User Reviews for Sir Francis Drake Hotel

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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.”

Jul 29, 2005 by Liaquat from Hagerstown, MD
Overall Rating: 10
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[8] • Location:[8]

• excellent location for shopping and sightseeing
• the bathroom was small with no counter space

“good location with friendly staff”

Jul 27, 2005 by Christine from Granada Hills, CA
Overall Rating: 2
Cleanliness:[6] • Staff:[6] • Location:[10]

• Convenience
• The bathroom was horrible. paint was chipped. The windows were dirty and had barbed wire on them. Not what I expected

“The location was good but the rooms were crappy.”

Jul 27, 2005 by Marc from Sacramento, CA
Overall Rating: 10
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[10] • Location:[9]

• Very nice room, Outstanding front desk clercks, Great looby
• Not enough elevators to cope with crowds

“Outstanding older hotel 1/2 block from Union Square. Would stay there again and a great value for the money.”

Jul 24, 2005 by Larry from Harwood Heights, IL
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[7] • Staff:[6] • Location:[8]

• Need to know parking costs

“Nice hotel. Very good location. Hotel parking is $42.18 a night! ”

Jul 20, 2005 by Linda from Saint Louis, MO
Overall Rating: 5
Cleanliness:[5] • Staff:[9] • Location:[8]

• Friendly, courteous staff and closeness to sites, shops and restaurants.
• Decor seriously needs updating. One of our rooms had paint/plaster hanging from the ceiling room 1103.

“The overall service was great. The staff was excellent. But the room decor was in serious need of updating. The carpet was old in need of replacing. The bath tub (room 928) was old and needed reglazing. The hardware also needed updating. The window in the bathroom was cracked and displayed rust spots. My kids room (1103) had paint/plaster hanging down from the ceiling.I will give the hotel a plus for its proximity to favorite San Francisco tourist sites.”

Jul 19, 2005 by Mary from Oakton, VA
Overall Rating: 6
Cleanliness:[7] • Staff:[7] • Location:[10]

• Location
• Hotel needs to be refurbished

“I found out that this hotel has been bought and will be refurbished starting in September. The hotel really needs it and it is apparent that the hotel staff, etc. is waiting for the refurbish.”

Jul 7, 2005 by Steven from Costa Mesa, CA
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[9] • Location:[10]

• nice location
• none

“Nice bed,location, and friendly staff”

Jul 6, 2005 by Cali from Pismo Beach, CA
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[8] • Location:[10]

• Great location, nice comfortable bed, clean room, neat vintage bathroom.
• Hotel staff is hard to find when /if you need them.

“I would recomend this hotel to anyone traveling to San Francisco and wanting to stay near Union Square. It has a great location and quiet rooms. Good value overall.”

Jul 6, 2005 by Keith from San Luis Obispo, CA
Overall Rating: 1
Cleanliness:[7] • Staff:[7] • Location:[10]

• Maid was very nice and friendly. Room was clean.
• Hotel desperately needs updating! Furnishing are old and worn. Plumbing bad.

“I would not recommend this hotel. While I found the staff helpful and nice, my room was in need of serious refurbishing. The furnishings all looked as though they were second hand. The blanket and bed spread needed to be replaced. My room was next to an elevator shaft that shook the room as it passed up and down. The windows were covered in soot and dirt. It had the feel of an worn down SRO hotel rather than a 3-star hotel.”

Jun 30, 2005 by Dennis from Roseville, CA
Overall Rating: 4
Cleanliness:[7] • Staff:[3] • Location:[10]

• Location
• Internet Service (wireless) is bad

“Wouldn't NEVER pay hotel rate at this property. Overrated in my opinion.”

Jun 30, 2005 by Nathan from Scottsdale, AZ
Overall Rating: 7
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[9] • Location:[10]

• Harry Denton's Startlight Lounge
• Rooms very small & could use some updating - tattered carpet, walls, etc.

