My wife and I have stayed here multiple times. I previously lived in San Francisco and know it well. We love this location because we come to San Francisco to see the ballet and its not even a half block away. Opera is also performed in the same venue I believe.

For those who live in the suburbs or country you may find there are noises that you aren't used to. Its just the sounds of life in the big city. We never have found any particularly loud or obtrusive but YMMV.

Yes the elevator is old and little slow as many are in San Francisco, but a little patience goes a long way. You might opt for a lower level room and use the stairs but we prefer the highest floor and prefer the suites as they have 2 bathrooms, a separate room that feels like a family room, and a kitchen and entry area. They don't cost that much more either. Just check it out and see if it works for you.

Breakfast is a more relaxed affair and is in the European style. No one will leave hungry. And its included in the price. Be sure to ask when making your reservations.

Be warned. This hotel is becoming very popular as it offers real value and has a cozy boutique feel to it. Make your reservations early or you may be disappointed, especially during peak times. Peak times at this hotel tend to revolve more around cultural events rather than the normal tourist season.

In summary I would like to say we love this hotel. It has a slower and more relaxed feel to it. I have observed the clientele tends to be a little older as well. LIke an older comfortable shoe it just feels good. Its not fancy or pretentious, but it is clean and well run and in a fantastic location if you are in SF for some cultural event close by.

The front desk is also very helpful and can easily arrange to provide private transportation to pick you up at the airport, at your own expense of course. It certainly works well for us.

This small hotel is in top shape with really helpful staff and amenities. The only downside was the small rooms that are typical of old hotels. Other than that it feels up to date and well appointed. The location is a bit distant from the Union Square shopping area, but the #5 bus is a block away and provides quick access to Market Street down to the financial district.

This hotel is in a great, Civic Center Location, so you are close to lots of restaurants and city hall. It is an old hotel, so the elevator is really small and very slow, but not a problem. I wouldn't suggest staying here with a handicapped person, it would be difficult as the rooms are small and the ingress/egress for the elevator is difficult. Breakfast in the morning (included) is a nice, continental affair, so easy to get in and out and on to your day.

We stayed at the Inn at the Opera for a week using a timeshare exchange. It is a Shell Vacation Hospitality Resort and lists itself as a Boutique Hotel. We stayed in the Ballet Suite, the smallest room on the property, and although it was small it was Very comfortable. It did not have a full kitchen, only a small sink, microwave, bar refridgerator and coffee maker, so we were unable to buy groceries and eat in. However, the Inn offered an excellent complimentary breakfast every morning with fresh fruit, baked goods, boiled eggs, cereals and breakfast breads, so we didn't need to go out for that meal, and since there was so much to do each day, we never made it back to the room before evening anyway...The staff at the Inn was wonderful; very friendly and helpful. The location worked very well for us. It is in the cultural district (ballet next door, symphony a block away, City Hall down the street, etc). It was an easy walk to the bus line that took us in any direction we wanted to go, whether we took it all the way to our destination or took it to a stop to transfer to another line or streetcar.