Golden Gate Hotel, San Francisco

Things have changed! I have stayed at this hotel multiple time in the past, greatly enjoyed the charming "bed and breakfast" style set-up and sadly, it is not what it used to be. For our recent stay in early Jan 2025, they have added, upon checking out, an amenity fee of 20$ a day. Which is odd, as Breakfast is listed as "included" and I can't understand what other amenities this hotel would have. The attractive lobby, french looking croissant breakfast on advertisement (hotel site, expedia, or even hotel front door) is no longer serve. You have to go the the basement of the sister hotel a few door down, for a very, very basic cheap, motel style, continental breakfast (white bread, packed jam and sugar cereals). Location is still great, price is still reasonable, but the charm is completely gone. Any other hotel would do.

Loved staying at this hotel! Staff was incredibly nice, friendly, and helpful whenever we needed. Rooms were cute and cozy and very clean when we arrived. Skittles always greeted us at the door when we were walking in and was open to lots of pets :) We stayed here for a concert, but definitely plan on staying again for future occasions!

Area is a little rough around the edges but the Hotel is cute and tidy. Though when you book a room with two beds they are just small double mattresses. The flat screen TVs kind of hurt the vintage ambiance but c'EST la vie

Top Notch - had a little hiccup the final day, but overall, this place is 5 stars. Fair warning, you may not have a bathroom in your room, but there will be a sink. I thought the communal water closet would be an issue, but I did not mind it at all. They charge for dogs and there is a resort fee. IDK what the resort fee compensates. The free coffee? The complimentary breakfast? :/ But, I'm just nitpicking. There is no way you won't enjoy this place. It's old school service.

The Golden Gate Hotel is a true gem! The location is great. Everything is within walking distance or short ride away. The atmosphere of the hotel is warm & cozy. Vintage style well decorated. Our room was spotless. The bed was confortable. We had a shared bathroom. It was always clean and never had to wait for our turn. The staff is friendly. The complimentary breakfast was at another hotel, 1min away which was not an issue at all. Eggs, sausage, bacon, bread, croissant, juices, coffee, tea, fruits served in a nice french atmosphere. However, I did notice a minor quirk during my stay: there was a bit of banging from the pipes, which is something you might expect in a historic building. It wasn’t a major issue for us, just something to be aware of if you’re sensitive to noises. The MEGA PLUS: Skittles the hotel resident cat! She is an absolute sweet heart. She was always around to greet us. It made our stay even more special! I highly recommend the Golden Gate Hotel!

We stayed around the beginning of this year and had a not-so-great experience despite wanting to like it. I’ll start by saying that our first receptionist (I think Ryan?) is super friendly and great! Her spirit made our trip a bit better. Unfortunately, we only had her for the first day. The main complaint was that the radiator seemed to be broken and would not shut off, so during the cold winter night it was soooo unpleasantly hot in the room. I’m from Texas and this was much worse than having a broken AC during a summer night. We asked for another room, but they said that they had nothing available. It seemed to be a known problem because I saw at least one review previously mention the same problem, so I wish that they would’ve told us earlier so that we could look for another hotel room before it was too late. They instead suggested that we kept the windows open with the fan on… That only led to many mosquitoes (despite being during the winter) to torment us in a sweaty, hot room. Funny enough, the radiator suddenly decided to stop around 5:00AM. We ended up with very little sleep and feeling very defeated during our stay. I would say it was not fair to fully pay for a stay when the room was not habitable. The only redeeming factors were the cat and our first receptionist was super nice. For our second receptionist, I wish we got better service like what we had from the first one. She did not bother to ask about our stay and was unbothered when we mentioned the issue. She helped us with the luggage hold service, which at first was nice until it became inconvenient. Later, we returned a few minutes before it was time for new guests to check-in. There was a sign on the door indicating that the receptionist would be out for a few minutes on break. We decided to wait and not disturb her break. Well, we waited twice as long as indicated on the sign with nobody coming back, so we called her number and this whole time she was down the street, walking with her eyes glued on her phone. No accountability at all.

