943 S van Ness Ave, San Francisco, California, United States | (251) 219-4428
Quaint bed and breakfast in large, 19th-century Victorian house
Close to popular restaurants in the Mission District
Lush, private back garden with a hot tub
Sunny roof deck offers views of the city
Free breakfast buffet includes homemade pastries and fresh fruit
Free Wi-Fi
Not very close to popular tourist attractions such as Fisherman’s Wharf
Some find room decor stuffy
No full restaurant, gym, or spa (common in boutique properties)
No air-conditioning (common for the city)
A restored 19th-century Victorian that survived the 1906 earthquake, the Inn San Francisco is a 20-room bed and breakfast with a beautiful back garden and sunny roof deck. Located in the Mission District, the inn is near many highly-regarded restaurants, boutiques, and galleries. The location is somewhat removed from the major tourist attractions along the waterfront, but public transportation makes most parts of the city accessible. This inn is a solid choice for travelers looking for a more authentic, out-of-the-way San Francisco experience, and who appreciate the historic atmosphere. However, some find the historic decor dated.
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
Historic home with a lush back garden
This pale pink Victorian building has an elegant, old-fashioned feel. The decor is ornate with chess tables, pianos, high-backed red plush chairs, dark wallpapered hallways, and dark wood staircases. The high ceilings have beautiful crown moldings and chandelier medallions, and the walls are filled with paintings and sepia-toned photographs. There are vases of fresh flowers everywhere, and soothing music playing. While repeat guests love the historic vibe, some find the decor bordering on being dated. Outside, the garden area has a lush, slightly overgrown Narnia-esque feel, with huge avocado and California walnut trees, and the hot tub is surrounded by a rustic redwood deck.
Location
In the Mission District, close to restaurants, shops, and public transportation
The inn sits along a main traffic thoroughfare in the Mission District, surrounded by other Victorian-style homes and apartment buildings. The neighborhood is known for its restaurants and cafes, local shops and galleries, and its Latin culture. It’s close to several Bart and Muni lines, with Fisherman’s Wharf reached in about 50 minutes. It’s about a 30-minute walk to both Twin Peaks and Union Square.
Rooms
Ranging from small to large, with antique decor
There are 20 rooms, plus the two-bedroom Garden Cottage at the back of the inn. The rooms range from cozy to spacious and all are uniquely and classically decorated with floral bedspreads and antique furniture. One large, rose-colored room has floor-to-ceiling bay windows. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, terrycloth robes, irons and ironing boards, and hair dryers. The rooms are not air-conditioned, which is pretty common in mild San Francisco, but heaters or fans are available upon request. The subway tiled bathrooms have large shower/tub combos or stall showers and elegant fixtures.
Features
Large buffet breakfast, roof deck, and garden with hot tub
The inn offers a buffet breakfast with a large selection, including homemade breads and hard-boiled eggs, and there are beverages available all day in the two drawing rooms. Breakfast can be taken to the roof deck, which has comfortable seating and tables and views over much of the city, from the Financial District to Twin Peaks, and south towards the peninsula. The garden and hot tub are open 24 hours a day. Secured parking with 10 spaces is located directly across the street from the inn, and reservations for parking are made along with room reservations.
