User Reviews for Sir Francis Drake Hotel

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Aug 18, 2008 by Glenn from Melbourne AU
Overall Rating: 7
Cleanliness:[6] • Staff:[6] • Location:[9]

• Location was great, ambiance of foyer was lovely.
• Room was a little tired and in need of maintenance.

“Well located in the heart of downtown San Francisco close to major shopping opportunities, Union Square and many restaurants. Exudes old world charm without taking itself too seriously.”

Aug 14, 2008 by Susan from Morristown, NJ
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[9] • Location:[10]

• Good breakfast, nice staff.
• Room was very small.

“When we checked in we were upgraded and had a lovely but very small room with a view of Union Square. The room was clean. We had a very good breakfast in the hotel restaurant. It has a good location too for cable cars, shopping and walking around the city.”

Aug 1, 2008 by Eric from Honolulu, HI
Overall Rating: 1
Cleanliness:[3] • Staff:[3] • Location:[10]

• Location.
• Poor bell service; faulty bathroom lighting, leaking AC condensation.

“This is an old hotel which needs improvements in the physical plant as well as service. It is hard to unload in front of the hotel since it is on busy Powell Street and there is construction in front. We had a leaking AC grate which annoyingly dripped all night and the bathroom light went off intermittently. The plus is location.”

May 22, 2008 by Ben from Portsmouth, NH
Overall Rating: 6
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[5] • Location:[10]

• Location.
• Rooms are very small.

“Hotel has great location. Lobby is nice. Elevators are very slow - we had to walk-up to our room on the 14th floor. Front desk told me at check-in.”

May 15, 2008 by Edy from San Luis Obispo, CA
Overall Rating: 5
Cleanliness:[2] • Staff:[2] • Location:[9]

• Wonderful lounge and restaurant.
• Hotel staff was less than friendly.

“Our room was very nice, although, there was a large wet area on the floor (soaked). We notified the staff and they tended to it quickly without finding the cause. Not knowing where/what the wetness was from we asked for a new room. They wanted us to just wait while they put up driers in the room. That was not acceptable due to the time and our standing plans. A new room was given to us, smoking room, marked non-smoking but had all the ashtrays and labeled matches in the room, smelt like the previous guests just left. We could not accept this. A downgrade not acceptable. After 20 minutes of angry conversation we were then given a room that fit our needs.”

Apr 29, 2008 by Kk from Eureka, CA
Overall Rating: 5
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[3] • Location:[1]

• The bartender was nice.
• NA.

“It took me about an hour driving around the blocks to finally find an opening for valet parking after almost getting into a car wreck a few times. I came back and got a nice gentleman at the front desk that got me in without even looking at my print out reservation.”

Apr 23, 2008 by Bob from Salinas, CA
Overall Rating: 3
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[9] • Location:[9]

• The proximity to Union Square in downtown San Francisco.
• The room was incredibly small.

“I would not stay at this hotel again. The room was incredibly small, the bathroom was downright claustrophobic. When we entered the room the bellman pointed out that the air conditioner did not work, there was a hole in the ceiling above the bed. The ice machine on our floor was out of order and there was a $50.00 charge to park our vehicle in the hotel parking garage for 1 night. A friendly staff does not make up for all these things. I thought the drink prices at the hotel bar were steep as well. Not a good experience.”

Apr 10, 2008 by John from Cathedral City, CA
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[10] • Location:[7]

• Very nice views of the city. modern, with great service.
• Too far from Market street.

“The staff were excellent, bellboys and front desk staff were very professional and took great care of us and our luggage. Bellboy put all of our luggage into the back of the vehicle without us asking, which made our departure very easy. Views of the city lights were wonderful at night and the proximity to Chinatown was great.”

Mar 30, 2008 by Doug from Kensington, CA
Overall Rating: 6
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[8] • Location:[9]

• Good location.
• We were right next to the elevator shaft and listened to it all night long.

“The hotel was beautiful and in a excellent location. The public spaces where very nice. Our room was a tiny box just big enough for the bed with no windows. We were right next to the elevator shaft and listened to it all night long. Though it was clean.”

