This hostel is committed to following WHO and local government guidelines for Covid-19 sanitation. This includes increased cleaning routines, better hygiene measures and social distancing when required.
We love this hostel! It gets our thumbs up for consistently high customer ratings and excellent quality scores.
Free WiFi

HI San Francisco - Downtown

Free Cancellation Book more than 3 days in advance for Free Cancellation.

9.1
Superb
6694 Total Reviews
Perfect Location
Superb Staff
Fantastic Cleanliness

Property Description

In 2021, Hostelling International became a signatory of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI), led by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Tourism Organization (WTO), in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Read about our commitments here https://www.oneplanetnetwork.org/organisations/hostelling-international

Voted San Francisco's Most Popular Hostel for 2017 & 2018, HI San Francisco Downtown offers a first-rate location and top-notch amenities at reasonable prices! This safe and secure hostel is at the center of everything: cable cars, Chinatown, Museum Row, Union Square, and plenty of world-class shopping, restaurants, theatres, and bars. On site, we've got plenty of perks to keep travellers happy, including fast free Wi-Fi, and lots of free or cheap activities and tours. Come see why the San Francisco Bay Guardian calls us a budget traveller's dream in the land of pricey downtown hotels!'

Housed in a charmingly renovated 1909 hotel, HI SF Downtown offers a wide assortment of room types, many with private bathrooms. Our dorms can sleep 4-6 people, and our private rooms come with either one double bed, two twin beds, or, in the case of our '3-person private' room, one double bed with a twin bunk up top.
On-site amenities include:
*Fast free Wi-Fi
*Free linen and towels
*Free hair dryers
*Laundry facilities
*Spacious individual lockers in each dorm
*Discounted tours to Yosemite, Muir Woods, and Wine Country available

Tempting as it may be to stay at the hostel all day, we want to help you get out and explore! We offer lots of free or cheap organized activities including pub crawls, walking tours of the Mission District and Chinatown, and bike trips across the Golden Gate Bridge. Feel like checking out the city on your own? We're within walking distance of the Yerba Buena Gardens, Union Square shopping, Chinatown, and the cable cars that will take you to North Beach and Fisherman's Wharf. We're also just 1 block from major MUNI bus lines, and 3 blocks from the BART trains that will get you to the San Francisco and Oakland airports on the cheap.

Hostelling International is a non-profit membership organization promoting peace through hostelling since 1909. To maintain our low overhead and to be able to offer low-budget accommodations to as many people as possible, non-members will be asked to pay a $4 non-membership fee per night upon check-in.
Online prices do not include taxes. Daily bed rates of $52 or more are subject to a 15% tourist and hotel tax. Bed rates of less than $52 are taxed only a 1% 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 traveller's hostel, reservations from San Francisco residents will not be honoured.

Reviews & Ratings

9.1
Superb
6694 Total Reviews
  • Security
    9.4
  • Location
    9.5
  • Staff
    9.4
  • Atmosphere
    8.6
  • Cleanliness
    9
  • Value for Money
    8.8
  • Facilities
    8.9

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Guests

Latest Reviews

10
Superb
Mar 14, 2023
We had the greatest time at this hostel, all of the staff were quick to smile, kind, helpful, and friendly. The location is stellar and central, and the inside decor is lusciously beautiful. We highly recommend staying here. One thing of note is that if you are driving a car the parking lots cost a pretty penny to stay for the 48 hours so ensure you take that into consideration when budgeting your trip. Best time ever in San Francisco, it is a special and historical place.
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Mixed Group, 41+
8.9
Fabulous
Mar 12, 2023
Great location near the subway station and cable car! Near many restaurants & shopping in union square. Front desk staff helpful, friendly. Nice to have light breakfast provided. Only downside for me was no true social atmosphere here. There is a lounge but no socializing happening, and no activities at this time.
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Female, 25-30
7.7
Very Good
Mar 06, 2023
It is dirty, everything is very small (not like at the photos), a lot of things are shabby and need to renewed. Also, so many homeless people are in that area. For two nights is it okay
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Female, 18-24

Facilities

  • Free

    • Linen Included
    • Free City Maps
    • Towels Included
    • Free WiFi
  • General

    • Wheelchair Friendly
    • Security Lockers
    • Key Card Access
    • Common Room
    • Elevator
    • Bicycle Parking
    • Breakfast Not Included
    • Book Exchange
    • Hot Showers
    • Reading Light
    • Hair Dryers For Hire
    • Hair Dryers
    • Microwave
    • Washing Machine
    • Flexible NRR
    • Covid-19 safe
  • Services

    • Internet access
    • Laundry Facilities
    • 24 Hour Reception
    • Tours/Travel Desk
    • ATM
    • 24 Hour Security
    • Housekeeping
    • Reception (limited hours)
  • Entertainment

    • Board Games
    • Games Room

Awards

2020

1st, Most Popular Hostels San Francisco

2019

3rd, Best Large Hostel Chain

2019

2nd, Hostel Chain

2018

1st, Most Popular Hostels San Francisco

2017

1st, Most Popular Hostels San Francisco

2016

3rd, Best Large Hostel Chain

2015

3rd, Best Large Hostel Chain

2014

3rd, Best Large Hostel Chain

2010

2nd, Hostel Chain

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