I can't say enough about the Cova Hotel--I stayed from Jan-Feb 2010 and had an exceptional experience, mostly due to the excellent staff, friendliness and willingness of managers/front desk to accomodate my extended stay.
It is beautifully refurbished, and for my needs as a traveling researcher it was perfect. Beds were clean, comfortable, down comforters and pillows of different heights to accomodate even the pickiest of sleepers like myself. I'm a very light sleeper.
Fitness room was brand-new, small but well appointed. I loved the remodeled modern features of the bathroom, I wished I had taken pictures of the sculpture-like sink. I loved the big desk in the room, free wifi (though it ran a little slow for me) it was adequate. The chair in the room was made of straw though, and not too comfortable for long hours of working at the desk. But it's too minor a point, as most people will not need a comfortable business/working chair.
Regarding the service, it was outstanding--Veronica, and Armando, the front desk and reservation supervisor, did everything they could to make my stay comfortable. I was there for research, and when my experiments ran longer requiring extending my stay several times they accomodated me as much as possible and gave me the lowest price possible. They understand excellent customer satisfaction, and they are sincerely happy to take care of people.
The only downside to the Cova is that it is located in the Tenderloin district, with many homeless and probably drug-addicted people and the occasional prostitute wandering the street at most times of the day or night. For me, this hotel worked beautifully because I had my car with me, and parking it for $25/day with in and out privileges made it relatively safer--there was always a parking attendant in the garage. I felt ok though on guard when I was walking to/from the Union Square area (the hotel employees encourage you to walk up Hyde Street to Geary, and then walk over to Union Square, and not to walk along Ellis due to the homeless shelters). For those who are not used to dealing with seedy neighborhoods and intend to walk everywhere, this may not be the place for you. I am a blackbelt and a woman, so I was definitely on high alert while walking in this neighborhood.
All in all, I would stay here again, gladly. The staff are so warm and friendly, and helpful, that it made the stay a delight.
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