“The location of the Sir Francis Drake cannot be beat. The staff was friendly and the rooms were clean.”

Jun 23, 2005 by Jean from Ma, MA
Overall Rating: 10
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[10] • Location:[10]

• The location was perfect, right in the heart of the city. Within walking distance to Chinatown, Union Square, North Beach etc. On cable car line.
• Our room was small, but where we did nothing but sleep there it wasn't a big problem. More space would have been nicer

“I certainly would go back to this hotel and have already recommended it to friends. It was clean, perfectly located and the staff was courtious, and helpful. The housekeeping staff was exceptional and extremely polite. The only negative experience was one experience with the concierge. I had lost a credit card and asked her to call the store where I believed I had left it as would would be gone for the day. When I got back to the hotel there was no message and we were leaving early the next morning. When I got home I called the store and found out it was indeed left there so my guess is that call had not taken place. They were helpful in all other ways, directions, booking side trips etc. I would not let that one experience keep me from returning to a great hotel in a perfect location.”

Jun 14, 2005 by Gary from Pismo Beach, CA
Overall Rating: 6
Cleanliness:[7] • Staff:[8] • Location:[6]

• The staff was nice and the rooms are clean.
• Parking at 42.00 per day is crazy.

“The rooms are small, but very clean and the staff was friendly and attentive. Due to the location, parking a vehicle @42.00 per day outweighs the benifit of a cheaper price. Would recommend trying to stay in another part of the city if you have a vehicle.”

Jun 12, 2005 by Jt from Los Angeles, CA
Overall Rating: 6
Cleanliness:[6] • Staff:[9] • Location:[10]

• Aveda bath productions, great location and bath friendly.
• Rooms were too small.

“The hotel is pet friendly and has a great location, which is in the center of Union Square. The staff was friendly and extremely helpful when needed. My only problem is the rooms were too small, even for one person. There was barely enough room to walk, but I guess the service and location makes up for it.”

Jun 6, 2005 by Suzanne from San Francisco, CA
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[10] • Location:[10]

• Excellent location. Very friendly staff. Loved the Wi-Fi in the hotel.
• Older hotel therefore small room/bathroom

“Nice lobby and ambiance. I really liked that the hotel had wireless access throughout the hotel. This is a very convenient factor for business travellers.”

Jun 2, 2005 by Chenier from Los Angeles, CA
Overall Rating: 10
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[9] • Location:[10]

• The Starlight room on the 21st Floor is fantastic!
• Horrible shower pressure and the hotel did not provide enough towels

“The Sir Francis Drake is a quaint hotel with friendly staff service and great location. I would recommend friends to stay there. The only major drawback was parking prices--$37 a night is not reasonable.”

Jun 2, 2005 by Sandy from Sacramento, CA
Overall Rating: 5
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[8] • Location:[8]

• The web page mentioned free coffee and wine and cheese in the afternoon. There was neither - nor was there exercise facilities as the web site said.

“Room was very small but pleasant. No coffee or tea in the rooms and no exercise facilities as promised. The location was also very noisy, both from street noise and insdie the hotel noise.”

May 12, 2005 by Wade from Richfield, MN
Overall Rating: 7
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[9] • Location:[10]

• concierge and lobby were nice
• rooms not very updated

“for 80 a night in San Fran, we couldn't go wrong.”

May 9, 2005 by Sharath from San Ramon, CA
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[5] • Location:[9]

• Reception staff not helpful.

“Perfect location. Small but clean rooms. Lobby is grand and well appointed. Reception staff dull and unhelpful. ”

May 8, 2005 by Jason from Provo, UT
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[7] • Staff:[10] • Location:[9]

• The hotel staff was the most friendly and knowledgeable I've encountered
• The room size was very tiny, even for San Fran, NYC had larger rooms in a 2.5 star room

“I enjoyed our brief stay there, but would likely pay the $10-15 dollar difference to bid on a 4-star room instead.”