This is a very well maintained older property. We were upgraded on arrival to Room 509, which has two comfortable double beds and a nicely renovated bathroom with dual vanities and a jacuzzi tub. The room doesn't face the street, but the sound isolation isn't great -- there were some motorcycles and loud cars roaring up the hill, but it's not on Powell, so there's no cable car racket. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The continental breakfast and afternoon wine/cheese in the lobby are a nice touch. There's no fitness center or pool -- fitness fans can use the 0.6-mile uphill walk from the Powell St. BART station. We'd happily stay there again.

The hotel was fine. Good position for Union Square etc.
Fine as we walked home after our evening meal.
But I awoke about 2.30am, and as there were no coffee/tea making facilities in the room, I went down to reception. There was no chance of a brew there, just a "no" from reception. I said "oh, where can I get one?" and was told I would get one at an all night shop.... So, I returned upstairs to get my coat and ventured out fully acknowledged by the receptionist.
He should have warned me! He should DEFINITELY have warned me!
I walked around the short corner, and down the next street.... It is a different place at that time of night... I had no sooner gone a few yards down there, and saw a young couple being chased by a weird, wirey, bushy haired black guy. They were hurriedly proffering him a banknote (to get rid of him), which he grabbed.
I swiftly walked around the next corner and speeded up my pace. However, as I glanced back, I realised he was now running towards me... I quickened my pace to a run.... Here I am at 58 years old running away from a drugged up tramp!
The whole atmosphere was different to daytime. There were virtually no street lights, and the dark huddled figures on the pavements were all black men sleeping rough.... I was approached three times in all, before I found myself lost. OMG!
I flicked open my phone to access a map app... OMG again... as I felt lit up light a Christmas tree... So I closed it immediately, not wanting to draw attention to myself.
A black and white police car drew up near the junction, so I approached the car..... They did not like that.... And barked questions at me.... They were wary of ME! "go four blocks over and two down" they directed... then they floored the accelerator and speeded away from me.
I eventually found my way back to the hotel, but found it difficult to avoid the vagrants, as you need to cross roads at the junctions, where they tend to collect. And then there was the black car parked at the pavement side selling drugs that I had to pass. The only places lit up were decidedly seedy... It was a scary place. The least the receptionist at the hotel could have done was warn me; or the lazy get could have made me a brew surely! My advice is DO NOT GO OUT DURING THE NIGHT. If I had not had his experience, my report would have been good.
I looked up the area later to discover it is nicknamed the "Tenderloin" (as in New York) a no-go area at late hours! Look it up ....

There are cheaper possibilities (hostels $100 for double room) but this is a fine old hotel where all the comforts (upgraded by Priscilla at desk to Rm 409 w/jacuzzi tub & 2 plush queen beds!) did not detract from the elegance. We paid $109 booking.com in January, which included both morning and afternoon gatherings in the spacious lobby (free computers away in a corner, and free Wi-Fi throughout.) Breakfast at 7:30 coffee/croissants/scones/muffins with ample serve-yourself chunks of cantaloupe and honeydew, and hosted wine & cheese/crackers at 4:30. Service is very helpful and friendly, making you feel welcome from beginning to end. Importantly, there is storage space for luggage if you arrive before check-in and/or depart after check-out. Room had desk, mini fridge, table and 2 armchairs ... no coffee maker, but you'll want to be in the lobby getting tips on restaurants and sights from other travelers.

I travel extensively for work, so usually avoid hotels when possible.
However my best friend scored a room at this hotel, which made it possible to attend the 49er game without the long three hour drive home.
I really lucked out as I understand they only have valet parking. One spot on the street was available and the meter was broken. Life is good.
Inside the entrance the lobby had an old world charm.
Once in the room upstairs, there was an entry way with a table and dresser, two beds with plenty of room around them, a kitchenette and in the bathroom a bidet! How fun is that? And a large bathroom to boot.
Plenty of room. The TV was no great shakes, but that's not why we were there.
A friend had given us erroneous directions to the Candlestick Park shuttle. Thank goodness we asked at the desk and caught the bus two blocks from the hotel, instead of a couple of miles away.
And if you get hungry, Pearl's Phat Burger was closed, but you can't go wrong with thai food. iThai is some of the best I have consumed recently. Fresh and plentiful. Try the crab curry if it's still available. And it is right across the street from Beresford Arms. Steam heat when it we returned.
Win-Win in my book.
And the Niners did. And will prevail in the Superbowl.