Nightly rates from $149
Rate based on Check-in: Jun 29, 2012 Check-out: Jun 30, 2012

BEST WESTERN The Hotel California

3 stars
580 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA 94102-1650
Hotel Overview
Reviewer score
3.8
out of 5
53 reviews
Good value for your money.

I enjoyed my stay at this hotel. The location does not get any better. The staff was friendly and... See full review

  • Phoenix travler
  • Apr 7, 2012
my stay at Hotel California

the location is perfect. we can walk to a lot of great SF locals from the hotel. we did not like... See full review

  • duva
  • Dec 13, 2011
Discover this full-service San Francisco, California hotel ideally located within walking distance of several key area attractions, including Chinatown, Union Square and the Theatre District. Welcome to the original Best Western "The Hotel California", named by the New York Times as one of the 13 best affordable hotels. Guests at this historic northern California hotel will enjoy friendly customer service and convenient access to many key area attractions. Each well-appointed guest room and suite at this San Francisco hotel boasts Beauty Rest mattresses, cable satellite television and free wireless high-speed Internet access. Take advantage of a variety of hotel amenities including a complimentary tequila shot upon check-in, an exercise facility, a full-service business center, a complimentary evening reception and meeting facilities accommodating up to 30 guests. Centrally located in downtown San Francisco, the Best Western The Hotel California is conveniently located within walking distance of the San Francisco Centre, Union Square, the Museum of Modern Art and Chinatown. The Theatre District, only 0.1 miles from the hotel, is the best place to choose from a variety of performances every night of the week. Wanting to shop? The hotel is situated less than one mile from Macy's, Sak's 5th Avenue, H&M, Bloomingdales and more. The Best Western The Hotel California is also close to the famous Fisherman's Wharf, the Embarcadero Centre, Haight Street, San Francisco State University and University of California Hastings. Hotel guests will also enjoy the array of activities scheduled throughout the year including Fleet Week, LGBT Pride and the Bay to Breakers Festival. The friendly, helpful staff at the Best Western The Hotel California is ready to ensure a fun-filled memorable stay in San Francisco, California. Make a reservation today and save!

BEST WESTERN The Hotel California Rooms

1 QUEEN BED
Description not provided
1 QUEEN BED
Description not provided
2 SINGLE BEDS
Description not provided
1 KING BED
Description not provided
1 QUEEN BED
Description not provided
SUITE-1 KING 1 QUEEN
Description not provided
SUITE-1 KING BED
Description not provided
SUITE-1 KING BED
Description not provided

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Hotel Map

Area served
San Jose, Sausalito, Palo Alto, Berkeley, Los Angeles, Oakland, Daly City
Nearby airports
(SFO), 15.00, MI, S;
Area description
City Center

Amenities

  • 24 Hour Front Desk
  • Accessible facilities
  • Business center
  • Coffee Maker in Room
  • Concierge Desk
  • Conference Facilities
  • Connecting Rooms
  • Continental Breakfast
  • Copy Service
  • Cribs Available
  • Data port Available
  • Electronic Door Locks
  • Exercise Gym
  • FAX
  • Fitness center
  • Free Local Telephone Calls
  • Guest Laundromat
  • Hairdryer in Room
  • High-speed Internet
  • Ice Machine
  • Internet Access
  • Ironing Board
  • King Bed
  • Lounge
  • Meeting/Banquet Facilities
  • Multilingual
  • No Smoking Rooms/Facilities
  • Over Sized Rooms
  • Phone with speaker
  • Porters
  • Queen Bed
  • Refrigerator
  • Restaurant
  • Safe Deposit Box
  • Security
  • Single Bed
  • Television with Cable
  • Valet Parking
  • Wake-up Service
  • Wheel Chair Access

Dining

Farallons
.5 mile(s) from Farallons, Full Service, Seafood, Open for: dinner,
Millennium
Millennium, on premises, Full Service, Vegetarian, Open for: dinner,
Osha Thai Noodle Cafe
.1 mile(s) from Osha Thai Noodle Cafe, Full Service, Thai, Open for: lunch, dinner,
Redwood Room
.1 mile(s) from Redwood Room, Bar/Lounge, American, Open for: lunch, dinner,
Chutney Indian Restaurant
.1 mile(s) from Chutney Indian Restaurant, Full Service, Indian, Open for: lunch, dinner,
David's Deli
.1 mile(s) from David's Deli, Deli, American, Open for: breakfast, lunch, dinner,
Colibri
.15 mile(s) from Colibri, Full Service, Mexican, Open for: lunch, dinner,
Michael Mina
.3 mile(s) from Michael Mina, Full Service, American, Open for: dinner,
Max's on the Square
.2 mile(s) from Max's on the Square, Full Service, American, Open for: breakfast, lunch, dinner,
Grand Cafe
.1 mile(s) from Grand Cafe, Cafe, American, Open for: breakfast, lunch, dinner,

