My wife and I stayed at the Hotel Mayflower for 3 nights in October. It was an excellent hotel for the price, particularly in the context of hotel prices in the US. For around $115/night including taxes, we had a very conveniently located hotel with free continental breakfast, WIFI and a flatscreen TV with limited cable channels. We've stayed at Holiday Inn (not Express) hotels in other US states for double this amount without breakfast and just marginally more comfort.
As what many other reviewers have pointed out, don't expect the Ritz at this price. This is an old hotel situated in a 1920s-era building with an antique elevator where you have to close a metal screen before it moves. The ceiling is thin, so you will hear the occupant of the room above you walking about. As other reviewers have also pointed out, request for a room facing away from the street to minimize noise from the street, but keep in mind that you will most likely have no view except that of the wall of the building behind the hotel. I'm not sure on what day garbage collection is, but keep in mind that it is at an early hour (around 6 a.m. I think) and you will hear it from the rooms facing the alley behind the hotel. The double bed is quite small for two people, so I can imagine a large American or European couple having a hard time not falling off the bed when lying next to each other. The breakfast is basic, so those who need meat at breakfast will have to go out for breakfast (I love the breakfast at ihop, but it is all the way at the wharf; there used to be a closer one but it's since closed down). There's just eggs, muffins, scones, bread and the usual butter and jam, along with coffee and juice. But again, that's more than generous given the price in the US context (Europe is another story, where at this price you can get a proper 3-star hotel with a full breakfast in Paris and other major cities).
The receptionists were quite friendly and helpful. Again, as what other reviewers pointed out, be sure to request for a coupon for an airport taxi when you leave and arrange it sufficiently in advance. The coupon will save you around $6/person for the trip back to the airport.
The location is great - the cable car has a stop nearby, and Union Square is an easy 10-15 minute downhill walk.
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