Japantown Hostelling International

"ROOMS: 2 rooms. The first room was in a hallway that smelled like cigarette smoke, and the room itself had a very musty smell. We requested a switch. The next room was across from the bus depot. It was a bit loud, but fine. Our second room was located in the building above the entrance driveway. It initially seemed alright, but it was VERY loud into the early morning hours due to people outside partying at the fire pits outside of the lobby bar. The hotel said they were having a hard time controlling the guests, and the next day, we requested a switch. The next room was fine. We found many things mentioned in other reviews - musty smell, low water pressure, loud areas, and persistent bacon smell from the breakfast buffet. This is a large hotel with many buildings, and your experience is largely affected by where your room is. We saw things that were yuck - rusty hardware in the bathrooms, stained marble vanity tops, and a dirty mini fridge that had to be at least 25 years old. BREAKFAST: Free breakfast is more extensive, including the standard eggs, meat, and pancakes, but the eggs were consistently overcooked and inedible due to their sulfur flavor (think a brick of scrambled eggs that needs to be cut to be served), and the same menu every day. If over-ripe fruit, mass-produced pastries, and cold cuts are your thing, you’ll be happy. EXTRA FEES: After booking, I received an email about a week later about extra fees not mentioned at booking. Just OK, would not stay again."

"I’ll take the hit for not better preparing myself for the terrible parking situation. For those that haven’t been in downtown San Francisco in a while it’s as disgusting and urine filled as ever. I wasn’t excited about the $40 tourism charge upon check-in even though I had prepaid on Expedia. And the staff said that it was a $20 overnight parking fee…… It was over double that…… the room was clean for the most part except underneath the bed was absolutely disgusting, and I only knew about that because one of my kids toys rolled underneath there. The continental breakfast was absolutely terrible. If you show up anytime after eight, don’t expect there to be anything. I do not recommend anybody stay here."

"Clean and staff was very nice. Will definitely stay here again. Parking is $70 a night but it is secured. Location is very convenient as well. "