Our stay at this quaint and charming hotel was truly delightful. The staff were extremely helpful and eager to assist us, going above and beyond to ensure we had a pleasant experience. Although we arrived a bit early, they graciously allowed us to check in ahead of time. While we didn't have an en suite bathroom, the communal facilities just down the hall were clean and well-maintained, a testament to the owner's dedication to keeping the place spotless. The hotel features an old elevator reminiscent of those in historic Rome, adding a unique charm to our stay. As many other reviews have noted, the highlight of our visit was the resident cat, Skittles. She made sure we felt welcomed by dropping into our room on our first evening to check on us. The only minor downside was the hot water in the showers not working on our second night. Despite this, it doesn’t detract from our overall experience, and we wholeheartedly give this place a deserved 5-star review. We'll miss this hotel and Skittles, especially, as we head home from our San Francisco holiday. We hope to return soon.

We stayed two nights. Loved the kitty Loved the elevator Loved the bed Loved the hotel Loved the bathtub Loved the location Loved the staff. Didn't catch names. The young girl that checked us in. And the guy who worked Sunday. Both wonderful. Loved the hot and cold water dispenser. Loved the natural grocery store across the street Didn't like the breakfast at the French Hotel. At all. The tv's. Come on guys. Buy a $100 smart TV from Amazon that connects to wifi and has Netflix etc. The tv's are awful. Don't cast even though they're supposed to, and are totally outdated. We rarely watch tv but had just come from a long cruise and just wanted to chill and rest with a good movie or show. The two remotes, complications and wasted time trying to get it to work for a $100 resolve is silly.

Came here for a short girls trip for the night and had such a lovely experience! We were greeted by staff and she showed us to the antique elevator and helped us get to our room! The room was cute and comfy! The shared bathroom down the hall was also always free and vacant whenever we needed it. Since I was only here for one night I didn't mind it, but if more than one night maybe a shared bathroom might be a little inconvenient instead of having one available in your room. However the experience was great and it made it feel like staying in a home rather than a hotel; which is the charm of a b&b. Their cat skittles is so cute and friendly! Definitely recommend going to the parlor to hang out by the fire, get tea, coffee, or hot chocolate and spend time with skittles

My BF and I came to the hotel in need of a room for the weekend. Several booking sites stated that there were available rooms. However, the attendant stated there were no rooms available. He said the maid hadn't cleaned them and none were available for the night. We both feel this was due to our race. He didn't even check his computer. ​

We had the best girls trip weekend and were so happy to find a hotel as homey and welcoming as the golden gate! The staff was very helpful and super friendly! They helped us at every turn. It's also the cutest hotel we've ever stayed in! We felt like we were transported back in time haha. Such a unique experience and one we'll always cherish Also the hotel kitty Skittles was the sweetest. Thank you for the amazing stay!!

Once again, a wonderful stay! We were happy to see that the hotel has a new cat (so far without a name). She is a very sweet little cat who knows exactly where her treats are kept! The room was extremely comfy, with lots of amenities. As always, the room was very clean and staff were extremely helpful. Always such a delight to stay here!

Loved hanging out with skittles the cat. I had an issue with the en suite bathroom which was made more complicated by Expedia, but once I was able to reach management they went above and beyond to address my concerns. Make sure you book directly to know which room type you have and please play with skittles!

I stayed at this hotel for 4 nights. First two nights were ok. The third night I stayed there I had a weird experience with someone (not there) yelling at me to leave the hotel right now! LOL, it's ok though experience did not get better when I checked out on the last day. The attendant at the desk told me that the Golden Gate Hotel does not accept cats. After I was told by not only their website but there's a sign outside the door saying they are pet friendly and welcome your pets to come stay with you while you enjoy your stay at their bed and breakfast. Apparently I am not welcome though. I don't think it's because of my cat. So, whatever!! It's a bunch of mumbo jumbo unless your from somewhere else and you have a dog or a cat that's not my cat.

I had a really nice stay here three years ago and have recommended it quite a few times in FB or other travel group forums. So should at least post a review. The location was perfectly suited for walking around fun local and tourist neighborhoods. Easy parking in garage across the street at that time about $30 a day. Hoteliers were warm and lovely people. Enjoyed afternoon tea and met a few other guests. I chose a small twin bedded unit with in-room sink and shower plus toilet right across the hall. I believe bathroom was shared by just three rooms on the floor. My niece loved the elevator design. Decor was delightful. I highly recommend.

We agree with all the other guests who have stayed here: excellent value, excellent location and excellent hotel! Friendly staff and hospitality, and super clean rooms, bathrooms and public area. Charming place that was pretty quiet. The antique elevator was cool to go on at least once. Pip, the cat, is just adorable and unforgettable. Highly recommend this place the next time you are in the area!