Hotel Policies

Check-in:
03:00 PM
Check-out:
12:00 PM

Terms and conditions

Rates quoted in currencies other than the hotel's base currency are subject to the rate of the international exchange. Rate may change throughout stay. Rate may reflect average nightly rate. Extra charges may apply. Incidental charges, such as room service, are not included in the rate.

The amenities and/or facilities may not be located at the hotel, but within a reasonable distance, and additional charges may apply for use. All information has been provided by this hotel and not by Orbitz

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Guest Reviews (53)

Ratings and reviews for BEST WESTERN The Hotel California

Overall score

3.8 / 5
53 out of 53
Amenities:
3.5
Room cleanliness:
4.2
Hotel staff:
4.1
Room comfort:
3.4
Location:
4.2
Value:
3.9

83% would recommend to a friend.

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Review this hotel
Review of BEST WESTERN The Hotel California

Reviewer score

4
Phoenix travler
Phoenix
Apr 7, 2012

Good value for your money.

I enjoyed my stay at this hotel. The location does not get any better. The staff was friendly and helpful. The rooms are small but to be expected at an older property such as this. The elevator was also small, slow and could only hold 4 people but so what?!?!? It was a 10 min walk from the Bart which made it even more attractive vs paying sky high prices at other nearby hotels. I would stay here again.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
4
Location:
5
Value:
4
Dining tip: Short walk from hotel

Great breakfast place right across the street and to the left...Olympic (something) is the name. Mmmmm

Review of BEST WESTERN The Hotel California

Reviewer score

5
SFZooKeeper
San Francisco, CA, USA
Feb 17, 2012

Pleasantly suprised.

Being familiar with the downtown are in San Francisco , I was careful to choose a hotel that was not in a bad neighborhood or certain streets within. I thought I did a fair job , and I did . The place is not far from union square at all, which in turn allows you to merge with a flow of continuous walking traffic of business people and tourist. A safe feeling. We were greeted with great hospitality, and a complimentary shot of quality tequila. Talk about a surprise. Sounds kind of weird and maybe "cheap", but it was fun. I was checking in with my partner for valentines day, so it was fitting. The room was quite nice, small, but to be expected. No complaints otherwise.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
3
Value:
4
Entertainment tip: Short drive from hotel

Market street from union square to the Castro (my favorite place for a subtle alternative look a culture) and to the wharf is full of fun things. Market street is just fine for a stroll to shop , drink and eat. Stick on the main path, as always when traveling, and youll have a great time in San Francisco.

Review of BEST WESTERN The Hotel California

Reviewer score

2
misskris
Kailua, HI
Feb 11, 2012

not impressed

great location, small room, okay staff. I would not stay at the hotel the next time I'm in San Francisco.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
2
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
1
Room comfort:
2
Location:
4
Value:
1
Review of BEST WESTERN The Hotel California

Reviewer score

4
duva
Business
Oxnard, CA, USA
Dec 13, 2011

my stay at Hotel California

the location is perfect. we can walk to a lot of great SF locals from the hotel. we did not like our room so they upgraded us to a corner room on the 6th floor that looked over geary. that was sweet! free, good breakfast ,staff is great.. we stay here because there are no surprises. just good service and a great room.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Trip purpose:

