Hotel Boheme

We had a great time, and the people working there were always ready to help and answer questions. We spent four nights in this old hotel, which has the feel of a classic American movie. If you like vintage things, you’ll love it. I almost asked if I could keep the room keychain, haha. There are lots of restaurants and corner stores close by, so finding food and snacks was easy. Just know that you have to carry your bags up flights of stairs, which could be tough with big suitcases.

We loved the old-time feel of Hotel Boheme, from the cozy room and its charming colors to the thoughtful decor. The bed and linens were especially comfortable, and we slept really well. Nick at the front desk was warm and helpful, with great suggestions for restaurants and things to do. The hotel is right on busy Columbus Avenue, where locals and visitors keep the neighborhood lively. Nearby restaurants often had live music in the evening, but things quieted down nicely after 10 p.m. We could walk to lots of good places, and most major attractions were a 10-15 minute drive away. A local market just a block away made it easy to pick up drinks and snacks for the room. It was a warm, nostalgic stay in the heart of the city.

North Beach is a fantastic neighborhood for this quaint hotel. Italian restaurants, cafes, and bars are only a few blocks away, and there’s a pastry shop just steps from the entrance that stays open late. The rooms are nicely decorated, the bathrooms have gorgeous tile, and the staff were lovely. We felt well looked after and can’t wait to return. The hotel serves free sherry each night and has a rich history tied to the beatnik movement. It’s a great choice if you want a unique boutique-style stay.

The internet barely worked, dropping out and running extremely slowly. There were no outlets or tea and coffee, and no fridge. When I went to reception to ask for an adapter, they didn’t have one, and the two women at the desk were sharing pizza. After a long Qantas flight from Sydney to LA and then LA to SF, I arrived exhausted. Getting my 23kg suitcase up two narrow flights of stairs was difficult. The room smelled musty and had another unpleasant odor too. It was hot with no airflow, and they’d supplied only a small fan because there’s no air conditioning. The bathroom fan was very noisy. There was little room for belongings, and the TV sat on a table barely bigger than my MacBook Pro screen. I didn’t stay. As I was leaving, another hotel guest swore at me and threatened to punch me in the face. I moved to another hotel and lost a lot of money.