My daughter and I enjoyed spending a night at this wonderful little hotel, it was really a home away from home. The staff are very friendly and welcoming. The breakfast was delicious. Can't recommend this place enough.

I wasn't staying here but stopped by since I wanted to see the infamous Pip! I'm a bonafied cat lover and had to see him. We stopped by the hotel and saw him by the fireplace. I tapped on the window and he came right over and started meowing. We couldn't go in because you need a key so I tried ringing the doorbell. A few moments later a staff member came out and I explained to him how much i wanted to meet Pip from the Yelp reviews. He was super friendly and let me in (despite me coming across as a crazy cat lady lol) He opened a cat drawer and told me Pip loves the treats. Lo and behold the pipster loved the kitty food and ate it right up. I love the cat and he's super friendly. He's a bit on the older side but a very sweet cat!

I stayed here this past weekend (8/8/14-8/11/14) with my boyfriend and cousins to attend Outside Lands and to just hang out in SF. I had originally wanted to stay in a different hotel but because of the event this was our only option... BUT i am SO glad we ended up here. This B&B is one of the better ones that I have stayed at. They are extremely clean (they have a cat and dog and my allergies did not flare up once while I was there), super accommodating and great location (located a couple blocks from the Financial District). After the first night at our event, we were too lazy/tired to get dressed and come to breakfast. The staff was SO nice and brought it up to our room for us! The location is another HUGE plus with this B&B. We were able to visit the Financial District, the Ferry Market Building as well as eat a numerous restaurants all by walking. All other destinations can be reached by public transportation which is only a couple blocks away. I will definitely keep this place in mind next time I am planning a trip to SF!

I chose the Golden Gate Hotel for a two-night stay in San Fran based off it's most excellent Yelp reviews and also because of Pip. Pip is the resident cat at Golden Gate and upon arriving, immediately greeted me at the door and showed me to my room... Where he sat for the next half hour and watched me unpack. The rooms are charming and the perfect size for one or two guests. They include a roof fan, TV and sink - which was more helpful and awesome than I could have ever imagined. As there is shared bathrooms (in some rooms, not all) it's great to be able to do things like wash your face or brush your teeth without having to trod down the hall with you little bag of toiletries. The location for Golden Gate hotel is exceptional. I was able to work down into the shopping area of Union Square, over to the cool bars on Polk Street and even down through Chinatown to Pier 39 (AKA Tourist Central). It's just off Powell Street, which is what the trams run on. Breakfast was simple but all you really need - coffee/tea/juice and a selection of muffins and croissants. I would definitely stay again and would recommend to anyone having a short trip to San Fran.

I cannot express how awesome everyone was here at the Golden Gate Hotel. The staff was incredibly friendly and went out of their way to make our handicapped dachshund feel welcome. Normally when hotels say "pet friendly" what they really mean is "pet allowed", but not the Golden Gate. They brought her treats and a water bowl and helped her get acclimated to Pip, the resident cat. Then, when we had to change our reservation last minute they were extremely accommodating! We'll definitely be staying here again! Also, you know, it has a great location :)

We stayed in room 407 and had a wonderful time. The room was absolutely beautiful and everyone there was very prompt and accommodating. The hotel is walking distance to Union Square and very affordably priced. Pip, the cat is adorable and very sweet and helpful if you get a little homesick.

The only place I ever stay in SF! The location is very convenient and there is a parking garage directly adjacent . The hotel is beautiful. The rooms are clean, unique, and comfortable. The beds have puffy down comforters and quilts, and are so soft that you just want to stay snuggled up in them all day! Afternoon tea and morning breakfast are delicious, and the entire staff is just lovely. Of course, the best part by far is our gracious host PIP!

It's not easy to find a reasonably priced decent hotel in a good location in this city. Golden Gate Hotel meets the requirements - great location next to Union Square. The property is very well cared for and has great pictures lining the hallways. The staff is anxious to please. The downside of any hotel in the city is parking - it's expensive. We avoided that and took BART from the airport and took Uber wherever we needed to go. We'll come back here for all those reasons, plus one more - Pip the cat. I think he really owns the place - he acts like it, anyway. Pip is a must see!

What a perfect little spot to stay at in SF. At first I didn't know if was feeling that antique vibe going on at this place - antique elevator and all - but the charm really grows on you. The hosts are all wonderful and friendly. And of course you fall in love with the dog, Cookie and Cat, Pip. What a gem right smack in the middle of SF on Nob Hill, near union square and great photo ops at Huntington Park and Grace Cathedral right up the block. All historical sight seeing spots. Thumbs up to this charming B&B. Oh! Tea time and breakfast are both simple yet amazing as well.

