A Guide to San Francisco
Hostels
California’s
coolest city is perfect for cash-strapped students
and backpackers, with cheap food in Chinatown, great
nightlife, and plenty of
San Francisco hostels to choose from. The best
choice when it comes to budget accommodation,
there’s more to a San Francisco hostel than a cheap
dorm to crash in. With more and more ‘boutique’
hostels with stylish decor, private rooms and top
class facilities springing up over the city, hostels
are ideal for anyone looking to save money on
accommodation.
Here’s a guide to
the top places to stay in the city:
USA Hostels San Francisco
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Right in the heart of the city, and just three
blocks from Union Square, this huge hostel is great
value for backpackers. Despite the large size, the
hostel’s rooms are a cozy mix of 4 bed dorms and
private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. The huge
50-seat theatre, fully equipped kitchen, library and
free all-you-can-eat pancakes and oatmeal are just
some of the hostel’s great extras. The atmosphere is
super-social, with themed nights ranging from ‘wine
and cheese evenings’ to karaoke and billiard
tournaments.
Adelaide Hostel and Hotel
More upmarket than your average hostel, the rooms at
the Adelaide are clean and comfortable, and there’s
a huge kitchen and dining room adding to the homely
ambience. The hostel offers free breakfasts,
internet, tea and coffee, towel s and linens, and
even organizes cheap tours to attractions further
afield, from Muir Woods to Yosemite National Park.
Back in the city, the downtown location makes
visiting Union Square, Chinatown and Haight Ashbury
easy on foot.
HI-San Francisco-Fisherman’s Wharf
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In a historic building surrounded by a National
Park, the HI San Francisco boasts one of the best
bay views around. Housed in the historic buildings
of Fort Mason and right on the waterfront, the city
center is still easy to reach by public transport,
and Fisherman’s Wharf is half a mile away. The
hostel is great for families and backpackers alike,
with an on-site laundry and amazing cafe serving a
free breakfast and cheap evening meals. This is also
a hostel with a conscience – they offer free
activities every day of the week, are eco-friendly,
and a ‘not-for-profit’ hostel.
Edward II Inn
This Bed and Breakfast Inn has bags of character,
and is a romantic spot perfect for couples. Built in
1914, the historic building the Inn has charming
decor and antique furniture, but all the amenities
of a hotel, with cable TV, wireless internet access,
and a pub with chess, Scrabble and cards to play
with. The breakfast of pastries, cereal and yoghurt
will fuel you up for a day of sightseeing, with
Fisherman’s Wharf, historic Presidio and Ghirardelli
Square within easy reach.
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