Before you even consider booking at this hotel, the location-focused should take note: the Hotel Carlton is just steps from the Tenderloin District (San Francisco's Skid Row). For those wanting to take the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), do not get off at the Civic Centre station unless you want an up close and personal view of the fear and loathing of SF (it's a walk north up Larkin St until Sutter to get to the hotel). The ideal station is Powell, which will take you through Union Square - however, be prepared for a lengthy walk (about 10-11 blocks).
The hotel, itself, is a winner. Personalized and genuine service from the moment you set foot in the charismatic lobby. The rooms are spacious and clean. The beds are comfortable (I think the $15 upgrade to a king and a higher floor are worth it as I took note of other other reviews citing noise issues) and the walk-in closet keeps the bulky luggage out of the way. On the downside, the bathroom is a tight squeeze with little shelf space and the water pressure can get down to almost a trickle at peak shower times.
All in all, this is a great bang for the buck hotel. Here's a tip: check out the Hotel Carlton's (Joie de Vivre's) Best Rate Guarantee for internet rates.
For very reasonably-priced bottled water, snacks, wine, etc. there's a small grocey store one block east of the hotel. As well, I recommend going to Cafe Bean (3-4 blocks east of the hotel on the north side of Sutter) for a great latté and breakfast.
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