Lovely Old World charm and care. My mom-in-law was touched by the kindness of the owner/staff, enjoyed the cleanliness of all areas, visited happily with the resident feline, commiserated with the recent passing of the resident canine, and absorbed the relaxation imparted each morning by a fine cup of tea accompanied by a fresh croissant. Highly recommend!!!!

We have stayed in fancy hotels and we have stayed in cookie cutter hotels. So I wondered what my kids would think when we stayed here. When we walked in my 12 year old said "this is cozy". My 14 year old said "this feels like someone's home". Another great stay at our favorite San Francisco hotel. This hotel is conveniently located next to a cable car stop. (On Powell and Bush street). If you don't want to Uber or Lyft here, you can take the metro which drops you off at the bottom of Powell street. You can walk up the steep hill (a challenge with luggage) or jump on the cable car for the short ride to Bush street The hotel is just two blocks from China town with easy access to the rest of the city via cable cars. if you have a rental car I suggest getting rid of it before checking in. (No need for a rental car with so many transportation options). Alamo and National have a return location immediately across the street from the hotel. Hertz has a return just down the street on Mason. the hotel is old with much character. Breakfast is simple (coffee, OJ, croissant, and muffins). There is an old fashioned elevator with two doors. The staff is quite friendly and helpful with suggestions about the city. If you are tired of boring hotels this is a great place to stay.

I almost don't want to write a review in fear that this place will be impossible to get a room! I stayed here with my Mom for four nights we split a room with two twin beds and a shared bath! It was wonderful! So cozy, clean and homey. The staff was extremely friendly, and Pip the cat was great! He would follow us to our room and hang out! A parking garage across the street made it very convenient with a car! The hotel is centrally located right near the entrance to Chinatown and union square! Can't wait to go back!!

So, I'm crazy for cats. And every morning of my stay at the Golden Gate Hotel, Pip (who happens to be a big tabby cat) stopped by my room for about 15 minutes of purring, petting, and general kitty cat happiness. That alone would have made this a five star experience for me. However, the location is really awesome. It's just a few blocks from the Powell/Hyde Cable Car, walkable to Union Square, and near tons of great places for eating and drinking. Plus, the price! The do have a mix of rooms with private bathrooms and without so double check which one you are getting if you are trying to find one or the other. My room was small, but in a cozy way. The closet space was fine for my belongings, and I had a window opening up to the fire escape directly which was nice for a light breeze during the warmer days. The people working here were so friendly. And they do serve breakfast every morning from 8 - 10 am (maybe 10:30?) which consisted mainly of juice, coffee, and baked goods. All in all it was a really delightful way to visit the city for me - more like staying with a kooky aunt and less of a sterile hotel experience so if you prefer the friendliness you just might like it here too.

What an amazing experience! Staying here for my honeymoon was an excellent choice. The staff here was beyond great. The staff here were very knowledgeable about the area and things to do. I was given a walking map to different locations. My bags were taken to my room and set while I went with my new wife on a lunch date. The hotel has a special 'watchmen in Pip the cat. It was so neat to see this cat and it being used as the 'brand' of the hotel. This was such a great experience that a short story or book could be written. Very clean and story book hotel. Full of charm and historical feel. I highly recommend this B and B.

We loved our stay here, although it was a short one...just overnight before catching an early morning train. The host was so nice, warm and helpful and he even bagged us some croissants to take with us in the morning because we were leaving before breakfast. We loved the small touches and the beautiful, clean and charming room. We would definitely plan to stay again when we're in town for a longer stay. Great location and great value. Thank you for the hospitality. Becky and Jeff K

This little hotel / B&B is a great choice. In a really good location. We found a few good bars within 2 blocks (and a couple of not so good ones. Lol) and good restaurants and diners nearby as well. Chinatown is just a few very walkable blocks away and there's a tram stop at the corner. We had a room with a bathroom but friends staying with us had the shared bathroom and only found it in use once when they needed it. There is a shared bathroom on each floor. Continental Breakfast was included but we ate at a diner on the corner as we were heading out early each morning for tours. If I'm back in San Fran, I'd definitely consider staying here again.

