About

You won’t find a better location in San Francisco for easy access to cable cars, shopping, and all the iconic sights you’re here to see! Our beautiful hostel near Union Square is just blocks from the Powell Street cable car turnaround and multiple bus and subway lines, so you can get out exploring on the cheap (and take BART right to SFO or OAK airport for your next adventure). Whether you’re in town solo, with friends or family, or heading to a convention, you’ll love our updated rooms and amenities.

FREE amenities include:
- Daily Coffee & tea
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Custom walking tours & activities to help you meet other travelers and get to know San Francisco
- Cozy guest lounge for relaxing and meeting other travelers
- Guest laundry room
- Tickets to San Francisco City Football Club soccer games (in-season only)
- Modern kitchen and dining room fully stocked with everything you need to feel right at home
- Updated bunks with privacy screens, reading lights, and USB charging in dorm rooms
- Linens & towels
- Huge secure storage lockers in dorm rooms (bring your own lock or buy one at the front desk)
- Luggage storage for early arrivals and late departures (fee applies for luggage storage after checkout)
- Air purifiers in shared spaces to keep things fresh
- Daily housekeeping throughout the hostel
- Yoga room with mats to borrow
- Foosball table
- Hair dryers
- Coffee in the lobby all day
- Quiet space for working remote
- ADA-accessible property with elevator and roll-in showers

Our amazing staff can also help you with:

- Local recommendations and transportation tips
- Discounted parking at our partner lot right across the street
- Late check-out options

We offer four and six-person shared dorm rooms and a variety of private rooms for a comfortable stay no matter what type of traveler you are. Get a great night’s sleep, then grab a nearby train or bus for direct access to the Mission District, the Castro, Golden Gate Park, the Embarcadero and Ferry Building, Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Tours, Oakland, and so much more. We’re also walking distance from Chinatown and North Beach!

HI USA was voted BEST HOSTEL CHAIN IN NORTH AMERICA by HostelWorld users in 2024! We’re also a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and by staying with us, you support our travel scholarships, cultural exchanges, and other community programming. We are a member of Hostelling International, which has been promoting peace through hostelling since 1909.

Online prices do not include taxes. Daily bed rates of $60 or more are subject to a 16.445% tourist and hotel tax. Bed rates of less than $60 are taxed only a 2.225% tourist tax, per city regulations. Taxes are added at check in. Valid government issued photo identification must be presented upon check-in. Since this is a traveler's hostel, reservations from San Francisco residents will not be honored.

House Rules

Check In

15:00 - 23:00

Check Out

until 11:00

  • Taxes Not Included
View House Rules

Facilities

  • Free City Maps
  • Free WiFi
  • Free City Tour
  • Free Security Lockers
  • Bicycle Parking
  • Coworking Space
  • Luggage Storage
  • 24 Hour Reception
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Reviews

8.9Fabulous(7258)
  • Value for Money
    8.8
  • Security
    9.4
  • Atmosphere
    8.2
  • Cleanliness
    9.0
  • Staff
    9.0
  • Location
    9.2
  • Facilities
    8.9
Summary of traveller reviews

HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel offers a fantastic central location, perfect for exploring the city. Guests frequently praise the friendly and helpful staff, clean facilities, and good value for money. It's a great base for solo travellers and those looking to experience San Francisco.

Stayed in Oct 2026
6.9
A
Anita
Female, 41+, USA
The location is on the border of the busy and touristy union square and very sketchy tenderloin. However staff were there 24/7 for security which was good. All the basics are provided but it is definitely an aged building. The daily cleaning seemed adequate but, as in any hostel, cleanliness and atmosphere have a lot to do with who else is staying at the same time that you do. Under bed storage was awkward but worked.
Stayed in Oct 2026
8.9
K
Kelli
Female, 31-40, USA
I found the staff and the vibe of the hostel to be very friendly and with the goal of facilitating travel for everyone. The kitchen is massive and the water bottle filling station is great. The building is really neat. The location is a little questionable, but if you know what you’re doing it’s totally fine.
Stayed in Oct 2026
10
J
J
Male, 31-40, Philippines
location is great
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Location

312 Mason Street, San Francisco, USA
0.3km from city centre