Elite Inn

The room wasn’t ready even though we arrived after check-in time, and we had to wait five hours past the scheduled time. Once we finally got in, it was dirty, with a lot of dirt and dog food under the bed. The worst place I’ve ever stayed. A terrible experience.

The front desk staff and the facility cleaner were gems. They’d fit right in at Four Seasons or St. Regis. The accommodations are modest and the location is tough, but it’s good value for those of us without big wallets.

The rooms were nice and the staff friendly, and in the end we had a pleasant stay. Still, I wouldn’t book again. We had no elevator and had to haul our heavy suitcases up to the third floor during a three-month road trip. I hadn’t realized the hotel was in the Tenderloin when I booked. Look up the area before choosing a place. We had no trouble as long as we walked straight to Union Square, just two minutes away, but heading the other direction felt scary. There was loud music and lots of shouting at night too, though that seemed to be part of the Tenderloin rather than the hotel.

I’ve stayed more than once and would happily return. It’s what the price suggests, with spacious rooms and a really central spot beside Bart, bus stops, and the trolley. I never felt threatened, even with unhoused people around, which you’d expect in a city. The building is a cool Victorian, and it’s open and available. I’d recommend it, especially if you just need somewhere to sleep. Hopefully I’ll be back soon.