Beautiful European Boutique Hotel!!! This place is unique! I felt like traveling to a golden era. The evening that I arrived, Halem, the manager greeted me and was super kind. I felt like home. My room was lovely and super cozy! I slept like a baby. The rate was decent, they didn't take advantage of the fact that the entire city was booked with a Tecno Convention, and everything was crazy expensive. I thank them for that! The staff is very friendly, all of them. The cookies are delicious. I didn't wanted to leave the next day but everything was booked in the City. I will happily stay at this beautiful hotel again in the near future.

I guess they should rename this hotel Pip's Golden Gate Hotel because he has become famous. Remember, Sally Stanford had a cat house too. Ha Ha

Stayed here for one night and it's worth 5 stars! Service was great and the room was beautiful. Clean and quaint. Definitely would recommend!

Wow! Love love love this place. Quaint, cosy, super-friendly staff, yummy goodies in the AM and afternoon tea! Comfy beds. Great location. Reasonably priced. What else ya want!?!

Nice boutique hotel. The staff was amazing, the coffee, pastries, and tea were excellent. I really only have one complaint, and it would have been a deal breaker for us if I had known. This hotel has NO AIR CONDITIONING OR FANS. They say that the homes in SF don't have AC, and that may well be, but this is a hotel, and people from all across the county come to it. Plus, the temps in SF get above 75 degrees, and while we were there they were in the 90s. We just laid in bed and sweated until about 1am when the temps finally got low enough to allow us to sleep. As charming as the hotel is, I would not have selected it if I had known this.

What an Amazing stay. Golden Gate Hotel you made it happen with last minute reservations. We played tourist all day and decided to stay the night with you. I am Bay Area but love to stay in SF when I don't want to drive home. Will come again.

Nice, quiet, and quaint little bread and breakfast. There is no air conditioning and the room can get quite hot but our room had a little ceiling fan which is nice but has a consistent buzzing noise. There is a shared bathroom on the 4th floor with a very small old fashioned shower. Everything is pretty antique-looking here. We enjoyed our stay and Pip the cat manager was very friendly. P.S. The tea and cookies in the late afternoon were absolutely scrumptious!

This place is a gem! A friend and I decided this year's vacation destination had to be San Francisco, but we were a little concerned about the price. When we found this online, we literally did a double take and some Googling to make sure we were actually indoors and not camping along Fisherman's Wharf! When we arrived we were immediately greeted by Spencer who gave us a brief rundown of the hotel, as well as an antique elevator tutorial and a hand up to our room. We opted for the two twin, private bath and were very pleased with the size, cleanliness and décor. We had read about Pip, the resident cat, and were very excited to learn he would most likely be visiting us several times on our 4 night stay. Our days were packed to the point of evening exhaustion, but we could not have been happier when we finally flopped into some of the most comfortable beds with fluffy comforters either of us had ever encountered. Breakfast was in the front parlor with tea, coffee, fresh muffins and croissants that melted in your mouth. Pip - I can't say enough about Pip! Returning to our room on night 2, he rode the elevator with us, gazing expectedly at the door. He must have had someone waiting for him, because he sauntered out with little to no desire to follow us to our room. Our disappointment was palpable. Cue night 3: my friend returned from the Giants game as I was about to pass out from cycling around the city, and said, " I have Pip." Oh. My. God. He immediately jumped up on her bed, curled into a ball, and fell asleep. This beautiful cat stayed there for 10 hours!! 100 pictures and his morning bath behind him, he jumped out of bed and strolled to the door as if we had been doing this for years. When we came downstairs for breakfast, he was sitting atop his perch on the check in desk, surveying the parlor while keeping an eye on the front door. Surprisingly to us, he got in the elevator again that night and stayed all night long. Prior to going to sleep, I made sure he knew we had an early flight, so there would be no 10 hour naps. He seemed okay with this as he proceeded to jump to his spot, curl into an orange ball and fall asleep. An honorable mention has to go out to Cookie, the sweet Golden Retriever who let me smother him with attention prior to breakfast one morning. This dog never stops smiling and loves those side scratches. We looked for him every morning after, but never saw him again. Though this review focuses on the animals, the service from the humans was second to none. We asked for a window fan the first night and had it delivered within minutes. All of the staff, from front desk to housekeeping, to breakfast servers were friendly and happy. I am afraid saying how awesome this place is will bump it out of my price range, but some things just have to be said.

