We were not looking for a high-end hotel, but somewhere to get a good night's rest before each day's sightseeing. This hotel has a European feel (small elevator and one-person front desk), was very friendly and clean. Victoria at the front desk made us feel very welcome.

Room was modest in size. Bed comfortable. Bathroom large. Towels a little small for American tastes. Good hot water. Windows can open for fresh air. There is Wifi, and also there are a couple of computers available.

There was bottled water in our room waiting for us and sometimes apples available for a take-along snack. No coffee maker in room, but coffee shops just a few steps outside front door.

Touchstone provides a discount for the restaurant next door, though we did not eat there because of other arrangements. The restaurant and menu looked good, though. Loads of good places to eat in the neighborhood.

Suggestion to management: put a second waste can in the bedroom, not just in the bathroom. Put a towel bar near the bathroom sink. Provide a box of tissues.

I enjoyed the European feel of this hotel. The place is not super clean but they have the best showers and water pressure I have ever experienced in a hotel. Indeed the location is ideal as it is within walking distance to many of the tourist attractions. But you must run the gauntlet of homeless and mentally ill each time you leave your room. There is no nice peaceful stroll down the street without being hit up for cash or the smell of pee in the air. I realize this problem exists everywhere, but when you are on vacation is really sucks to be in the middle of this depressing scene. We went to get in our rental car and a guy was pooping behind it while other homeless people were leaning up against it hanging out. The majority of the union square area is like this. Mostly at night it gets worse. Everyone says the location is great but I have to say I disagree. We paid a little more the next evening to stay near the Fishermans Wharf and it was well worth it. We felt safer, it was cleaner, and we weren't bothered for cash at all.

I read lot of good reviews about this hotel and booked confidently. I am a budget traveler but still wanted to be in the downtown and so looked at this hotel.
The Good: The location is in the heart of the city and just blocks away from Market Street and Union Square. Loads of restaurants & pubs around which makes life easier. The rooms were clean and was equiped with LCD television with some good channels. The hot water pressure was very good and the staff was very helpful. They were very prompt in giving you directions, helping you in finding places etc.
The bad: I was kind of disappointed the moment I entered the reception area. There is no sitting lounge at all. You can barely stand in the reception area along with your lugguage and so felt it was little more expensive for $110 a day. The rooms were not that great and found them cramped. The window opened in the duct area and so no sun light and no outside view at all. My deal did not include breakfast and so I had to pay extra for breakfast and the menu was not at all impressive. I opted for it just for a day and then chose other restaurants around for next day. I know that the San Francisco downtown area is very expensive but still I expected a decent sized room with spacious reception atleast. It is good for one/two night stays and who do not expect much at this price

I booked this hotel at the last minute, concerned (as a single female) about the 2 stars, but reassured by booking.com's 'preferred' status. I was pleaseantly surprised - the front desk service was friendly and helpful-called me by my first name & I felt welcomed. Sure it's an older hotel but the bathroom was nice and clean, the bed comfortable - both fresh smelling - and the room overall good.. With new carpeting (and more vacuuming) it would be 3 stars. Will stay again.