Seth is the front desk manager. We've stayed here once a year for the past five years and appreciate the family atmosphere and independent business (i.e. Not like a chain) spirit of the place. I mixed up our reservation. We arrived one night early on an extremely busy weekend and Seth took care of us, never losing his cool. Seth Rocks, thus the name for this review.

Over the years, the owners have steadily been upgrading the rooms one by one. I thought the property looked as good as it's ever been. Windows all clean (not easy on the ocean), freshly painted surfaces. They are really trying.

This time we got room 101, a disabled room. No kitchen but the bathroom was huge (9' x 9') with a walk in shower big enough for two. The room had an oblique ocean view from the chair by the window, too. Finishes were all fairly new. Operable windows.

A bonus this visit was the brand new park visitors center across the street, along with renovated park pathways, parking, restrooms. What an amenity next door! All of it facing the Pacific.

Dining wise we tend to avoid the Cliff House for $$$ and head for Pacific Cafe, Louies, or Seal Rock for breakfast. Have enjoyed them all numerous times. Have also found some good options about 20 blocks east along Geary Street.

My family of 4 had the pleasure of staying here on the first 2 nights of our NoCal summer trip and enjoyed every minute of it. My husband and I lived in the Sunset district not too far away, so we are a little biased. Had always seen this spot and finally got a chance to stay. Our budget excludes us from staying at the ultra expensive hotels in the heart of town, and while I know there are many options in this incredible town, this is a fun experience. It is exactly what you'd expect - straight out of a time gone by, kitschy and retro. Our room (#109) was great for the kids (9 &13) - they loved the spacious room with their own funky single couch/beds. Yes, there is a slight musty smell - but that is not unlike ANY space that sits so close to the ocean, and certainly not a deal-breaker. in fact we popped open the window to experience the fog rolling right into our room! The bathroom was pleasantly updated - all new with glass tile accents. The parking is old-school, under the building -but FREE in a town where it costs $25-$50 to park anywhere you go. You are a scenic 15 minute drive from almost any part of town, and frankly after doing the touristy-stuff all day, this was a quiet respite each evening. My son and I explored the Sutro Baths in detail, the family visited the new visitor's center, ate at both the restaurant in the hotel and at Louis'. Nearby on Judah you'll find our favorite restaurant of ALL TIME - Thang Long Vietnamese for THE BEST crab in all of San Francisco! You are right next to Golden Gate Park and the Presidio as well. If you are looking for a unique SF experience along with friendly staff and a great location, all on a budget - this is it!

Perched on the edge of the sea sits a quaint lodge that has direct access to downtown SF. A nightly supply of firewood sets the tone. The rooms are enormous and the balcony access hints of a motel motif. The decor is original; I am sure there is a label for it ,but it bafffles me. Downstaris is a great place for breakfast and outside are sea shore parks that whisper wilderness facing the mighty Pacific head on. Price is reasonable and with a regular bus outside the door that takes you right into the heart of the city you can live with a foot in both worlds.

Long established independent hotel with pacific ocean views. Huge rooms with renovated bathrooms. Unfortunately windows were heavily salt coated during our stay. Staff were super friendly. Free wifi, free undercover parking. Great breakfast in cafe downstairs although some service a little indifferent. Short walk to wonderful historic cliff house right on cliff top looking out to seal rocks. Short drive to other local eateries including pacific cafe (see my review).
If you're a light sleeper the buses outside at night may be an issue.

Ask for corner suite.

Travelled as a (mature age Australian) couple for all of August 2012 throughout California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and into Colorado by car. Generally did not book ahead, prefer to have freedom to linger as we please, and to actually see the room before we commit. Have travelled this way many times before in USA and Europe. Stayed at a variety of hotels and B+Bs from 1 to 4 star. IN busy areas (San Francisco) we booked in advance from Tripadviser reviews.