HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel

Great location, close to Union Square and lots of restaurants in the area. Our rooms were very spacious. The bathrooms on the other hand are quite small, with the sink and mirror in the bedroom. Functional nonetheless. Both the bathroom and the bedroom were very clean and well equipped with comfortable beds. Due to the age of the building you can hear pretty much anything happening outside your door but that's manageable. Would definitely stay again.

Great location - just around the corner from union square. Easy to walk to plenty of restaurants and bars etc. There are tram and bus stops nearby, but we walked to most places - it’s about 40 mins to Fisherman’s wharf.|As someone who has been to SF a few times now, I think the general area has improved, it feels safer than it once did.||The hotel itself is a bit dated, to be expected. The exterior was being renovated when we stayed, which was ok but our window was taped up so we couldn’t see out of it or open it for air. We stayed in a private en suite double, the room was spacious, bathroom clean and functional. The hairdryer didn’t work so I had to use one in a communal bathroom though. Kitchen and washing facilities were great. Disappointed they no longer do a breakfast - it even still said they did on the back of our door! ||Overall it was good value for the price, good location. A bit dated and it’s a shame there is no more free breakfast.

HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel is a fantastic budget-friendly option for travelers looking to stay in the heart of the city. The location is unbeatable, just a short walk from Union Square, public transit, and major attractions like Chinatown and the Ferry Building. The hostel is clean, secure, and well-maintained, with both dormitory and private room options. Guests often praise the friendly staff, organized activities, and free or low-cost breakfast. The communal kitchen and lounge areas encourage social interaction, making it ideal for solo travelers. Overall, it’s a lively, comfortable, and convenient place to stay in San Francisco.

A decent hostel! Super convenient location just 2 blocks away from union square, easy to go around by public transportation. I arrived early and the staff let me store my bags in the spacious luggage room. Compared with other HI hostel locations I’ve stayed, this one is relatively compacted. Bedroom and bathroom are small, but functional. And there’s only a few quiet space you can work for a while (except for the kitchen). Probably because of the renovation going on, there’s not enough natural light coming into the room or the common space.

Hostelling International San Francisco Downtown was a solid choice for our stay. The reception staff were friendly and helpful which made check in easy and welcoming. The location was great and really convenient for getting around the city. The rooms felt a bit older than the photos showed but they were clean and functional. Considering how expensive San Francisco can be, the hostel offered really good value. Overall it was a good and reliable option for a downtown stay.

For the price we paid, there were definitely better options. The private room with bathroom did its job, but it had a very strong smell, similar to a bus restroom. In fact, when we got home, our clothes were completely impregnated with that odor. Additionally, we were not informed that there was construction on the hostel’s façade, which was quite uncomfortable: in the mornings, workers were literally walking right past our window. As tourists, we also didn’t feel entirely comfortable with the neighborhood where the hostel is located, as it doesn’t feel particularly safe. I wouldn’t stay there again, although it wasn’t a terrible experience either.

Based on their price range I wasn't really expecting much from this hostel, but my stay at SF downtown hostel was surprisingly comfortable. The room was simple, but incredibly clean and well-maintained. The bed was soft, the AC work perfectly, and the water pressure in the shower was better than the average hostels I've been in. The location is also a huge plus, its close to restaurants, convenience stores, and public transport. For the price, value, and service, this hostel have exceeded my expectations. If your looking for a budget-friendly stay without sacrificing comfort, I think this is a good enough place.