Mar 3, 2008 by James from Fairfield, CA
Overall Rating: 1
Cleanliness:[1] • Staff:[4] • Location:[8]

• Doormen, the bed.
• Run down, noxious odors, rooms too small to work in.

“As a SF local extremely disappointing for a landmark/Kimpton hotel. Odor of urine in public areas. Featured bar and elevator reported it and no apparent action taken. Rooms too small to work in or turn around in, not clean.”

Feb 28, 2008 by Darren from Sanbernardino, CA
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[3] • Location:[9]

• Ornate lobby and Starlight lounge.
• Poor service due 18% automatic gratuity.

“The rooms are extremely old, but there in lies the lure. The lobby is exquisite and the beefeater was excellent in helping us locate the San Francisco pulse. I likely would eat elsewhere due to the 18% automatic gratuity, the waiters don't have to work for the tip and our service suffered for it.”

Feb 17, 2008 by Anne from San Diego, CA
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[10] • Location:[10]

• The room was a good size. The bathroom was adorable - small but fine for one person.

“I loved staying here. The hotel bar was a lot of fun after a long day of work. It has a fun atmosphere and a lot of energy.”

Jan 26, 2008 by Tom from Seattle, WA
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[10] • Location:[10]

• Clean and quite for a Downtown hotel.
• Small room.

“I found the property to be very nice but a little dated. Attached restaurant was great and the hotel staff was very helpful. I would very likely stay here again if the price was right.”

Dec 16, 2007 by Clay from Dallas, TX
Overall Rating: 2
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[6] • Location:[9]

• Good location to shopping, dining. Attractions.
• The room was so small that I could not get my rolling bag to the other side of the room.

“Great hotel great location very small rooms.”

Dec 14, 2007 by Diane from Fresno, CA
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[7] • Staff:[8] • Location:[10]

• Room deco was fabulous! Tasteful, great colors and fabrics.
• Room was so small 2 of us were tripping and bumping into each other to get around the bed.

“The room was cramped, but well furnished. The old fashion single hung window didn't close completely, making for more outside noise than necessary. There wasn't a coffee maker in the room, but the desk clerk advised we could have one brought up for no extra charge. The closet was large enough; TV in good condition, and the desk (with complimentary wireless internet) was perfect.”

Nov 16, 2007 by Michael from Reedley, CA
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[9] • Location:[9]

• Great location and impressive public spaces.
• Small room, only one little drawer for each guest, tiny bathroom.

“Iconic San Francisco hotel with grandiose, opulent lobby and other public spaces and very courteous staff. Great location near union square and theatres. Unfortunate old style hotel dimensions for guest rooms (small) and bathrooms (tiny).”

Aug 15, 2007 by Jeffrey from Austin, TX
Overall Rating: 6
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[9] • Location:[10]

• The location was great, and the rooms were very pretty.
• They put us in a room adjoining the elevator. It was loud and neither of us could sleep.

“The room they gave us was on the 19th out of 20 floors that hold rooms very nice. The problem was the bathroom butted up again the elevator making our room very loud. Not only could we hear the elevator going up and down to the club on the 21st floor, we could hear people talking while on it and loud drunk people outside our room. The staff however was excellent and the room was very pretty. It is in a great location, and I would definitely stay again just in a different room.”

Jan 24, 2007 by Kris from Forks Of Salmon, CA
Overall Rating: 10
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[10] • Location:[10]

• The SFDH is the essence of an old San Francisco hotel.
• The bathroom was really small.

“The hotel was beautiful, in the old San Francisco type decor and ambiance. Staff very friendly. Wonderful lounge, the star light lounge, you could almost hear Julie London singing there.”

Nov 21, 2006 by Adam from Burlington, VT
Overall Rating: 6
Cleanliness:[6] • Staff:[5] • Location:[9]

• Location.
• Old, small room.

“The hotel is only good if you get a really good deal. ”

Apr 3, 2006 by Nancy from Paradise, CA
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[9] • Location:[9]

• Location architecture.
• Wish they would have wine tasting on the mezzanine.

“Great location, friendly wait staff, competent desk staff.”

Mar 31, 2006 by Ellen from Houston, TX
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[8] • Location:[10]

• Excellent location in the heart of San Francisco, clean and well-staffed with a touch of Europe in the air.
• San Francisco's homeless like to hang out just outside the perimeter of the hotel. I don't like strange men coming up to me.