I, too, do not want to write a review because I want to keep this place secret. This is a great place is you're traveling solo but don't want to take a risk with a hostel. The staff is friendly, the rooms are clean, and there is a wonderful cat here who will probably greet you every morning. I stayed in a private room. It was just big enough for me and my stuff, and that's not a complaint. There is a sink in the bathroom so you can get up and wash your face and do your make-up. The toilet and shower are in another place down the hall and it's a shared room. Some might think of this as being weird, but I found no problems with it at all and there was never a wait. They serve pastries and tea in the afternoon, and I'm sad to say I completely missed that part. I would definitely come back here if I were traveling solo or with a partner.

Finding a well-priced, well-located hotel that doesn't give you nightmares about what you'd find if 20/20 arrived with those little black lights is no small task. And that makes discovering a place like the Golden Gate Hotel even more gratifying, especially considering I booked it largely because they have a cat that lives in the lobby (I'm a sucker for that sort of thing, but it's probably not the best criterion for booking a good hotel). I booked two nights at the hotel a few months prior to my trip and later needed to extend the trip by one night. I emailed the hotel and received a prompt, friendly response adding a night to my reservation. Plus, the manager honored the winter promotional rate I'd gotten on my original reservation for the extra night, even though the promotional rate had ended--without me even asking. The day I arrived, I got to the hotel much earlier than I'd anticipated, and my room wasn't yet ready--completely understandable considering it was only around 11am (before their official check-out time). The staff really went above and beyond to make sure I could head out and explore the city while I waited--they held my bags at no charge and even offered me a cup of coffee to go. When I got back after a few hours, the manager helped me with my bags and took me up to my room via the awesome, antique elevator with original wall paintings all the way up the shaft. I had reserved a room with a shared bathroom, but they put me in one of only a few rooms in the hotel that has a shower en-suite (I still had to use the communal toilet down the hall). This was totally unexpected and very nice, considering I'm a young female who was traveling alone. The room itself was cozy and warm, with tons of character--an old-school pedestal sink, a window that opened out to a fire escape with potted rosemary and other herbs, a nice, new quilt on the bed, etc. It was also very, very clean--even by my meticulous standards (and trust me, if there's some uncleanliness factor to get creeped out by in a hotel room, I'll find it)--and had those nice-hotel features (high-quality, incredibly comfortable bedding, travel-size toiletries by the sink) that kept it from feeling like someone's shut-in grandmother's spare bedroom. It really felt like a cozy little home to come back to at the end of a long day running around the city. The breakfast every morning was basic (croissants, jam, juice, coffee) but served to your table in the small, charming lobby area (not just dumped out on a communal buffet), and they were happy to give me a to-go cup for my coffee upon request. Every evening, they set out cookies and tea in the lobby as well (I didn't partake, but it's a nice touch). And yes, PIp the cat was totally cute and friendly, and I loved stopping to give him some attention in the lobby when I got home every evening. Throughout my stay, every single staff member I encountered was kind and helpful without being intrusive. It felt more like I was staying at a friend's house than a hotel. This was honestly my favorite find of the trip, and I will definitely stay here again when I return to San Francisco!

I put my mother up here for a few days while she tripped through SF with me. This place is extremely cozy, like your nice aunt's house. There's a ginger tail-less tabby named Pip who is entirely indifferent to people and doesn't approve of being pet around the head (he will settle for the back). There is a warm interior coupled with people sipping tea and coffee and nibbling croissants in the morning. There are creaky stairs that audibly groan with age. There are narrow corridors littered with old photographs and a vintage lift with an extremely narrow opening to get in and out. The staff is polite and cordial. A room with a shared bathroom runs quite cozy (see "small") and clean but is accommodating. The Wi-Fi is free with the password posted inside each room. The entry requires that you either buzz so that the staff can allow you in, or if you are a guest, you are given a personal key that gets you in. Breakfast of pastry and beverages is very popular with people who don't care that San Francisco has amazing breakfast spots. Sushi is a few store fronts away. An adult theatre, too, if that's your thing. Sweet little spot just a hard stone's throw from a Powell cable car stop. Considering the prices of hotels situated around Union Square, this ain't too shabby, and does the trick since the hotel is just a place to sleep.

