We had a terrible experience at this hostel. We were three Graduate Students traveling to SF for a conference. This hostel had very poor service, and they were completely unaccommodating. Moreover, the area around this hostel is filled with homeless people that follow you and bother you. The hostel even lets them come into the lobby area. Breakfast consisted of... More

I was in San Francisco on business and added a weekend to see the sights. I stayed in a private room with ensuite shower on the fifth floor (6 nights). I have stayed in many hostels, but this was my first hostel in the US. I was pleasantly surprised by the size and cleanliness of my room and the hostel... More

Overall, I was impressed for my first hostel experience. I stayed in a private (1-bed & bath) room. Everything was as expected and I did not need to request anything special from the hostel staff. Steam radiator was not ideal for spring in SF (warm/cold fluctuations), but I could open my room window as needed while in the room. I... More

I have mixed feelings about this place. Really liked this place the first stay I had but couldn't wait to get out of it the second time. 1) Location Great location! There are three Hostelling International in San Francisco and we chose to stay at the Downtown one. It's a very quick walk (5-10 minutes) to Union Square, Powell Station... More

Pros: the large old building means big rooms, big lounge areas. Plenty of toilets and showers so I never really had to wait even though the place was fully booked for a convention. Location very convenient to the cable cars, BART (subway) and F line streetcar. Also some decent takeaway restaurants nearby. Wifi on all levels. Cons: kitchen too small... More

Pros Really nice interior for a hostel Helpful staff Felt really safe in the hostel Lovely old building IMMACULATELY clean bathroom Warm Good wifi speed nice organic hand soaps recycling on each floor close to everything - ideal tourist place to stay Could do betters Cereal for breakfast as well please Would recommend to others

The hostel was very clean, and very conveniently located. It was a short walk to Bart and the nearby galleries and SFMOMA. The dining room is clean and pleasant. The staff is friendly and accommodating. Breakfast was a bit thin, it would have been nice to have hard boiled eggs. But overall, a very pleasant experience.

The Downtown was reasonable budget accommodation for San Francisco. Staying in a private room, the facilities were very basic, with cheap thin mattresses, and apart from a sink and wardrobe (it appeared to be an old style hotel room with these features dating from long ago) there were no other facilities provided, not even a basic chair and table. Sitting... More

I only stay in HI hostels, and I can truly say this is the worst one I have been in thusfar. I want to be fair, so I will give it some kudos. I LOVE that it has an electic, unique vibe that only comes from inventive renovation, and I truly loved the green idea that I saw in the... More