Instant Reservations to Many Hotels Reviewed at SFTravel.com
What Do You Think??? Our readers have their own (very strong) opinions based on their experiences that become highly valuable feedback. We reprint them here to help you find the best lodging possible. Links to our other lodging sections are also included. Become a part of the underground by e-mailing us your experiences too. Whatever hotel or B&B you stay at, Mayor Willie "The Enforcer" Brown, takes a 14% vigorish (tax) on every hotel stay. So, don't be surprised when your hotel bill is a little (lot!) higher than you expected.
Grant Plaza Hotel - very popular budget hotel near Chinatown and the Financial District...
Phoenix Inn - Only if you're there to
party...
A Virginia reader writes in May 2000, "...in many ways The
Phoenix Inn is an interesting place to stay. The neighborhood is most definitely
seedy, but I was instructed by the staff on which directions to walk to avoid the worst.
Following these instructions, I encountered no problems. My room at the
Phoenix Inn was very clean and comfortable and included a small refrigerator and a
microwave oven. The staff was exceptionally courteous and helpful. My only
complaint with this hotel is related to the bar/club, "The Backflip".
The bar opens up into the courtyard next to the pool. At night, the bar/club cranks
up the music very loud and the bar patrons, most of whom are not guests at
the Inn, spill out into the courtyard. Because all rooms face this area,
the noise level is VERY high and lasts until 2 a.m. when the bar closes. If you plan
on getting any rest at all on your visit, then I would
recommend another hotel."
D.G. enjoyed the Phoenix. "I've stayed elsewhere in SF, but wanted to try
something new. The location is not excellent and a little uncertain, but I felt safe. The
safety factor was a question, but the Phoenix was sold out, with ample friendly people
around. They have a locked gate to get in with your room key into the courtyard area. The
rooms were very clean and spacious, which at some of the other hotels you feel boxed in,
and the staff were extremely accommodating and helpful. The pool was heated and felt great
after a long day in the sun." The Phoenix is a very trendy place for rock stars and
celebrities to visit, but the neighborhood is very unsafe. The motel has a 50's theme and
a cool swimming pool attached..
601 Eddy @ Larkin (Tenderloin area=unsafe) 415-776-1380
Room with queen bed $109; King Suite $149
C.W. writes in January 1999, "The Phoenix scores very high on the cool front.
The neighborhood is definitely hairy, even for someone who finds East Village
New York safe... The bar has been a disappointment. But, for wacky dudes
with hats and yellow sunglasses, it's great!"
Phoenix Online Reservations 
Marin Suites
P.W. of Australia recommends (11/96) the Marin Suites an out of town motel in
Corte Madera (Marin County). "It was great. We had a car. I'd recommend it to any
family travelers. There are 6 of us and the apartments were beautifully set out for those
far away from home." Kate agreed, "We stayed at the Marin Suites in 2/97. The
hotel is clean, well kept, and the staff is excellent. We were very pleased."
Rates run about $140-$160 but allow large groups/families in a beautiful part of the Bay
Area.
45 Tamal Vista in Corte Madera - Phone 415-924-3608 - Fax 415-924-0761
Roberts At The Beach - ***NOT RECOMMENDED***
2828 Sloat-- Way out near Ocean Beach 415-564-2610
"We heard bad things about this hotel from other trusted hotel owners and
called to cancel the reservation. The lady who answered the phone said we had wasted
her time and hung up without even asking my name. I
called back and asked if she needed my name, and she said to never call
here again and hung up again. We still don't know if our
reservation is cancelled. She still has my credit card information. With
customer service like this over the phone I can't imagine what it would be like in person.
We recommend no one to stay here." (March
2000)
Drive out here, and you'll save... $69/night
R.B. recommends for price, safety, and proximity to SF State University.
Great access to MUNI metro light rail-- you'll need it out here by the Ocean 8 miles from
downtown.
Geary Parkway Motel
4750 Geary Blvd, 415-752-4406
Richmond District between the Presidio and Golden Gate Park.
Things have deteriorated since the review below based on this July 2000 experience.... "Take
this place off your list. Granted, it's relatively cheap with cable TV and the
managers are nice, if slightly grumpy. But the rooms show evidence of attempted
break-ins, the bathroom in my room was frighteningly dirty, and (worst of all) they lack
remotes for many of the televisions."
"The motel is clean but the accommodations are spartan and the rooms are cheaply furnished. No room service. Free local telephone, ice, cable TV and parking. Ernie and Gloria Silveria are the managers and nice people. Furnishings are an odd lot with no decorating scheme. Bathrooms were clean and the shower water was hot. Smoking is okay. Bed was "Hollywood" style frame, no headboard or footboard. But the price of $56 per night plus 14% tax was legitimate. Located in the heart of the New China Town Richmond District at 12th Avenue and Geary Blvd it is easy walking distance to some great restaurants. The Ming River Restaurant is located directly across the street. Jack-in-the-Box less than a block to the east. And many other restaurants including Italian, Greek, Korean, Thai and Russian. City buses stop right in front of the motel giving you access to downtown within fifteen minutes. If you are on a tight budget, and looking for no-frills accommodations, put this place on your list." F.C. July 1997
reviews
just about anything in San Francisco...