Excellent B&B right near everything you would want to do. Just like in real estate, location is important to a hotel. This is not the Mandarin or the Omni. It is a quaint bed and breakfast where you are known by name, greeted by friendly staff and guests and get to have a little animal time if you so desire. The location is truly perfect. Two blocks away is a trolley stop. 3-4 blocks away is the gate to Chinatown and further on to North Beach (LIttle Italy). about 4 blocks away is Union Square. The room we stayed in (202) is a Queen with private bath overlooking Bush St. It was cozy with a nice bed and clawfoot tub. Turndown service at night, windows for ventilation, armiore and chest of drawers. Small but not crushingly so. The elevator is unique, though we walked the small flight of stairs usually. The staff was excellent. They helped with arrangements, recommended restaurants and were friendly and courteous without question. The croissants and coffee in the morning were exceptional. Pip (Orange Tabby), Patsy (Black short pug looking dog) and Cookie (Golden Retriever) were frequently around, though not intrusive. Overall this made for a very relaxed home feeling stay. It reminded me of staying with a group of knowledgable friends, only without the hassle of worrying about intruding on their lives. I could not recommend it higher.

A gem in the middle of San Francisco. Pretend like you didn't read this rating...I don't want them to raise their prices. Seriously, if you're on a budget, YOU WILL NOT find a better deal. The location is amazing, as you can walk to many major attractions, restaurants and shopping. The staff is so accommodating, and Pip the cat runs the whole show. I want to move in here.

Thoroughly charming and comfortable hotel in the heart of the city. Staff is very friendly and accommodating. Room was small but quaint and the beds was very comfortable. For the price and location it can't be beat. Highly recommended.

There's a lot of charm in this hotel and a lot that isn't quite clear from their website, so I'll break it down for you if you're considering a stay. HEATING: The biggest dealbreaker is the steam radiator system. On both nights, it started clanging wildly at 3 am, like shaking a penny in a coffee can. The valve was tightly closed, as instructed, but it still made a racket. So then we opened the valve and opened the windows. They aren't thick windows, but an open window downtown means lots of sirens. For two vacation nights, we got very poor sleep. That's a major letdown. We did inform the night clerk and the management, and they did attempt to fix it after the first night, but the second night was the same clank-clank-clank BATHROOM: The second point is that many hotel stays are romantic. Our room was an en-suite but had a MINIATURE bathroom. I could not fit in there with my man. Not at the sink, and certainly not in the shower. There was no clawfoot tub. One morning I decided to venture into the hallway bathroom while ours was occupied by some serious business. Ok, great, the hall bathroom had no sink! So there I was, waiting around to wash my hands. Ewww. BEDDING: actually just fine for a hotel, neither great nor awful. I slept ok when I could sleep. BREAKFAST: a very tidy affair and five star worthy. You're offered warm croissants, jam, fresh coffee, tea, and orange juice. Nothing more, but it's all good quality. And you get the company of Pip the Cat, if you are ever so lucky. He likes to steal the crusts from the croissants, so be careful! PIP the CAT: Ok, so he's a completely charming cat. You should probably like animals if you stay here. The soap dish in our room was a cat. The soap itself has a sticker on it with Pip's outline. The owners reallllly like Pip and he's going to entertain you. Fun fact, he's at least bilingual and lurves the sweet morning prep cook. LOCATION: Great, if you don't mind a few tiny hills. The location was safe, easy walking distance to everywhere and close to many bus lines. DECOR: Loved the vintage photos, loved the old elevator. Did not like how squeaky the stairs are -- worried that I was waking people up when we squeaked around their doors. LUGGAGE HOLD: they held our bags without fee, which is always nice when you're sneaking in a few extra activities on vacation. PRICE: Maybe a steal in the summer, but average in winter. I found a lot of comparable rates, even at places like the W. WHY THREE STARS? There are a LOT of options in the Union Square / Nob Hill area. The owners and operators are independent, so it's nice to support their business, but it was hard to say that I enjoyed our stay. Compared to a property like the Ace Hotel, it's lackluster. One of the owners told me that the hotel used to be full of murphy beds, and salemen would use the room as a showroom during the day, then sleep there at night, with inventory stored in a basement warehouse. It's fun to see a place with this much history being used in a similar fashion, and not converted into condos, but I wish they had been clearer about this being an efficiency operation. If that's your thing and you want to stay in a dorm room for the night? Just know what you're selecting.

