Phoenix Hotel

Arriving at the hotel was an unpleasant experience. Based on the photos on the website, the hotel looked much nicer in the pictures than it actually was. We made this reservation far in advance because we were afraid we wouldn't be able to get lodging in San Francisco for the weekend (we were right, as there was an ABA convention in town). The location is horrible, surrounded by homeless people and the kind of atmosphere you imagine the devil would find right at home in. Dirty, graffiti everywhere, a lot of noise, fear of vandalism and theft. I was very disappointed at the exterior appearance of the hotel.Checking in was a very pleasant process. The staff was very personable, helpful, and kind during the entire stay. It's as if they knew what we had been screwed into, and were trying to alleviate the disappointment that must've been written all over our faces. The hotel has a no-refund policy, and charges you the entire amount before you even check out. [...] The hotel is an old motor lodge. I imagine that, in its hey-day (spelling?), it might have been nice place to stay. The website advertised the likes of Frank Sinatra and the Red Hot Chili Peppers staying with them. I can't imagine in what universe this could have taken place. While the rooms were very clean, the complex had a decidedly "grungy" feel to it (perhaps because of the abandoned lounge and restaurant in the hotel which went out of business). The rooms have no central air conditioning. For climate control, you have two options: an old space heater on the floor with cast iron wheels and a rattling fan overhead to cool things down. It may be time for the Phoenix Hotel to come into the 21st century. The bottom line is this. We were looking forward to our vacation to San Francisco for MONTHS, and when we arrived, we were so disappointed, it ruined the one day we had in San Francisco. We got stuck with a bill for $400 (the full three nights charge) even though we explained to the staff we needed to depart after one night. Our experience here, except for the kind staff, was horrible. We would never stay here again, and strongly warn other couples against staying here. Our advice? Buck up a a few more dollars and stay in a nicer place closer to Union Square, and not in the boonies of San Francisco. [...]

front desk staff extremely helpful,with info on best way to get anywhere,on the edge of a seedy area. hotel has a list of eateries within walking distance which are excellent "you know you've eaten when you've been to any of them and not expensive either" if booked the airport bus drops you off and picks up at the door.

Loved how central the hotel was & despite warnings about the Tenderloin area, felt totally safe even at night. The pool area was great and so relaxing to have a nice little grassy & peaceful area to get away from the city hubbub. The only thing that was a bit off was the check in time. When we arrived our room wasn't ready so we came back 2 hours later and it still wasn't ready. But we just relaxed around the pool area with a couple of beers until everything was set. Will totally stay here again.

This is our second time at the Phoenix and we just loved it, as expected! It's a unique, fun, funky place, with affordable room rates, free parking, and easy access to everything. Continental breakfast by the pool is a bonus.

After driving through the area & checking into the hotel I must admit I cried! The nice guy on reception had said not to be intimidated by the area so my husband suggested we go for a walk, after 2 blocks I pleaded with him to go back to the hotel & get the car. . . .we did. At this point I didn't want to stay in San Francisco at all (we are a british couple on a 4 week trip around California) From then on though everything just seemed to get better, once we had figured that I was really not comfortable walking around there it was all ok. You just have to set your own limits and work within that. The hotel itself is a real haven. Our room was spotless, the staff were all really nice & the reception staff in particular seem to be chosen for their cheerful attitudes. Although we did not get a chance to go in the pool it looked lovely & was nice to walk round it after a day in the city on the way to our room.

Although I got over my initial shock, I wouldn't recommend this hotel (motel) to other people. The neighborhood is very questionable, to put it midly. The hotel is old (a friend said musky smelling). I needed a desk for my laptop and they only have small round night tables. I had to use the ironing board as my flat surface. So ..not good for business travelers. The free wi-fi is redeeming. The staff will warn you about the neighborhood and in which direction you should go. This should tell you something, a lot. And like I said in my title, even at half the price... I wouldn't stay here again.

While the price was lower then most in the city, once i saw it I could see why. If you are looking to save money and have a pool this would do fine. However, a few points you should know. 1. Not by the trolley and about 8 blocks away from the closest one. If you walk it, the panhandlers are out in full force. 2. It trys to create a nice atmosphere with Palm trees but age does show through. 3. It has some noise from the surrounding buildings. 4. Continental Breakfast available but you sit outside on the patio to eat it. 5. I would not walk around the area after dark. We used taxis so that didn't matter much and security is good. The place was locked down at 10:00pm.

To begin with I really enjoyed the parking so we could head out on foot and with taxi's. It was the week of the allstar game and parking was ridiculous in the city especially for a tuesday. We had a late check-in and the clerk behind the counter was polite, informative and gave us some late-night food advice that worked out wonderfully. The room was clean with the feel of a local beach motel. The pool area was relaxing and spacious for a city that usually sandwiches everything together due to the lack of space! The room was cute,the bathroom hadn't been updated in 40 years, but it all worked, had great water pressure and was clean. It was not the boring, sterile hotel room we have grown accustomed to and after a while in the room we were happy it was the way it was!