Good value for a central location
A short walk to Union Square and Chinatown
Free continental breakfast
Free Wi-Fi
Many rooms have nice views
Free parking for compact cars
Some guests have reported an odd, musty smell
The parking garage is a tight fit, especially for larger cars
No online reservations
The Mayflower Hotel dates back to 1929 and offers clean, budget-friendly accommodations in an historic building with some modern updates and artsy murals. Some travelers find the property tired-looking, while others consider it charming. It’s a good value for basic rooms and a free breakfast in a convenient downtown location.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
An updated older property with artsy touches
Behind the old-fashioned facade is a high-ceilinged lobby with a few mismatched couches, a rustic-looking metal chandelier and arched windows overlooking the street. A mezzanine surrounded by dark-wood railings includes a leather couch, books, and desks with computers and a printer. The small, old-fashioned elevator with an accordion gate is either quirky or scary, depending on your view. Breakfast is served in the bright Tea Room.
Location
On a busy street, within walking distance of some attractions
The hotel sits on busy Bush Street between the Nob Hill and Tenderloin neighborhoods. It’s a 10-minute walk to Union Square, a 15-minute walk to both the Powell Street BART station and Chinatown and, for those who are up for the hills, a 40-minute walk to both Fisherman’s Wharf and Alamo Square Park, with a view of the Painted Ladies.
Rooms
Plain, but clean, with kitchenettes and lots of closet space
The 99 rooms are basic, but clean, with a random assortment of classic-looking wooden furniture and funky hand-painted murals on the walls depicting well-known San Francisco spots. Some rooms are carpeted while others, like the Family Queen No. 415, have hardwood floors, which give them a slightly more of a modern look. Some rooms have city views while some face other buildings. Rooms include large closets, flat-screen TVs and kitchenettes with mini-fridges and microwaves. The medium-sized bathrooms have tubs with showers and pedestal sinks with small shelves or a window ledge nearby for placing toiletries. The rooms also have individual climate control and ceiling fans.
Features
Continental breakfast and free parking for smaller cars
The free continental breakfast is basic, with bread, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, muffins, oatmeal and cereal, as well as coffee and Bigelow teas. There’s a computer and printer in the mezzanine area of the lobby that guests can use. The parking garage is free, but those with larger cars might have to pay to use the lot down the street, or risk scratches.