This is undoubtedly one of the best values in the city! Our room was so quiet that we completely forgot we were in the middle of a bustling city every night. Our two night stay was very comfortable with someone quickly providing whatever we needed. There's no question that the staff really cares about guest comfort and we felt very well cared for. A real rarity these days. Pip was a total love bug and genuinely made our stay more enjoyable. The staff was extremely accommodating with keeping our bags for as long as we wanted after checkout which made our lives much easier during the day. Highly recommended and the price was very reasonable for the holiday weekend. We'll be staying here again next time we're in the city!

Cutest place!!! Comfy beds, delicious cookies at tea time, nice staff, and Pip the cat!

This little hotel is a gem, well located just a block above Union square; cozy rooms,very clean, friendly and helpful staff!!!! breakfast was a bit crowded but nice with coffe,orange juice, croissants and muffins ,they serve tea and cookies at 5pm as well.Pip the cat is so cute!!he visited us one night :-) and seems the owner of the house!!!!Great experience definitively we would come back soon!!!!

4.5 - rounded up to 5. Stayed here 4 nights with my mum for a pre-mothers day trip. Double bed, private bathroom. I had wanted two twin beds, but was unfortunately unavailable. They were, however, accommodating to every request we had! The staff knew us by the second night, and were happy to brew up a spot of tea, or even a small pot of coffee after our long days of adventuring the city. I can't say enough nice things about the staff, who, along with their pets, made for an amazing experience. Enjoyed breakfast (of croissants and muffins) for several days. Mainly to use the wifi to look up the maps/ bus routes of the day. Wifi was shady in our room on the 4th floor at times, but the lounge on the first floor was always warm, quick internet and with Pip (resident Manx cat) patrolling the premise, and eyeing our snacks. Beds were comfortable, shower was always hot, and room and common areas always spotless. With no pool, gym, and a tiny business facility (read as: one lap top in a broom closet), don't expect to get much work done while staying at the Golden Gate Hotel. It is, after all, a bed and breakfast. Perfect for a get away.

This place is really a gem of a hotel. It's located just a few blocks from Union Square, but just far enough that it escapes the craziness. The rooms are small and the bathrooms are shared, but everything is extremely clean and cozy. I never once had to wait for the bathroom, and it was so sparkling that it felt like I was the only one using it. The breakfast was basic but satisfactory, consisting of delicious croissants, juice, and coffee. If I ever have to stay in a hotel in SF again, I'll be back here without a doubt.

So pleased with this last-minute booking. After scouring the internet I was shocked to find such a well-reviewed hotel with availability - WOW I feel lucky to have found this place! Great location near Union Square, walking distance or a quick bus ride to tons of attractions. Bike rentals nearby and many excellent restaurants. Staff was great - especially Spencer! He gave us some recommendations and tips on restaurants and a food truck festival that made our trip even better. Pip was also a nice addition to the welcoming committee :) he likes to hang out by the door in the evenings and welcome you back which is great for those of us who can't travel with our own cats! Will be back anytime I travel to San Francisco.

I'm originally from the bay area, but I was looking for a hotel that had clawfoot tubs, for a short "staycation" in the city. I've only stayed here once, but I always recommend this hotel to anyone who's looking to have a very relaxed stay. The staff is extremely friendly, and the cat that hangs out in the lobby always amuses me. The rooms are small, but comfortable. The entire experience of staying at this hotel feels like you're staying at your grandmother's house; complete with a light breakfast and coffee. The only negative thing about this hotel is neighborhood. It definitely gets noisy some nights, and walking away from downtown will put you in the Tenderloin. I'm not deducting any stars from my review though, this hotel is one of my favorites and would recommend it to anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed stay in San Francisco.

While this place may not be a 5 star hotel, it is certainly worth a 5 star rating on Yelp. The workers are extremely friendly and helpful, the rooms are cozy and nice, the shower felt amazingly nice, the cookies are great, the price is right, and the friendly cat in the lobby is a great touch. We stayed here one night and moved to the nearby Hilton for the remainder of our trip (company convention paid for by my company). Honestly, I wish we would have just stayed at the Golden Gate and paid our own way. It's really everything you need and want in a B&B. It's location is also great. We will definitely be suggesting the Golden Gate for all friends and family visiting San Francisco.

Love this place. Friendly staff, adequate rooms, adequate breakfast, wonderful tea and cookies in the afternoon, moderate room rates, great location and, Pip the cat.

Pip, Cookie, and their staff were amazing! The room was cozy and management was friendly and accommodating. Being first-time visitors to the area, we appreciated the recommendations for what to do. Breakfast was homemade and delicious. We will be back.