HI - San Francisco Downtown (Union Square)

We checked in to HI - San Francisco, Downtown Hostel twice during a short stay at San Francisco and at both times, we were very satisfied with the condition of the rooms we got.

The hostel is very centrally located, one block behind the Union Square and can be easily found. Around the hostel are many mini-markets and restaurants -- some even open for twenty-four hours -- so looking for food is definitely not a problem. Just across the street, there is a travel booth for you to sign up for any tours within the city. From the hostel, you can easily walk to Chinatown which is about fifteen minutes away and if you have the time, you can also take a slow walk to Pier 39 and Fisherman Wharf (when we did it, it took fifty-three minutes). There are many uphills and downhills along the way -- if you don't have the stamina, take the cable car.

Powell BART station is just a three-minutes walk away and it takes you all the way to the San Francisco International Airport. On arrival, take the BART train to Powell Station. From the Powell BART Station, take the Union Square exit. Turn left and walk up the road. At the junction take a left turn to Farell Road until you come to Mason Street junction. Turn right and the hostel is just three doors away.

The dorm rooms are very spacious (during two different stays, we experienced two different rooms on two different floors). Both the rooms have attached bathrooms -- they are really clean and spotless. Common bathrooms and toilet are also available along the corridors outside the bedrooms. The bedrooms and bathrooms are very spacious and there are also in-room lockers. You just need to bring along a padlock. If you need extra storage, it is available for a cost per twelve hours and these lockers are computerised and password protected. The bedrooms have chairs and one of the rooms we stayed in -- on the second floor -- has a small round table too. Each bed has a comforter blanket. When you check in, they will provide you with a pillowcase, a bed sheet, a linen, and a bath towel at no extra charge. They have housekeeping services as well.

There is one large reading room and one large kitchen. Both are clean. There are also six computer terminals available for internet access (they charge a per twenty minutes' use). Lift is available, so you don't have to worry about carrying your luggage up several floors.

The hostel also provides free breakfast, but the setback is that they limit the amount of food you can have. For example, there is a notice that says each breakfast voucher is only entitled to two pieces of bread or a bagel and a cup of coffee or a glass of juice. To top up your coffee will cost extra. They also have some fruits and cereals for sale.

As for security, the staff requests your proof of accommodation (which they identify as ID) if they are not familiar with you or have not seen you around in the hostel. So that is one plus point.

Overall, we would recommend this hostel to anyone visiting San Francisco if you are not too fussy about the breakfast and internet usage. The atmosphere and environment is great. You get to meet a mixture of Asian and Caucasian travelers from around the world. We would definitely stay there again if we ever visit the city.

— Informe exclusivo de Hostelz.com
September 2007