“The hotel was a great find in the heart of the city. I got an excellent rate for a very good hotel. The city center is somewhat noisy at night with the streetcar running up and down in front of it, but that's part of the experience of this city.”

Mar 28, 2006 by Jodi from Laurel, MD
Overall Rating: 10
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[10] • Location:[10]

• The location was idea. The heart of Union Square was just a two-block walk.
• I can't think of anything that I didn't like.

“The Sir Francis Drake is a quaint boutique hotel that has its own quirks, which helps to give it a great sense of personality. The location is a dream and the room was comfortable. It isn't the lap of luxury It's a fun place in a great location in a terrific city.”

Feb 24, 2006 by John from Woodbridge, VA
Overall Rating: 10
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[10] • Location:[10]

• Great location, walk to everything, friendly staff.
• Parking! They will park your car for $38 a night; of course $24 was nearby.

“Very nice hotel, friendly staff, large room, within walking distance of everything I needed, Night club and 2 restaurants right in the hotel.”

Feb 21, 2006 by Rosie from San Jose, CA
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[9] • Location:[10]

• The best location and very comfy.
• The rooms are starting to get a little dated. Especially the bathrooms.

“Overall, and excellent value. For the price I would come here again.”

Jan 14, 2006 by Jay from Cleveland, OH
Overall Rating: 6
Cleanliness:[6] • Staff:[8] • Location:[9]

• Location.
• Very small rooms and bathroom needs renovation.

“Good location, very small rooms, half the size of regular hotel room, bathroom needs serious renovation.”

Jan 11, 2006 by Nicole from Garden Grove, CA
Overall Rating: 6
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[5] • Location:[10]

• It was a great location and it had a nice lobby.
• The bathroom was too small, we could hear every noise, not restful, not thrilled with decor, staff was not knowledgeable.

“It was a nice older hotel but it was not comfortable. We had a room next to the ice machine so we heard every time someone got ice. We could also hear everything down at the street. The cable car ran right next to the hotel so we hear the "dings" all night and all day. We asked the staff questions on a few occasions and they were incorrect each time. Also our bathroom door and window did not close so when the wind blew we heard them both opening and shutting throughout the night. That was a bit disconcerting. However it was a great location, central to lots of restaurants and shopping.”

Jan 6, 2006 by Ameen from Bellevue, WA
Overall Rating: 6
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[8] • Location:[9]

• Everything was wok
• Room was very small.

“Tithe room was very small. There were only one full size bed. ”

Nov 19, 2005 by Kenny from Las Vegas, NV
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[10] • Location:[10]

• Location and great beds.
• TV did not work correctly and then stopped working and they had no replacement.

“Great location. Great beds, excellent housekeeping, bad TV.”

Oct 26, 2005 by Virginia from Rosemead, CA
Overall Rating: 5
Cleanliness:[7] • Staff:[6] • Location:[10]

• The location of this hotel in Union Square is great!
• The room in this hotel was probably one of the smallest hotel rooms that I have ever been in.

“The location of the Sir Francis Drake is terrific and very convenient in SF. However, the room was tiny. It was probably the smallest hotel room that I have ever been in. I was disappointed by this because I expected more from a 3 star hotel. Overall, my experience was good but not great.”

Sep 28, 2005 by Angela from Chico, CA
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[9] • Location:[9]

• The hotel staff were just wonderful.
• It would be nice to have coffee in the rooms.

“The staff are fantastic as is the location. The bathrooms are small but clean, I will be sure to stay at this hotel again.”

Sep 8, 2005 by Tammy from Fremont, CA
Overall Rating: 10
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[9] • Location:[8]

• The bed room and room were nicely decorated.
• the bathrooms were a bit small and showed why the property was only a 3 star, but the rooms and hotel could easily be 4 star

“The location is awesome, right across some great restaurants like Sear's Fine Dining. The Starlight Ballroom is inside the hotel and boasts awesome views and fantastic live Jazz and dancing. The rooms were spacious and nicely decorated. The only thing that showed the age of this hotel were the bathrooms. They were small and lacked some modern touches.”

