Motel Capri

The ramshackle teal and rust-brown exteriors (which could use new paint) and run-down outdoor hallways of this motel don’t make the best first impression. Guests can also often be found smoking on the porch, and the smell of tobacco frequently spreads inside. The lobby is in better condition, but it’s simple, with little more than a brochure stand and some casual sofas leading up to the front desk. Without many common areas, this is clearly more of a functional property than one that offers leisure, but given its one-and-a-half pearl rating, most tourists who stay here don’t expect much aside from a comfortable and fairly clean place to call home base while on vacation. 

On a quiet, residential block that's three minutes on foot to the boutique shops and high-end restaurants of Chestnut Street, the hotel’s location in the Marina District is a major plus point for tourists. Several San Francisco attractions are within walking distance or quickly reached by public transport. Lombard Street is an eight-minute walk away, and the Fort Mason Center is a 10-minute walk away. There are MUNI stops within five minute walks away. The Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf areas can both be reached in under 20 minutes by public transport. Alcatraz Cruises, the Embarcadero, Union Square, and the California Academy of Sciences are all about 30 minutes away by public transport. San Francisco International Airport is 25 minutes away by car. The hotel does help make shuttle reservations, but fees apply. 

Renovated and spacious, rooms are in considerably better condition than the motel’s exteriors might suggest. There hasn’t been much thought put into the style and cohesiveness of the decor, but the forest green linens, dark patterned carpeting, and simple furnishings are clean, and beds are comfortable. Closet space is also decent. Rooms are available with one or two queen beds or one king bed. Premium Family Suites have two queen beds, plus an extra sofa bed.

Rooms are also quite well-appointed, featuring 40-inch flat-screen TVs, safes, air-conditioning, desks, free Wi-Fi, and smartphone docks with multiple charging ports. Mini-fridges, coffee-making facilities, and microwaves are also provided, and ironing equipment is available. Suites have small dining tables and kitchenettes with electric cooktops and sinks.

Bathrooms don’t seem to have been included as part of the room renovations. They remain tiny and outfitted in peach-colored, slightly dingy tiles and fixtures. Counter space is negligible. All bathrooms have narrow walk-in showers with fixed showerheads. Towels, toiletries, and hairdryers are provided.

Unsurprisingly, amenities here are sparse. Breakfast in the reception area is free, but it’s a limited selection of coffee, toast, cereal, and some packaged pastries. 

The lobby also has a small internet corner with one computer. Wi-Fi throughout the property is free. However, the most valuable feature on-site is the free parking -- a rarity for a hotel in the city.