During our days in the Bay Area’s king city, San Francisco, we were lucky enough to team up with Hostelbookers.com to explore the local hostels’ scene.
Every since we started traveling, we’ve been using Hostelbookers.com as a reliable source of not only hostels, but other budget properties around the world. They’ve compiled great options internationally, always presenting them at the best prices you are likely to find on the web.
In San Francisco, we started off with HI Hostels, which is no more no less, than the biggest hostel chain in the world!
Location, location, location!
HI Hostel Downtown San Francisco is in the very centre of the city, just a couple of minutes walking from Union Square. When you are surrounded by 5 star hotels, you know you’re in a great location!
By the entrance of Hi Hostel Downtown San Francisco
Bed…
Our private room was really spacious (which is something not often found in hostel chains) and decorated in a young, modern way. Two big windows out to San Francisco’s happening streets guarantee great lighting all day long, which translates into a fresh and happy atmosphere.
Hi Hostel Downtown SF: room for 2!
The room includes a private bathroom, simple and clean, as well as a working desk and chair, a comfy couch, closet space and big size lockers.
… and breakfast!
Breakfast features some of the best bagels you are likely to find around here, brought in fresh every morning. Spread your bagel with cream cheese and fruit jam, or go for the healthy oatmeal and fruit. Whatever you do, don’t forget your tea or coffee, to make sure you’re awake to enjoy all the area has to offer!
Free organic coffee all day at reception
The kitchen is open most day for you to prepare your own meals, and it’s equipped quite nicely.
Sunny kitchen (with a great dining area on the opposite side)
If you rather eat out, this might be one of the best streets in town to do so, as there are not only convenience stores, cafes and restaurants all around, there are also at least a couple of eateries open 24hrs!
We're all hot at HI Hostels! ;)
‘Cause we’re social creatures…
Daily activities are organized by the hostel crew: the most popular include pub crawls, yoga classes and movie nights in the hostel’s very own movie room!
Movie Theatre with someone taking advantage of the nice couches inside!
The common living room is colorful and invites you to lounge around, read something out of the book exchange or meet other backpackers staying around. Actually, you’re likely to find an interesting mix of people staying at HI Hostel Downtown San Francisco: not just the typical backpackers crowd, also families, older people and, overall, a great mix that guarantees an interesting atmosphere.
Such a pretty living room to hang out at!
Perfect spot to meet other travelers
There’s WIFI both in the common areas and rooms, but if you don’t have your own laptop or tablet, PC’s are available for a fee.
One of the computer areas (there are several around the hostel)
Affordable laundry facilities are also on site, making it easy to have a fun stay but also take care of your errands.
Laundry room
The little things <3
There are plenty of details that Hi Hostel Downtown San Francisco stands out at. That makes you feel like spreading the world and coming back one day. The organic coffee (for breakfast and available free all day down at reception), the green cleaning products you’ll find in the kitchen, the ever-present recycling bins, a ton of environmental friendly messages or the fact that, although tap water is safe to drink, they’ve cared to make filtered refrigerated water available on all floors.
Tales of Plastic & Justin Bieber
It’s this kind of little things and a funky attitude that make a good hostel, great.
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Hi A&Z !! I’m planning a trip to San Fran in July 2019, could you please help me with some to-do tips there? I’ll stay there for 3 days.
thanks for while,
Douglas, from Brazil
Hi Douglas,
SF is huge, so it really depends on what you’re into!
We strongly suggest visiting the different “ethnic neighborhoods” and communities. Like Chinatown for Chinese stuff (and food), Mission for all things LatinAmerica, etc.
I’m not sure if this is still happening, but we did an extremely interesting tour of The Tenderloin a few years ago – you can see the details here. If it’s still running, we highly recommend it!
Have a great time! :)
Hi Zara!!!
Thanks a lots for your tips, they’re much interesting. I’ll follow them, for sure.
All the best …
Hey Douglas,
HI Hostel Downtown San Francisco is a fine hostel, but you should know there are many other good San Francisco hostels that might suit your needs and desires better.
Rather than relying solely on booking site (like the one mentioned here), I personally, would encourage you to do some independent research before deciding where to stay. We have heard from number of hostels in the USA and throughout the world who are choosing not to list on booking sites because of the high commissions they charge. Because most hostels are practically (if not actually) non-profit, listing on these sites means the hostel would need to raise their prices by 15-20%. Some hostels simply don’t want to do this to their guests. In addition to diving deep on Google, there are sites like Hostelz.com that list ALL hostels and will provide a link to the actual hostel website.
Disclaimer: I operate a top-rated independent hostel in San Francisco.
As for some to-do tips, I’m a huge fan of spontaneous travel. Once you’re at your hostel and the staff get to know you, they can recommend the best things for you. In addition, you will other fun guests to have fun in San Francisco with. If you structure all your time before you arrive at the hostel, you’ll have less flexibility to join the really fun stuff.
Happy travels. – Darren
Wow, thanks a lot my friend, very good tips. I didn’t know about these independent Hostels. It seems very interesting. I’ll check them, now!!!
Thanks again, Darren
Douglas Silvestre, from Brazil