Sep 5, 2005 by Carlos from Montclair, CA
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[10] • Location:[10]

• The location of this hotel is very convenient. it's very close to stores and interesting landmarks.
• the hotel didnt have its own parking lot. i had to pay $40 extra approx. per day.

“Overall, i was very pleased with the service provided by the hotel staff. the hotel is located in the middle of everything. Restaurants, stores, and landmarks are within walking distance.”

Aug 26, 2005 by Karin from Salt Lake City, UT
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[7] • Staff:[7] • Location:[10]

• Great location and lots of charm.
• Bathroom could have been cleaner.

“We loved the amazing location of this hotel, and it was very fun in its style. It was central to pretty much everything, and in a very safe area. Having a trolly stop right out side ended up not being so great, as it was always full when it got there, but that didn't really make much difference to us. We were prepared for the tiny rooms/bathrooms, due to the reviews, and it didn't bother us. It did, however, smell slightly of urine, and, although I understand that it is very old, a thorough scrubing would have made a big difference. I don't mind old, but even an old bathroom can be cleaned well enough to make it not smell bad. That was the only real drawback for us.”

Aug 24, 2005 by Bob from Skaneateles, NY
Overall Rating: 2
Cleanliness:[6] • Staff:[4] • Location:[6]

• very distinquished loby
• poor plumbing

“The first gentleman at the front desk was a bit rude and too harried. I know what it s like to be busy and try to move things along but you need to be emphatic with each customer after all to each of us its a problem to check into a new city and its important to feel that the hotel staff is on your side not that you are the problem that needs to be cleared away. I tried to not to be demanding when our sink was backed up as well as our tub but as usual I had to be threatening to get the situation resolved.”

Aug 23, 2005 by Stephen from Brooklyn, NY
Overall Rating: 10
Cleanliness:[6] • Staff:[10] • Location:[10]

• Awesome location
• Dirty showers

“Great hotel and a great value for what we paid. Again, hotel was in the best spot possible for us being close to everything we wanted to see and do. However, the room wasn't the cleanest room - showers and basins were a bit dirty. Then again, maid service everyday was great. I would stay here again - no doubt.”

Aug 22, 2005 by Rich from East Brunswick, NJ
Overall Rating: 10
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[10] • Location:[10]

• Location right in the heart of downtown
• None

“Hotel rooms may be a bit on the snug side, but the location is great and the staff is extremely eager to please.”

Aug 19, 2005 by Janice from Valleyford, WA
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[8] • Location:[9]

• The location was perfect. A lot of ambience. Excellent beds.
• At first didn't want to give us a room with two beds.

“The hotel was very nice. Its an old hotel but well maintained. The staff was helpful. The beds were great. We spent most of our time out of the hotel so the location was wonderful.”

Aug 18, 2005 by Megan from Pittsburgh, PA
Overall Rating: 10
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[7] • Location:[10]

• I really liked the style of this hotel. The decor was elegant yet with a sense of humor. Fun quirky touches made me feel at home and comfortable.
• The staff were courteous when approached but did not go out of their way to be friendly.

“Overall I really enjoyed staying at the Sir Francis Drake and the price was a great bargain. My husband and I were very satisfied with our stay. ”

Aug 16, 2005 by Ross from Sacramento, CA
Overall Rating: 10
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[10] • Location:[9]

• Loved the location and the beefeater greeters.

“It is a great old san Francisco hotel in the best tradition, good restaurant and coffee cafe on corner. Very pleasant staff.”

Aug 10, 2005 by Steve from Providence, RI
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[7] • Staff:[8] • Location:[7]

• location
• workout facilities

“Great location. And rooms are nice.”

Aug 9, 2005 by SUMMERANN (See all reviews by SUMMERANN)
Overall Rating: 6
Cleanliness:[7] • Staff:[9] • Location:[9]

• Lobby, Staff, Location
• Rooms/Bathrooms need remodeling

“This hotel is great on the outside but the rooms are older and dated. They made an attempt to make them appear to be newer but they need some remodeling, especially the bathrooms. Staff was great and the lobby and front of this hotel are neat. Rooms were roomy. ”

Aug 8, 2005 by Eric from Saint James, NY
Overall Rating: 2
Cleanliness:[2] • Staff:[7] • Location:[8]

• Location, nice lobby, friendly staff
• Tiny room -- REALLY tiny. Paint peeling. Poor lighting. Street noise even on 7th floor -- tells me not well insulated.

