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The Herbert Hotel: Traveler Reviews

161 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
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The Herbert Hotel
Ranked #125 of 235 hotels in San Francisco
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235 reviews from our community

Traveler rating
    50
    78
    58
    22
    27
See reviews for
Families
23
 
Couples
87
 
Solo
24
 
Business
32
 
Rating summary
  • Location
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Sleep Quality
    3.5 of 5 stars
  • Rooms
    3.5 of 5 stars
  • Service
    3 of 5 stars
  • Value
    4 of 5 stars
  • Cleanliness
    4 of 5 stars
Date Rating
Brisbane, Australia
Senior Contributor
38 reviews 38 reviews
38 hotel reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
35 helpful votes 35 helpful votes
“Comfortable, friendly property”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed October 25, 2012

Location: Downtown, pretty close to Union Square. We didn't enjoy downtown nearly as much as the Mission, and will stay there next time. For where it is, location is great.

Staff: We had no problems with the staff at all - they were friendly and attentive. The person who checked in in front of us had some reservation issues but we must have only caught the end of it, so no judgement from us.

Room: We had room 718 on the top level, a "junior" suite. Good view, no noise at all. The two beds layout actually worked really well as we both felt unwell the last day or so. Fairly basic layout, but everything was new and comfortable. Floorboards are always a bonus too. Lots of great selections on the TV. Only negative was that we really would have appreciated a mini bar. The bathroom was fine enough - the toiletries were pretty low grade but we had soap from other hotels, and got shampoo/conditioner from Walgreen's.

Miscellaneous: In some ways it is a tarted up hostel, in a "vibe" way. No problem at all, just putting it out there.

Overall - really great value hotel. We paid about $115 + tax for the "top" style room, which is about right. Probably wouldn't be so keen to fork out too much more, but it was great value.

Room Tip: higher level worked well. Probably avoid floor 2 as it has lots of walk through traffic (washing mac...
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  • Stayed September 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
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Ask traveloctopus about The Herbert Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Denver, Colorado
1 review
“Great location”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed October 21, 2012

I was in SF last weekend with my boyfriend.We stayed in Herbert hotel for a couple days.The location of the hotel is great because all shopping and dining is with in walking distance. Our room faced Powell street.Room, price was also reasonable. Front desk staff was friendly and helpful.I would definitely recommend this hotel!

Stayed October 2012, traveled as a couple
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Ask Natalie M about The Herbert Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Johannesburg, South Africa
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
18 hotel reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
“Good Location”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed October 21, 2012

Fairly small rooms, but clean and quiet, considering it is just a few meters from Union Square. It is very conveniently located near the Powell cable car stop as well as the street car stop. Very little extra's provided at this hotel though and there are no wi-fi in the rooms. All in all I thought it was very expensive for what you got, however I think you are paying for the location - which I cannot fault. We were very unimpressed with the reception lady who checked us in, who seemed like she struggled to understand English. She did not give a good image of the hotel at all, and unlike all the other hotels we've stayed at, were extremely unhelpful in offering information or being able to answer simple questions regarding recommended eating places etc.

  • Stayed October 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 1 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Roelien H about The Herbert Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Brisbane, Australia
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“unprofessional”
1 of 5 stars Reviewed October 20, 2012

I recently stayed at the Herbert Hotel and must say it is the only Hotel I have ever stayed at where I had to pay first before I had even seen the room, I envisioned the room I had booked and had confirmation on however apparently that room was not available and we were given a room with no bathroom. We spoke to another couple whom were checking in the next day and the same issues were had by them, I expect that the hotel takes your booking but does not reserve a room and then when you get there you get what is available and you have to pay for it upfront. Very incompetent staff and service was less than average.- Never again

Room Tip: Don't pay till you see which room they have appointed as it is quite likely not what you booked.
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  • Stayed October 2012, traveled on business
    • 1 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 1 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 1 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 2 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 1 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
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“A real value for money central location”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed October 18, 2012 via mobile

We were surprised that so many people seem to have moaned about this hotel. It was offering a no frills but high value service in a great location. I say no frills, but the bed and down duvet were great, the en suite clean, (some rooms don't have this, but we checked),the rooms are left spotless each day. Right in the middle of the city it is always noisy, but it had great double glazing. there was a coffee machine a good chest of drawers and a comfy chair. Also free wifi. There was even an iron and ironing board. If you want 4 or 5 star facilities, then be prepared to pay for them. Go across the road to Tad's for a value breakfast too!

  • Stayed October 2012
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask riverwise about The Herbert Hotel
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Additional Information about The Herbert Hotel

Also Known As:
Herbert Hotel San Francisco
Herbert Hotel
Address: 161 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone Number:
Region: United States > California > San Francisco
Amenities:
Free High-Speed Internet Suites
Hotel Style:
#14 Best Value Hotels in San Francisco
Price Range: $$
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
The Herbert Hotel is a small historic hotel located on the Powell Street Cable Car line at legendary Union Square, San Francisco, California. Newly designed and renovated, the hotel offers style, location and affordability unmatched in the city center. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, the Herbert is a short walk from San Francisco's many attractions. Restaurants, shops galleries and theaters are just outside our door. Moscone Center, Chinatown, the Museum of Modern Art and the world's most fabulous stores are a short walk away. Our 99 guest rooms are newly designed and renovated. All of our rooms come with high speed internet access. We offer suites and single rooms at affordable prices as well as double and triple connecting rooms that are ideal for families. Offering modern hotel amenities and a classic San Francisco hotel, The Herbert is ideal for families as as well as business and leisure travelers. Enjoy the comfort of clean and well-equipped accommodations at a fraction of the price of typical downtown San Francisco hotels. Make a reservation today! ... more   less 
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The Herbert Hotel
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