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The 11 Worst Hotels to Avoid in San Francisco

When planning a trip to San Francisco, finding the right hotel is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Unfortunately, not all hotels in the city live up to expectations, and some may even offer subpar services that can ruin your experience. It's important for travelers to do their research and avoid hotels that have received consistently negative reviews or lack the amenities you desire.

Whether it's poor customer service, unclean rooms, or inconvenient locations, there are several factors to consider when deciding where to stay in San Francisco. To help you make an informed decision, here is a list of the 16 worst hotels to avoid in the city. Take note of these establishments and steer clear to ensure a pleasant visit to the iconic Bay Area.

How we chose and ordered them

This selection of hotels to avoid in San Francisco weighs each business's reputation, which anyone can check online, against how much of its work is devoted to this service. Those that do exactly this, and have done it well for years, come first.

Some businesses pay for a fuller profile or a featured position. It is only open to those that have already passed our selection, and it is always marked.

Top 3All optionsMapWhat to look for

Weigh 11 local options side by side

Golden Gate Hotel, San Francisco#1
What it does well
  • The location of the hotel is very good, with comfortable rooms and an excellent price point.

  • The hotel's friendly cat, Skittles, adds to the overall positive experience of staying here.

  • Centrally located and beautifully decorated with old-time charm, this hotel is highly recommended by guests.

  • Conveniently located near city center with clean and comfortable rooms, this hotel is a gem worth staying at.

Golden Gate Hotel, San Francisco

4.6231 reviews
775 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States

Golden Gate Hotel, San Francisco is a charming historic hotel centrally located in San Francisco. The cozy rooms feature comfortable beds, TVs, and sinks, with shared toilets and showers available. Guests rave about the excellent price point and the lovable resident cat, Skittles, who adds a unique charm to the hotel.

Queen Anne Hotel, San Francisco#2
What it does well
  • The hotel provides luxurious and comfortable rooms that transport guests back to the 19th Century.

  • Guests are treated like royalty with complimentary amenities such as an all-you-can-eat breakfast that is delicious and satisfying.

  • The spacious lobby with two fireplace areas invites visitors to relax and unwind in a cozy setting.

  • Guests appreciate the attention to detail in the Victorian mansion décor and the warm hospitality of the staff.

Queen Anne Hotel

4.4611 reviews
1590 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States

Queen Anne Hotel is a charming Victorian-style hotel located in San Francisco. With a rating of 4.4 stars and 611 reviews, this establishment offers top-notch accommodations and services that cater to its guests' needs.

Whether visitors are in town for a concert at the Fillmore, exploring Japantown, or simply enjoying the sights and sounds of San Francisco, Queen Anne Hotel serves as the perfect home base for a memorable stay.

SLocal choice
#3
What it does well
  • Clean and comfortable shared bathrooms

  • Unique room designs and historical charm

  • Convenient location near dining options and attractions

San Remo Hotel

4.4849 reviews
2237 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

San Remo Hotel is a charming hotel located in San Francisco, known for its unique rooms and historical charm. The hotel is LGBTQ+ friendly and offers clean, comfortable shared bathrooms that provide great privacy. Some key features and services of the hotel include communal bathrooms, unique room designs, and a convenient location within walking distance to Fisherman’s Wharf and various restaurants.

Customer reviews highlight the following key points:

Hotel Del Sol, San Francisco#4
What it does well
  • The hotel is situated in a quiet neighborhood within walking distance of popular tourist spots and a variety of dining options.

  • Guests have mentioned how clean and comfortable the rooms are, with some even receiving complimentary upgrades.

  • The friendly and helpful staff, along with amenities like secure parking and a delicious continental breakfast, have left a lasting impression on visitors.

Hotel Del Sol

4.2776 reviews
3100 Webster St, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States

Hotel Del Sol is a charming hotel located in San Francisco, CA. With a rating of 4.2 and 776 reviews, it's evident that guests have had positive experiences at this establishment.

Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, Hotel Del Sol provides a welcoming and convenient stay in the heart of San Francisco.

Hotel Griffon, San Francisco#5
What it does well
  • The Griffon offers a very pleasant stay, with a great location and friendly staff.

  • Guests appreciated the amazing views of the San Francisco Bay and the warm welcome from the front desk staff.

  • Some visitors felt disappointed with the room size but enjoyed the overall experience.

  • One review cited the cleanliness as an issue but praised the staff for being friendly and welcoming.

