Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [45]
Hotel Bijou ★ Although it’s on the periphery of the gritty Tenderloin (just 3 blocks off Union Square), once inside this gussied-up 1911 hotel, all’s cheery, bright, and perfect for budget travelers who want a little style with their savings. Joie de Vivre hotel group disguised the hotel’s age with lively decor, a Deco theater theme, and a heck of a lot of vibrant paint. To the left of the small lobby is a “theater” where guests can watch San Francisco–based double features nightly (it has cute old-fashioned theater seating, though it’s just a basic TV showing videos). Upstairs, rooms named after locally made films are small, clean, and colorful (think buttercup, burgundy, and purple) and have tiny bathrooms (one of which is so small you have to close the door to access the toilet). Alas, a few mattresses could be firmer, and the single elevator is small and slow. But considering the price, and perks like the continental breakfast and friendly service, you can’t go wrong here.
111 Mason St., San Francisco, CA 94102. www.hotelbijou.com. 800/771-1022 or 415/771-1200. Fax 415/346-3196. 65 units. $99–$159 double. Rates include continental breakfast. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $32. Bus: All Market St. buses. Streetcar: Powell St. station. Amenities: Concierge; DSL access in lobby ($4 per 20 min.); room service. In room: TV, hair dryer, Wi-Fi ($7.95 per day).
Hotel Carlton ★ If you’re looking for wonderfully cheap, attractive, and clean accommodations and don’t mind being in the gritty center of the city, book a room here. The Joie de Vivre hotel group is behind this 163-room hotel that was built in 1927 and revamped in May 2004 with “global vintage” decor and LEED-certified standards. (It was the first hotel in the U.S. to receive the eco-friendly LEED gold rating.) The interior design is worldly eclectic, with travel photographs from the American Himalayan Foundation, tribal figurines, Oriental rugs, a vibrant sari-like color scheme, imported hand-painted Moroccan tables, and cool Lucite-beaded table lamps in the guest rooms. Another good reason to book here: Outside, the neighborhood is drab, but it’s only a 7-block walk to Union Square, and with doubles starting at a mere $93, you can splurge for a taxi with the money saved. Or stick nearby and try Saha, their Arabian-fusion restaurant (think hummus, pizza, Yemenese meatballs, and seared scallops), which serves breakfast and dinner. Heck, they even throw in a complimentary evening wine hour in the lobby.
1075 Sutter St. (btw. Larkin and Hyde sts.), San Francisco, CA 94109. www.jdvhotels.com/carlton. 800/922-7586 or 415/673-0242. Fax 415/673-4904. 161 units. $89–$199 double. Rates include evening wine reception. AE, MC, V. Valet parking $30; self-parking $25. Bus: 2, 3, 4, 19, or 76. Amenities: Restaurant; concierge. In room: TV, hair dryer, free Wi-Fi.
Hotel des Arts ★★ While this bargain find has the same small lobby, narrow hallways, and cramped rooms as San Francisco’s numerous other Euro-style hotels, the des Arts distances itself from the competition by including a visually stimulating dose of artistic license. The lobby, for example, hosts a rotating art gallery featuring contemporary works by emerging local artists and is outfitted with groovy furnishings. You’ll love the lively location as well: right across the street from the entrance to Chinatown and 2 blocks from Union Square. There’s even a French brasserie right downstairs. Considering the price (rooms with a very clean shared bathroom start at $59), quality, and location, it’s quite possibly the best budget hotel in the city. One suite can sleep up to four persons at no additional charge. Tip: Log on to the hotel’s website to check out the “Painted Rooms” designed by local artists, and then call the hotel directly to book your favorite.
447 Bush St. (at Grant St.), San Francisco, CA 94108. www.sfhoteldesarts.com.