HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel

2.0 star property
Hostel with a 24-hour front desk, 3-minute walk to Union Square

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel

Lounge
Shared fridge, microwave
Reception
Lounge
Private Queen Room Ensuite | Desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Laundry
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
312 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102
  • Place, Westin St Francis Hotel Glass Elevators
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Union Square
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Warfield Theatre
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)
    ‪16 min drive‬

Room options

Private Queen Room Ensuite

7.8 out of 10
Good
(8 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Private Economy Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(8 reviews)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Private Twin Room Ensuite

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Bed in All-Gender 6-Bed Dorm Ensuite

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Bed in Women's 4-bed Dormitory Ensuite

7.0 out of 10
Good
(4 reviews)
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Bed in Women's 4-bed Dormitory

7.8 out of 10
Good
(6 reviews)
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Bed in Men's 4-bed Dormitory Ensuite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Bed in Men's 4-bed Dormitory

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(8 reviews)
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

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About the neighborhood

San Francisco

Located in Union Square, HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel is within a 5-minute walk of Union Square and within 15 minutes of other popular attractions like Moscone Convention Center. This 99-room hostel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi, coffee/tea in a common area, and a library.

What's nearby

  • Westin St Francis Hotel Glass Elevators - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Union Square - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Warfield Theatre - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Palace Hotel - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Moscone Convention Center - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles

Getting around

  • San Francisco Station - 2 min drive
  • Powell St & O'Farrell St Stop - 2 min walk
  • San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) - 19 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Hinodeya - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Pinecrest Diner - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Halal Guys - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Bartlett Hall - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Gong CHA - ‬1 min walk

About this property

HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel

Hostel with a 24-hour front desk, 3-minute walk to Union Square
HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel features free WiFi in public areas, coffee in a common area, and microwave in a common area. Multilingual staff at the front desk are standing by 24/7 to help with tours or tickets, access to locker space, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a refrigerator in a common area, a library, and laundry facilities.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi. Other standard amenities include portable fans, hair dryers, and desks. Housekeeping is available on request.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour offsite parking (USD 35 per night)

Food and drink

  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • Foosball table
  • Library

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Laundry facilities
  • Lockers
  • Luggage storage
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • Communal living room
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

More

  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace
  • Portable fan

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 3:00 AM
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
If you are planning to arrive after 1:00 AM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Renovations and closures

The property will be renovating from October 10 2025 to December 31 2025 (completion date subject to change). The following areas are affected:
  • Exterior
Renovation work will only be conducted during business hours on weekdays. Every effort will be made to minimize noise and disturbance.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Nearby parking fee: USD 35 per night(82 ft away; open 24 hours)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
Special cancellation policies or charges may apply for group reservations (more than 8 rooms for the same property / stay dates)
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM—-3:00 AM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Charges or special cancellation policies for group reservations may apply (more than 8 rooms for the same property/stay dates).
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • Noise-free rooms can't be guaranteed.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Hi Francisco Hostel Francisco
HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel San Francisco
HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel?

HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel offers free cancellation on some room rates. If you'd like to learn more, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel?

As of Nov 21, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel on Dec 7, 2025 start from $71.1, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What can I see close to HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel?

This hostel is situated in Union Square within a short 3-minute walk of Union Square and also 19 minutes on foot from Embarcadero Center. You'll also find Pier 39 and Golden Gate Park within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel?

No, this hostel doesn't offer parking.

Does HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel include a casino?

No, HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hostel.

Is HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel a good place to stay for couples?

Amenities at this hostel that appeal to couples include a library and a 24-hour front desk.

Are there hot tubs at HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel?

No, this hostel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

No, HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel though service animals are welcome.

Are there connecting rooms at HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel?

No, this hostel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel?

The closest major airport to HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel is San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO), which is 14 mi away (19 minutes by car). Another top airport is Oakland Intl. Airport (OAK), which is located 19.1 mi away (26-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel?

No, there aren't any rooms with balconies at HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel.

HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 240 out of 363 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 83 out of 363 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 21 out of 363 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 363 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 12 out of 363 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Alfred

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I didn't like the fact The clerk was alone and juggling many things at once. I was told to come back after 3 or 4pm. Then clerk was on cell phone. Could've open windows on 2nd floor and extremely stuffy. Same with room. Room was small with no privacy curtains, and dirty carpet. Construction noise early in morning. I did like the location. It was a miserable experience.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Esteban, Houston

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is my third time staying @ Hi hostel SF downtown.... Excellent location, super nice and friendly staff, literally 3 min walking to union square plaza and macy's..... rooms are always clean.... I had a great time meeting people from other countries.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Zoe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was nice to stay in a hostel that has a lift. Reception were lovely. Not many showers on each floor but it did the job. It didn't say it included breakfast but online reviews said it did and on the back of the room door it said breakfast served between 7am and 9am which made me confused. It would of been nice to have curtains around the beds like other hostels I've been in but it was still okay. The building work occasionally started early outside the window but the noise didn't go on all day.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katrina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good common spaces! A lot of people stay here, so expect fellow dormers. Front desk staff are kind. Cafe next door gives a 10% discount if you tell them you stay at the hostel.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Edwin

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ann

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Brilliant hostel in a gorgeous old building . It is opposite a parking garage which you can get discounted 24 hr parking .
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Avtar

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Basic but does the job.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Parmida

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Xinyi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

David

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I do not recommend this property , extremely unprofessional. I made a reservation , chose the wrong date and wanted to change it to a new one . I contacted Expedia , Expedia called them multiple times and they never picked up the phone . They charged my credit card right away instead . Expedia then tried to contact them on my behalf and get a refund . Manager refused to . I wonder what type of ridiculous and unprofessional that person is . Avoid this property , it was less than $40 but seems like they don’t care and don’t offer customer service at all. Again , go somewhere else . This is a very dishonest hostel . Thank you.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Patrick lancelin

Disliked: Room comfort

Good deal , good location, nice people.

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hamza

Great place! Great people!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angel

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff and location
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

carol

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Jeanne

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Melissa

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Sydney

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a good, reliable place to stay! It's walkable to Chinatown and Fisherman's Wharf.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Huy, Portland

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Whitney

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Isaac

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It's the nicest hostel I've ever stayed in. The exterior was under renovation as well as the elevator during our stay, but I wouldn't hold that against them. It was perfectly fine accommodations for a few nights.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025