I'm a big fan of Kimpton Hotels, and so I am inclined to give positive reviews of their properties, but the Serrano really shines with friendly, helpful front desk staff and a very cozy atmosphere. The big, decorated Christmas in the middle of the lobby creates a great first impression. As other guests have said, the lobby is beautiful, full of comfortable couches and seats and perfect for relaxing during their daily hosted wine receptions or reading the free New York Times over coffee during the daily free coffee service. Jasper's restaurant also is a comfortable, casual bar-restaurant with very good food. There was a great, boisterous, and joyful crowd in Jasper's during a Monday night football game, and even eating alone I was having a good time. I have no doubt that some rooms in this typical-for-Kimpton converted older hotel are small, but my corner room was huge and light-filled. My only complaint was that the selection of basic cable did not include HBO. I had a small sad over that.
I have to comment on the Serrano's location on the edge of the Tenderloin. As a 6 foot tall guy, I never felt at all insecure walking near the hotel, and if you only head to the east or north of the hotel, there should be no problem. Unlike other reviewers, I never saw anyone actually smoking crack near the hotel. In addition, there was a doorman at the front door every time I was there. Undoubtedly, a single woman would not want to head west from the hotel into the Tenderloin, but Union Square, with thousands of tourists, excellent restaurants, and world-class shopping, is only two blocks east of the hotel. For me, the bottom line is that this is a very nice Kimpton hotel, with excellent service, and hopefully people won't pass it over because it is on the edge of, but not in, a rough neighborhood.
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