Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [44]
The Cornell Hotel de France It’s the quirks that make this small French-style family-owned hotel more charming than many others in its price range. Pass the office, where a few faces will glance in your direction and smile, stop to pet the resident golden retriever, and embark on a ride in the old-fashioned elevator (we’re talking turn of the 20th century here) to get to your basic room. Each floor is dedicated to a French painter and decorated with reproductions. Rooms are all plain and comfortable, with desks and chairs, and are individually and simply decorated. Smoking is not allowed. The full American breakfast included in the rate is served in the cool cavernlike provincial basement restaurant, Jeanne d’Arc. Union Square is just a few blocks away.
715 Bush St. (btw. Powell and Mason sts.), San Francisco, CA 94108. www.cornellhotel.com. 800/232-9698 or 415/421-3154. Fax 415/399-1442. 55 units. $80–$180 double. Rates include full American breakfast. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Parking across the street $17. Bus: 2, 3, 4, 30, or 45. Cable car: Powell–Hyde or Powell–Mason line. Amenities: Restaurant; computer w/Internet in lobby. In room: TV, hair dryer, free Wi-Fi.
The Golden Gate Hotel ★ San Francisco’s stock of small hotels in historic turn-of-the-20th-century buildings includes some real gems—the Golden Gate Hotel is one of them. It’s 2 blocks north of Union Square and 2 blocks down (literally) from the crest of Nob Hill, with cable car stops at the corner for easy access to Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown. The city’s theaters and restaurants are also within walking distance. But the best thing about the 1913 Edwardian hotel is that it’s family run: John and Renate Kenaston and daughter Gabriele are hospitable innkeepers who take obvious pleasure in making their guests comfortable. Each individually decorated room has been repainted and carpeted and has handsome antique furnishings from the early 1900s, quilted bedspreads, and fresh flowers. Request a room with a claw-foot tub if you enjoy a good, hot soak. Afternoon tea is served daily from 4 to 7pm, and guests are welcome to use the house fax and computer with Wi-Fi free of charge.
775 Bush St. (btw. Powell and Mason sts.), San Francisco, CA 94108. www.goldengatehotel.com. 800/835-1118 or 415/392-3702. Fax 415/392-6202. 25 units, 14 with bathroom. $95–$105 double without bathroom; $150–$165 double with bathroom. Rates include continental breakfast and afternoon tea. AE, DC, MC, V. Self-parking $25. Bus: 2, 4, 30, 38, or 45. Cable car: Powell–Hyde or Powell–Mason line (1 block east). BART: Powell and Market. Amenities: Access to health club 1 block away. In room: TV, hair dryer upon request, free Wi-Fi.
Hotel Beresford The small, less expensive sister property of the Hotel Beresford Arms (see above), the seven-floor Hotel Beresford is another decent, moderately priced choice near Union Square. Perks are the same: satellite TV, phone, radio, private bathrooms with either a tub or shower, and stocked fridges. The guest rooms are decorated in Victorian style and very well kept, with plenty of personal touches you don’t often find in a budget hotel. Rates even include continental breakfast. The on-site White Horse Tavern, a quaint replica of an old English pub, serves dinner Tuesday through Saturday and is a favorite for folks who like less trendy hullabaloo with their meal.
635 Sutter St. (near Mason St.), San Francisco, CA 94102. www.beresford.com. 800/533-6533 or 415/673-9900. Fax 415/474-0449. 114 units. $89–$165 double. Extra person $10. Rates include continental breakfast. Children 11 and under stay free in parent’s room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $20. Bus: 2, 3, 4, 30, 38, or 45. Cable