Hotel Griffon

4.2701 reviews
155 Steuart St, San Francisco, CA 94105, United States

Hotel Griffon is a charming boutique hotel located in San Francisco, offering guests a cozy and welcoming stay. The hotel provides a complimentary pass to the SF YMCA next door, allowing guests to stay active during their visit. In the morning, guests can enjoy free coffee, tea, and pastries to kickstart their day.

Customers have highlighted some key points in their reviews:

With a rating of 4.2 based on 701 reviews, Hotel Griffon continues to attract guests seeking a cozy and convenient stay in the heart of San Francisco.

HLocal choice
#6
What it does well
  • Warm and welcoming customer service from the moment of arrival

  • Convenient location with beautiful bay views and easy access to the city

  • Comfortable and well-equipped rooms, complete with essential amenities

  • Excellent breakfast options and relaxing happy hour offerings

Harbor Court Hotel

4.2851 reviews
165 Steuart St, San Francisco, CA 94105, United States

Harbor Court Hotel is a premier establishment located in San Francisco, CA, offering top-notch services and amenities. Customers have raved about their experiences, highlighting a few key points:

With a rating of 4.2 and 851 reviews, Harbor Court Hotel continues to impress guests with its exceptional service and attention to detail. Book your stay today and experience the luxury and comfort this hotel has to offer!

Stanyan Park Hotel, San Francisco#7
What it does well
  • Guests appreciate the old San Francisco vibe, clean and bright rooms, and exceptional location across from Golden Gate Park.

  • The evening drink gathering and complimentary breakfast add to the overall positive experience for visitors.

  • Some guests mention quirky room layouts and dated decor but still praise the friendly staff and unique charm of the hotel.

  • One guest highlighted the unreliable internet but mentioned it wouldn't deter them from staying again.

Stanyan Park Hotel

4.2348 reviews
750 Stanyan St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States

Stanyan Park Hotel is a charming hotel located in San Francisco, offering guests a unique and historic stay. The hotel boasts a rating of 4.2 based on 348 reviews from satisfied customers.

With its historical charm and convenient location, Stanyan Park Hotel offers a memorable stay for guests looking to experience the beauty of San Francisco.

Comfort Inn By the Bay, San Francisco#8
What it does well
  • The location is praised as being central and close to popular attractions, making it easy for guests to explore the city.

  • Guests have highlighted the comfortable beds, spacious rooms, and delicious breakfast offered by the hotel.

  • Some reviewers have mentioned issues with elevator wait times and parking, but overall, the staff is commended for their helpfulness and service.

  • Although there have been some complaints about cleanliness and room conditions in a few cases, the majority of guests have expressed satisfaction with their stay.

Comfort Inn By the Bay

3.91,305 reviews
2775 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States

Comfort Inn By the Bay is a welcoming hotel located in San Francisco that offers a range of convenient services. With a rating of 3.9 based on 1305 reviews, this hotel has gained positive feedback from guests.

Overall, Comfort Inn By the Bay provides a valuable and enjoyable experience for those visiting San Francisco.

YLocal choice
#9
What it does well
  • Excellent location for walking to popular attractions

  • Modern rooms with a minimalist design

  • Great staff providing helpful assistance

  • Good continental breakfast and nice amenities

YOTEL San Francisco

3.9502 reviews
1095 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

YOTEL San Francisco is a modern hotel located in the heart of San Francisco. The hotel offers sleek and stylish rooms in an old building, emphasizing a minimalist design. Guests can enjoy a good continental breakfast and take advantage of the fitness center and coworking space. The hotel staff is known for being very nice and helpful, providing great tips and assistance throughout the stay.

Edwardian Hotel, San Francisco#10
What it does well
  • Rooms may be on the smaller side, but they are clean and well-appointed.

  • The staff, especially Jasmine and Enrique, are incredibly helpful and accommodating.

  • The location is convenient, with easy access to popular spots in San Francisco.

  • Guests appreciate the safety measures in place both inside and outside of the hotel.

Edwardian Hotel

3.7293 reviews
1668 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

Edwardian Hotel is a quaint establishment located in the heart of San Francisco, offering a unique experience for guests. The hotel prides itself on being LGBTQ+ friendly, welcoming all individuals with open arms.

The hotel provides an array of services and amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for visitors. From cozy rooms to attentive staff, guests can expect a warm and inviting atmosphere during their time at the Edwardian Hotel.

