San Remo Hotel

The San Remo Hotel transports travelers back to San Francisco at the turn of the 20th century, with hallways that brim with antiques and small, no-frills rooms. Budget travelers seeking a one-of-a-kind stay near Fisherman’s Wharf should rest easy at the San Remo Hotel, as long as they're aware of its limitations (shared bathrooms, small rooms, no elevator, no air-conditioning). Built following the 1906 earthquake, the hotel became a haven for recovery workers who were given free meals and housing by owner A.P. Giannini, the founder of Bank of America. After the 1989 earthquake, the current owners, Tom and Robert Field, once again opened their doors to quake victims. The hotel’s Victorian charm has been preserved. Hallways are filled with red carpeting, wooden wall panels, stained-glass windows, vintage wooden furniture, and dangling plants. Free coffee, tea, and flavored water are offered near the small, wooden front desk.

Three red awnings adorn the hotel’s yellow three-story exterior. One reads: Fior d'Italia. The hotel’s Italian restaurant and bar has been a San Francisco staple since 1886. The restaurant serves traditional Northern Italian cuisines in a classic setting with antique fixtures and large picture windows.

The hotel is conveniently located between North Beach and Fisherman’s Wharf in what is known as Little Italy. It’s a 10-minute walk to Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. The Powell and Mason cable car line is a 10-minute walk. Located in northeast San Francisco, the hotel offers convenient access to the sights

• Alcatraz boat trips are 12 minutes away on foot
• Chinatown is 13 minutes on foot
• The airport is a 53-minute BART trip or a 28-minute car ride
• Embarcadero is seven minutes by car
• Union Square is 15 minutes by cable car or bus

Antique furniture, floral textiles, and old-world style distinguish the rooms. Rooms come with full beds or two twin beds (the Penthouse Suite comes with a queen bed), ceiling fans, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have sinks. Earplugs, healthy snacks, and soap are provided, and irons/ironing boards are available on request. Not all windows face the street -- some look out on the hallways, or the fire escapes. There are four shared bathrooms with eight toilets and four showers in total. Antique toilets and a claw-foot tub continue the Victorian ambience. Guests can request adjoining rooms. The Penthouse Suite is larger, and includes a rustic rooftop patio, a TV, VCR/DVD player, a mini claw-foot bathtub, and a mini-fridge. Pet-friendly rooms are available for an additional fee. 

The San Remo Hotel offers a computer station, tucked into a corner by the front desk. There’s also a cozy lounge with a small flat-screen TV, DVD player, old-fashioned wooden chairs, a table, and a sink. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Fior d'Italia restaurant is one of the best in San Francisco. 

The hotel staff is eager to help guests book tours, and is a source of information on city sights. A safe deposit box and pay phone are available at the front desk, and the hotel will store luggage.