Business

Dining tip: Short walk from hotel

Dottie's, 1/2 block down on Jones. amazing diner

Review of BEST WESTERN The Hotel California

Reviewer score

4
asailors
Lincoln, NE, USA
Nov 22, 2011

Had A Great Time

A few friends decided we wanted to go to San Fran for a weekend. We have never been and I was looking for a hotel that was reasonably priced and close to union square. There was 4 of us that went. We are a younger crowd, 25-27 years old and looking for a good time. The chilled shots of Tequila at check in was a bonus! I believe the gentleman that checked us in was named Steven, want to give him big kudos! He was awesome! We spoke to him every time we passed him in the lobby. He was very friendly, always asked us about our days and nights out. He provided us great suggestions and was always smiling. He made us feel very welcomed from day 1 and through the trip. Our room was small but nice. We booked a 2 room suit, one king bed and one queen. Although the room was not huge it was fine for us. TVs in each room was nice, the painting on the ceiling and "Eagles" lyrics on the wall was nice also. The beds where super comfortable also. The area was nice also, very short walk to union square. We stayed out pretty late every night and always walked back to the hotel, we always felt safe. The Jones bar next door as a great outside area to have drinks and a bite to eat. We also enjoyed High Tide bar across the street, it was a dive bar with friendly bartenders. The hotel also had complimentary wine and cheese everyday. We enjoyed it our 2nd day there, it was a nice touch. Overall we enjoyed our stay at the hotel and would recommend it to others. Good time.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
4
Location:
4
Value:
4
Review of BEST WESTERN The Hotel California

Reviewer score

3
LGOM
Business
New York, NY, USA
Nov 13, 2011

Good value

Stayed on a Wednesday night in November. Staff was quite helpful with me and watched my stuff while I parked my car next door. Room was clean, of decent size and otherwise un-noteworthy. Bathroom was bright and pleasing. I did have two problems: 1) The wifi was slow, event after trying different routers (they have about 12 running that you can chose from); 2) There was a fair bit of street noise carried up to my 5th floor room and through the old (uninsulated) window. The noise died down around 11pm, which made sleep possible until the garbage truck awoke me at 4am. Breakfast buffett was OK. I had cereal and yogurt and I saw there were pancakes and DIY waffels, as well as some fruit by the piece. Conclusion - if you need a budget place to stay in SF, this is a good option to consider. But, there might be better.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
3
Location:
3
Value:
4
Trip purpose:

Business

Review of BEST WESTERN The Hotel California

Reviewer score

3
hamo
Australia
Oct 28, 2011

All in all pretty good

We arrived on a warm day and the room was quite hot there is no air con and for the rest of the stay the room remained that way, I think it really needs air con. It also was a bit noisy being on the main street. The rooms were cute and clean, good location as it was right amongst it all, but as I said noisy for sleeping. Staff weren' t very friendly.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
2
Room comfort:
2
Location:
3
Value:
3
Dining tip: In Hotel

Beautiful vegetarian meal

Review of BEST WESTERN The Hotel California

Reviewer score

3
RichFromVirginia
Business
Virginia, USA
Oct 27, 2011

Just OK

Free Wi-Fi & breakfast were great, but the room was very average. Towels & shower had "foreign" hairs on them on arrival. Better hotels at similar prices.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
2
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
3
Location:
4
Value:
2
Trip purpose:

Business

Review of BEST WESTERN The Hotel California

Reviewer score

3
Business
Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
Oct 6, 2011

Tiny room, but it's SF

Pretty convenient location, and for SF, not a bad price. Pretty creaky old building, and I think my window was painted part-way open, so I couldn't shut it all the way. Important tip: do NOT go 2 blocks west--that's a really dicey area called Tenderloin. Google it and you'll see what I mean.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
2
Location:
4
Value:
3
Trip purpose:

Business

Review of BEST WESTERN The Hotel California

Reviewer score

4
Ash1234
Omaha, NE
Sep 6, 2011

Historical San Francisco Hotel!

Starting with the positives... this was a beautiful historical building with great architechture in an awesome location just a couple of blocks from Union Square shopping. The room and the bed was very comfortable, and the staff was nothing less than amazing! They also add some great perks, such as an ice cold shot of tequila at check-in (and yes, we took it!), a wine and cheese reception every evening, and a big continental breakfast every morning (calling it continental doesn't do it justice though- it was located in their on-site restaurant/bar). Now the down sides... the rooms are very small, smaller than a typical bedroom, and the bathrooms are (albeit classic in style) older and not renovated with the most modern finishes. The biggest downside was the noise at night. There is a bar next door, and there is only a single pane of old glass for a window, so the noise is truly unbearable. We were lucky enough to be so tired throughout our trip that we could sleep because we had so much going on during the day; however, it was very unexpected and you should be aware of this in advance. The noise goes on all night- I would say at least past 3 every night.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
3
Location:
4
Value:
4
Money-saving tip: Not Applicable

Save by getting a muni (municipal transport) pass for 1, 3, or 7 days. This allows you to take as many bus, train, and cable car rides so you get a chance to see the whole city. You can buy them at some hotel concierge desks (although not this one) or at the ticket booth at the end of the cable car on Powell & Market Streets.

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