Tilden Hotel
"How did it strike you on arrival?The lobby at the Tilden Hotel is small, but bright and modern, with an updated living room vibe. Stark white walls mingle with low-slung blue velvet couches, stone-topped tables, framed prints, and golden wood paneling. The hotel features work from local artists Joe Papagoda and Daniel Phill, and all guest rooms have prints from Jenny Kiker. What’s the crowd like?Laptop-toting workers hanging at the tables in the lobby with massive, expensive headphones and cups of coffee from the shop to the side of the front desk. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.In the rooms, the palettes are muted, with white plantation shutters, white walls, black trim, and framed prints above the beds. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?All rooms come with pillow-top mattresses. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?The mini bar is stocked with locally produced goods, like Fred Water, Tcho Chocolate, Have'A Corn Chip, Harry's Razor and Shave Kit, Naked Condoms, and a Wine and Bottle Opener. (The moms on Yelp are not happy about the condoms.) A retail bar in the lobby by the coffee shop has swanky items like Lauren Craft Collection fine jewelry, Grown Alchemist hand and body creams, and Illesteva sunglasses. The rooms also feature ceiling fans. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Some complain that sinks are so small it's hard to wash your face without getting water on the floor. Products are by Malin + Goetz, and the bathroom comes with Marvis toothpaste. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Wi-Fi is included in a $19 fee. Room service: Worth it?Room service comes from The Douglas Room, a cocktail bar right off the lobby that offers a limited menu. Grab snacks like Shishito peppers ($8), tater tots ($5), or go bigger with the Dougie Fresh Salad of beets, kale, walnuts, and radish ($13) or the Wagyu Tilden burger ($12). Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?The man behind the front desk is very friendly and helpful. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The gym is a couple of machines and some weights in a wee space beneath the stairs. The location also is a bit rough. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?The Tilden has just one tiny elevator. Bottom line: worth it, and why?The location is in a rough part of San Francisco, and sounds from neighboring rooms—even snoring—can come through the walls." - Elise Craig
