San Remo Hotel

this is a wonderful, old world experience -- it was built as an old rooming house for workers who were helping to rebuld SF after the 1906 earthquake/fire. if you are looking for a Marriot experience, its definitely not for you -- there is no a/c or elevators or a gym or dry cleaned ambiance. think of it as the best high-end hostel. at this time, all bathrooms are shared (i think the hotel is renovating and will have private baths available in late 2025.) But if you want an authentic SF experience, this is it! its full of quirky charm, memorabilia, and history -- and the location and price cannot be beat. ps for those squeamish about shared baths, its really fine -- they keep everything so clean.

Very charming hotel. A lot of original fitures kept and giving you a feel of going back in time. Location is amazing, between Fishermen's Wharf and North Beach. Staff is really helpful. They allowed me to keep my food in the office fridge and stored my luggage on the last day until late. There is a coffee machine in the hall which can be used from 7.30am until 1pm and hot, cool and cold water dispenser with some tea, sugar and milk available as well as microwave. Shared toilets and bathrooms kept in the old style which was really nice. There was no issue with availability. They have as well hairdryer, cotton buds and pads as well as mouth wash. Soap, shampoo and loation was available too. There is a sink in the room with some hand soap.

Excellent, excellent location. Far enough from Fisherman’s Wharf to be quiet but so many great neighborhoods in walking distance (we loved North Beach). Trader Joe’s is around the corner so you can stock up on cheap snacks, etc if you’re on a budget. I was apprehensive about the bathrooms but they were always clean and available! There’s also a sink in the room so that was nice. The other guests are mostly from Europe so the vibe is very European. Staff were very friendly!

We booked our stay at the San Remo with some hesitation about the shared bathroom facilities, but our concerns were quickly put to rest. During our multi-day stay, we only had to wait for a toilet once, (they were always clean!) which was a pleasant surprise. The staff were the true highlight of our experience—warm, attentive, and always ready to assist. They went above and beyond, particularly when helping my 80-year-old cousin navigate the two flights of stairs to our room. Speaking of the stairs, they’re the one caveat: if climbing at least one flight is a challenge, this hotel might not be the best fit. Our room was small but utterly charming, with comfortable beds that ensured restful nights. The hallways were a delightful touch, adorned with antiques, historical photos, and fascinating tidbits about the hotel and surrounding area. The on-site Italian restaurant was equally accommodating, adding to the overall warmth of the experience. The location is fantastic, just steps from the cable car and a short walk to the wharf and Embarcadero. Every staff member we encountered was genuinely kind and caring, making our stay truly memorable. We loved it so much that we’re already planning a longer visit next time!

The service here is wonderful! The front desk staff are extremely friendly and helpful. >> We ended up having a late check-in due to unforeseen circumstances and when I messaged the front desk via the Booking.com chat, they were accommodating and understanding of our situation - and ready for us to check in when we arrived. >> We had an issue with the heat in our room on day 2 of our stay and the front desk attendant came to our room immediately to fix it. >> We also needed a place to store our luggage on our final day because our flight had been delayed, and once again, they were very accommodating. Our room, the shared facilities, and the hotel were clean and well-kept. I was hesitant at first, using a shared bathroom/shower facility but the bathrooms weren't far from our room and well stocked with soap, paper towels, mouthwash, and lotion.