Rachel W.
Yelp
HITS:
(1) LOCATION: You can't beat this location. This charming Bed and Breakfast is located on the quiet, tranquil, dignified Nob Hill, blocks away from the hustle and bustle of the Union Square and Chinatown. It is, however, still within walking distance to these must-go destinations for travellers from all over the world. Which is hugely important if you're a first-time visitor to this lovely city of San Francisco. It is very convenient and centrally located, within walking distance to cable car, bus stops (MUNI), and BART. A perfect spot to begin your adventure around the city. Within your walkable radius: Hayes Valley, City Hall, Tenderloin, Nob Hill, Union Square, Chinatown, North Beach, Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, Embarcadero, South of Market, Telegraph Hill, and more...
(2) DÉCOR: This is also an ideal, dream-come-true kind of place for B&B fans. The decoration is absolutely charming and divine. French country style. Incredibly cozy, comfy, noble and gracious. See my pictures - they speak better than I do. In my opinion: it's full of unique character and it's breathtakingly beautiful. Its next-door neighbor, the White Swan Inn (also operated by Joie de Vivre), is equally beautiful, if not more. Petite Auberge is French style while the White Swan is old fashioned English style. Both are quaint and visually stunning. A feast for the eyes!
MISSES:
(1) WARMTH: Despite its impeccable cleanliness and beauty, it lacks a certain sense of warmth, intimacy and humanness... Compare to traditional B&Bs, the atmosphere here is not very welcoming and inviting. Front desk is often empty. Often, no one is there to say "hello" to you, chat with you or get you acquainted with the local areas. As it's commercially operated by Joie de Vivre, don't expect to be greeted by your typical smiley, hospitable, housewifey or grandpa-like innkeeper in traditional B&Bs.
(2) FOOD: I'm also not a big fan of its breakfast. Don't expect delicious, home-cooked, family-style hot breakfast. The breakfast venue, though beautiful, somehow feels impersonal and commercialized. It could be because that, again, you would not be engaging in heart-warming conversations with the hosts or innkeepers. Servers are kinda indifferent too. Seem to see it more as a job, a chore, to be done and over with, rather than a joy and a sense of pride. The food is pretty basic and plain. Nothing memorable.
$$$: Yup, definitely expensive. But if you're a first-time visitor, and have the money to spend, AND you're a B&B fan (or at least you wanna try out something different, something other than Hilton or Marriott or whatever standardized hotels there are), I'd recommend Petite Auberge more than any other B&B in this city. Location alone is worth it. It'd be a good start. A lovely and charming start for you... I'd definitely recommend it to my out-of-town visitors.