francisco is one of those old-time boarding house experiences everyone should have. Well run by kind and courteous staff who are always willing to give help and assistance twenty-four hours a day, this hostel gives a feeling that you are staying with friends you have known for years.
Location
Just a five-minute walk from Union Square, cable cars, Market Street (where you can catch public transport to anywhere in the city -- Alcatraz, Painted Ladies, Haight-Ashbury), and tourist information -- you are staying in the hub of the city. It's close also to Train and Greyound stops, but probably a bit far to walk, with your luggage. You can take a taxi for a small price from the station and save yourself the stress. A shuttle from the airport, will also cost you but will drop you at the door. The hostel is surrounded by local eateries and convenience stores, and the local pizza restaurant will even do room service!
Rooms and Bathrooms
The hostel is clean and comfortable. All rooms have individual lockers (bring your own lock), an adjoining bathroom, and are cleaned daily. Bunks are solid and comfortable -- no squeaking in the night and all linen is included (no sleeping bags allowed at all to avoid the spread of bedbugs, so if the thin, tatty blanket they provide is not enough you'll be sleeping in all your clothes too!)
Common Spaces
The biggest perks are the freebies -- free, all-you-can-eat waffle breakfast (make your own) and free internet access (both wireless and desktops). The hostel also has laundry, lounge, outdoor courtyard, luggage storage, and daily activities for guests. The hostel is in a good part of town, just near Union Square -- it seems to be somehow clear of the city's abundant beggars and homeless. They lock doors after dark, but all guests have an access code for twenty-four-hour access (no curfew). All dorm rooms are locked at all times. The hostel also offers female only dorms, and there were many solo female travelers staying here.
Summary
Overall, this is a very reasonably priced hostel that packs in everything you could need for a good stay.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
May 2007
Location/Contact
1.7 Average from 3 Ratings
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