Sustainability Level 1
We love this hostel! It gets our thumbs up for consistently high customer ratings and excellent quality scores.

2024 HOSCARS WINNER

1st - Hostel Chain

North America

Free WiFi
Free Breakfast

HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel

Free Cancellation Book more than 2 days in advance for Free Cancellation.

8.8
Fabulous
6994 Total Reviews
Perfect Location
Superb Staff
Fantastic Cleanliness

Property Description

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 breakfast with 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
- Laundry detergent in our 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
- 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 15% tourist and hotel tax. Bed rates of less than $60 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 traveler's hostel, reservations from San Francisco residents will not be honored.

Reviews & Ratings

8.8
Fabulous
6994 Total Reviews
  • Security
    9.2
  • Location
    9.2
  • Staff
    8.8
  • Atmosphere
    8.6
  • Cleanliness
    9
  • Value for Money
    8.7
  • Facilities
    8.5

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Guests

Sustainability Level 1

This hostel has begun to introduce practices that result in a positive social and environmental impact, grasping the fundamentals of the Staircase to Sustainability.
Learn more

Location

Latest Reviews

9.1
Superb
Sep 19, 2024
Great place to stay in San Francisco. Good value. The included breakfast could have some more food options. I was expecting a "colorfull" breakfast, but it was very basic.
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Female, 41+
10
Superb
Sep 18, 2024
For decades I have enrolled at IH when I lived in Brazil but never used any of the facilities. Had an emergency recently and decided to explore: Best decision I ever made. From the check in to check out, I had all I needed and wanted during my business trip. I’ll definitely return again in the future. I left a laundry softener in the laundry room. Hope someone else can use.
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Female, 41+
9.7
Superb
Sep 16, 2024
Staff especially Katherine went above & beyond to ensure I was comfortable and had what I needed. I will return to this hostel again soon.
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Male, 41+

Facilities

  • Free

    • Free Breakfast
    • Free City Maps
    • Free WiFi
    • Free City Tour
  • General

    • Bicycle Parking
  • Services

    • Luggage Storage
    • Direct Dial Telephone
    • 24 Hour Reception
    • ATM
    • Housekeeping
    • Reception (limited hours)
  • Entertainment

    • Internet access
    • Book Exchange
    • Board Games
    • Foosball
    • Wi-Fi
  • Food & Drinks

    • Tea & Coffee Making Facilities
  • Kitchen

    • Self-Catering Facilities
    • Fridge/Freezer
    • Utensils
    • Microwave
  • Accessibility

    • Wheelchair Friendly
    • Elevator
  • Laundry

    • Laundry Facilities
    • Dryer
    • Iron / Ironing Board
    • Washing Machine
  • Wellness

    • Hot Showers
  • Safety & Security

    • Security Lockers
    • Key Card Access
    • 24 Hour Security
  • Social Areas

    • Common Room
  • Bedroom

    • Linen Included
    • Towels Included
    • Reading Light
    • Hair Dryers
  • Available for a Fee

    • Hair Dryers For Hire

Awards

2024

1st, Hostel Chain North America

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

View all Award Winners

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