Calista Organic Hotel

With large windows and an exposed brick exterior, this boutique property makes a charming urban first impression. Front doors -- operated via security codes -- open to a tiny reception area without any seating. Instead, the space consists of just a flight of stairs leading to the rooms and a clunky, early 1900s elevator, making it feel even more like an apartment building. The simple setup is popular with travelers on a budget. Guests tend to keep to themselves, so the atmosphere is mellow and quiet, aside from the inescapable noise of traffic outside.   

On the edge of the Nob Hill, Fillmore District, and Pacific Heights areas, the hotel isn’t in the middle of all the action, but it’s not entirely out of the way from attractions, either. For travelers who don’t mind walking, Chinatown and Union Square are about 20 minutes away. Bus, cable car, and BART stations are within a five-minute walk from the hotel. Sites like the Golden Gate Bridge, Embarcadero Center, Lombard Street, and Fisherman’s Wharf are about 20 minutes away by public transport. Further out, the de Young museum, the California Academy of Sciences, and Castro street take 30 to 40 minutes to reach by public transport.

There's a Whole Foods market just a few blocks away for filling up the in-room mini-fridge.

San Francisco International Airport is about an hour away by public transport, or 30 minutes away by car. The hotel does offer airport transfers and area shuttles for extra fees.

Signature Double Guest rooms with queen beds are the only size and type of room available here. At 320 square feet, they’re on the tiny side, but clean, and minimally decorated in grays and whites, with light wood floors and dark wooden cabinets. The exposed brick walls are especially appealing, and windows -- especially in corner rooms -- are large enough to let in a decent amount of natural light. Street views are nice, but most guests do note that traffic noise is bothersome regardless of where rooms are located.

Despite the rooms’ small size, they manage to fit in kitchenette features including sinks, mini-fridges, microwaves, and cabinets with plates and cutlery. Tea-and coffee-making facilities are provided, along with ironing equipment. Rooms also have desks, small flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. However, rooms don’t have air-conditioning or safes. Cribs can be requested. 

Bathrooms are also compact, and similarly decorated in shades of gray. Walk-in showers with glass doors and fixed showerheads, toilets, and sinks (with cabinets underneath) are all squeezed into the same space, but the areas are spotless. Bathrooms feature shampoo and shower gel, but no body lotion or hairdryer. An emphasis on eco-friendliness means that green cleaning products and organic cotton sheets are used. 

Even for a boutique hotel, amenities here are limited. Without a breakfast room, restaurant, bar, or even seating area, the property is strictly limited to its rooms. A modest offering of fruit, cookies, and fruit-infused water are available for free all day next to the front desk. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. While the hotel doesn’t have its own garage, parking is available nearby for extra per-day charges.