Stayed at the Villa Florence during an overnight business trip. The hotel is located just off of Union Square at the heart of downtown San Francisco. This means walking distance from most business locations and great public transportation accessibility. While it has a small street facing presence it is not a small hotel, with 7 floors. It is also an old hotel with two small elevators and meandering corridors.
I stayed on the 7th floor in a small queen bed room. Like most hotels in the city rooms are not huge but still on the bearable side of small. The room did have a spacious walk-in closet so you can tuck your luggage away. The bathroom was small but usable with a shower stall and a small sink. The bed was comfortable and the room was very quiet, especially knowing its central location. There is a window-style a/c with thermostat but no modern digital thermostat. I did not need to use it.
WiFi was free and fast. The TV was a flat screen unit and had easily accessible external ports. There was also a usable work desk and an iPhone docking clock. The room was very clean, with bed sheets feeling fresh and crisp.
The reception staff was extremely friendly and keen to help. The lobby area includes a small coffee shop, a locally-respected Italian restaurant and two computers where you can print your boarding pass. Practical touches all around.
The one shortcoming of the hotel was the shower. Water flow was weak and the water not very warm. It was early morning (before 6 am) so there was no reason or blame on many concurrently showering guests.
All in all the Villa Florence was more than a great value. Clean rooms at decent prices at the heart of San Francisco are an achievement. Definitely recommended.
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