“Location is fine. Quirky, old style hotel which would be nice, except... probably the smallest room I have ever stayed in, and poor upkeep: Paint peeling, there was an unpainted plywood patch on the wall over the bathroom light. Also smelled of smoke despite being a non-smoking room -- I suspect the ventilation systems are interconected floor-to-floor in a way that moves smoke rather than venting it outside.”

Aug 5, 2005 by Erin from College Station, TX
Overall Rating: 10
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[10] • Location:[10]

“I enjoyed the hotel though we weren't there much. The staff did everything they could to make our stay enjoyable. It was very clean and comfortable, a great deal with the price we got. It was a beautiful building with historic value. We didn't try out the Starlight Room, the hotel's night club, but heard it was a fun place to go.”

Aug 5, 2005 by Susan from Daphne, AL
Overall Rating: 5
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[2] • Location:[10]

• Location near the Cable Car and Shopping and walking distance to ChinaTown.
• Front desk, valet did not follow thru on requests and were rude for no apparent reason.

“Love this hotel for convenience and charm.”

Aug 5, 2005 by John from Sanger, CA
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[10] • Location:[10]

• Very clean and inviting
• The bathroom was very old and in some disrepair

“Overall the hotel is very clean, inviting, and pleasant in a great location. The bathroom needs updating and remodeling.”

Aug 4, 2005 by Sandy from Monterey Park, CA
Overall Rating: 5
Cleanliness:[6] • Staff:[6] • Location:[10]

• Good location near shopping and restaurants.
• The room smelled horrible and the windows did not open. The r ooms are very small and beds are uncomfortable.

“Other than the great location of this hotel, there was nothing great about the room. It had a horrible smell and the room was uncomfortable.”

Aug 4, 2005 by Joe from Mesa, AZ
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[8] • Location:[7]

• Beautiful lobby, free internet access, downtown next to Union Square.
• Parking downtown can be a frustrating and expensive experience.

“In keeping with the older San Francisco traditions, smallish rooms, tiny bathrooms, older fixtures, expensive valet or hoof it up the street with your stuff to the (high end) downtown parking garages. The lavish entryway suggests a palace! Cool place with a great location but don't expect the star treatment in the room!”

Aug 3, 2005 by Jennifer from Castaic, CA
Overall Rating: 10
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[9] • Location:[10]

• The hotel was within walking distance to a variety of San Francisco attractions
• Parking at this hotel is very expensive

“The hotel is an older, "historic" hotel. It is kept up well, and has most modern conveniences including wireless internet service throughout the hotel. It is in a prime San Francisco location, just off of Union Square, and is within easy walking distance of the Moscone Center, and also the cable car route. We would stay here again.”

Aug 3, 2005 by Warren from Charlotte, NC
Overall Rating: 10
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[9] • Location:[10]

• the location was nice, and staff helpful
• would have appreciated coffee in lobby

“The decor was attractive and interesting, and the location provided access to union square. The overall flavor was of a historic hotel.”

Jul 29, 2005 by Vanessa from New York, NY
Overall Rating: 6
Cleanliness:[6] • Staff:[8] • Location:[10]

• Excellent location, efficient check-in/out, impressive lobby
• Room furnishings were a little worn and space had an odor upon entering.

“The Sir Francis Drake is a 2.5 -- not 3 -- star hotel in an excellent location. The vintage nature of the hotel did show through in several places: particuarly, the dark, somewhat musty hallways, and the worn furnishings in at least my room. The room itself was on the small side and could have been cleaner: my tub was old and stained in some areas, and my ironing board was spotted and dirty. Also, there was a noticeable odor upon entering the room, which was only somewhat helped by running the air conditioner at all hours. The lobby was quite impressive and well-kept, if not an accurate representation of the rooms above. Still, the staff (particularly the doorman and concierge) were helpful in making suggestions for outings, and check-in/out was smooth and snag-free. The top floor lounge is a destination in itself for the views.”