I laughed at some of the reviews of this hotel. I sort of wonder what people expect when they try to pennypinch and get rock bottom prices in big cities. I mean, come on. Also, in this day and age, it's pretty easy to get good info about the area you're staying in. Google street view it, people!
I lived in Oakland for many years and know San Francisco pretty well, so I knew exactly what the area would be like: it's the Tenderloin, folks! And yes, parts of Polk street are a total down and out freak show. So what: just avoid it--it's easy. In fact, if you walk up to Van Ness you don't have to deal at all with the "scary' people. And really, who gives a crap if there is an "adult store" across the street. It's not like they are going to come and attack you while you're at the hotel. Please!
Anyway, about the hotel itself. It's fine. Old, not fancy, but it's near everything, the room was decent size and clean and everything worked. The staff were nice. Totally worth the $79 for a king bed room. The valet parking was worth the money. The bed was comfortable. The blinds kept the room dark for sleeping, and with windows closed and earplugs (which you should just always bring anyway) there was minimal noise. It worked for us and we'd stay there again.
However, if you would rather have a bunch of amenities and not watch the parade of messed up humanity, then shell out some bucks and stay somewhere else.
hotel reviews