Here are some key points from customer reviews:

Whether you're in town for business or pleasure, the Edwardian Hotel offers a charming retreat in the bustling city of San Francisco.

TLocal choice
#11
What it does well
  • The hotel is located near a tram line, making it easy to get around town.

  • Several close by restaurants and events for guests to enjoy.

  • Rooms feature updated bathrooms for added comfort.

  • Some guests found the main areas of the hotel and the main portion of the room to be dated.

Twin Peaks Hotel

3.5225 reviews
2160 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States

Twin Peaks Hotel offers a comfortable stay in the heart of San Francisco. This hotel is conveniently located near a tram line, making it easy for guests to explore the city. With several nearby restaurants and events, guests can enjoy everything San Francisco has to offer. The private rooms feature updated bathrooms for added comfort.

A quick comparison of the options

#BusinessRatingReviews
#1Golden Gate Hotel, San Francisco 4.6231
#2Queen Anne Hotel 4.4611
#3San Remo Hotel 4.4849
#4Hotel Del Sol 4.2776
#5Hotel Griffon 4.2701
#6Harbor Court Hotel 4.2851
#7Stanyan Park Hotel 4.2348
#8Comfort Inn By the Bay 3.91,305
#9YOTEL San Francisco 3.9502
#10Edwardian Hotel 3.7293
#11Twin Peaks Hotel 3.5225

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The 16 Worst Hotels to Avoid in San Francisco

When traveling to San Francisco, it's important to choose accommodations carefully to ensure a pleasant stay. To help you navigate the city, we have compiled a list of hotels to avoid due to poor reviews, questionable cleanliness, or unsafe locations. Use this map to avoid these establishments and find a hotel that meets your needs.

How to pick hotels to avoid in San Francisco

  1. Inadequate amenities.
  2. Unsanitary conditions.
  3. Unprofessional staff.
  4. Noisy surroundings.
  5. Unsafe neighborhood.

Common questions

How can I identify bad hotels in San Francisco?

When looking for hotels to avoid in San Francisco, there are several red flags to watch out for. These may include poor online reviews on websites like TripAdvisor and Yelp, outdated or unprofessional websites, and a lack of transparent pricing. Additionally, if a hotel has a history of customer complaints about cleanliness, safety, or customer service, it is best to steer clear. Another way to identify bad hotels in San Francisco is to look for warning signs during the booking process. If a hotel requires a non-refundable deposit, has unusually low rates compared to other nearby options, or refuses to provide clear information about its location or amenities, it is probably best to find alternative accommodations.

What are some neighborhoods in San Francisco that tend to have lower-quality hotels?

In San Francisco, some neighborhoods are known for having a higher concentration of budget or lower-quality hotels. These include areas like the Tenderloin, which has a reputation for higher crime rates and lower overall safety. Other neighborhoods to be cautious of when looking for hotels to avoid in San Francisco include parts of the Mission District and Fisherman's Wharf. It is important to research the specific neighborhood where a hotel is located before making a reservation to avoid potential disappointments or safety concerns. While there are great accommodations throughout the city, being aware of the neighborhoods with a higher likelihood of lower-quality hotels can help travelers make more informed decisions.

What are some common complaints about bad hotels in San Francisco?

When reading reviews or talking to travelers who have had negative experiences, some common complaints about hotels to avoid in San Francisco include uncleanliness, outdated or poorly-maintained facilities, and rude or unhelpful staff members. Guests often mention issues with noise levels, uncomfortable bedding, and misleading advertising about amenities. Other complaints about bad hotels in San Francisco might include hidden fees, unreliable Wi-Fi or other essential services, and a lack of security measures. By paying attention to these common complaints, travelers can avoid booking accommodations that are likely to disappoint or detract from their overall experience in the city.

What can I do if I accidentally book a bad hotel in San Francisco?

If you find yourself in a bad hotel in San Francisco after making a reservation, there are steps you can take to address the situation. First, try to communicate your concerns with the hotel staff and give them a chance to resolve any issues you might have. If the problems persist, consider reaching out to the hotel management or contacting the customer service department of the booking platform you used to make your reservation. If the issues at the bad hotel are severe and cannot be resolved to your satisfaction, you may need to find alternative accommodations. In this case, consult with local resources like visitor centers or online forums for advice on finding a new place to stay that meets your needs and expectations.

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