Aida Plaza Hotel

“No frills, with prices to match”

I have stayed here many times, but it has been almost ten years since my last visit. The area around the hotel, Market Street, has further declined during these years, but even if there are a lot of homeless people and drug addicts in the streets, they just mind their own business and don't bother … more

I have stayed here many times, but it has been almost ten years since my last visit. The area around the hotel, Market Street, has further declined during these years, but even if there are a lot of homeless people and drug addicts in the streets, they just mind their own business and don't bother you. Market Street is a central location for exploring the city, and Civic Center Bart station is literally a minute away, with direct trains to the airport in 30 minutes. The front door was locked, and they now keep it locked all the time, so you need to knock. I was soon welcomed in and quickly checked in by the friendly receptionist. The hotel felt very quiet but reception is manned 24/7 and they are very friendly. My room was bare bones, but that was to be expected: a very small room with a queen size bed, a tv stand (with drawers), a closet and that's it. No chair, coffee table etc. No safe, no water bottles, no fridge. Wifi was reliable and quick. It did require log-ins several times daily, but the log-in process was easy. During my four-night stay, the room was not cleaned but it was clean on arrival albeit not very modern. My room came with a bathroom (not all rooms do, so make sure you book accordingly). There was a shower cubicle with a wall-mounted showerhead with okay water pressure. Amenities included single-use bars of soap and shampoo. There is no restaurant and no breakfast. I would say the hotel is a two-star establishment, and fills two-star criteria just fine. I was happy with my choice – I knew what to expect and it is difficult to beat the price. I paid 61 euros a night, all taxes included.

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“No surprises when you research thoroughly - Great stay”

We stayed here for a week. We knew it was close to The Tenderloin. We knew there were a lot of homeless around. We knew it had no frills. We booked a family room that had two double beds and our own bathroom (lots of places this old have shared bathrooms). The room was huge and comfortable. Yes, ev… more

We stayed here for a week. We knew it was close to The Tenderloin. We knew there were a lot of homeless around. We knew it had no frills. We booked a family room that had two double beds and our own bathroom (lots of places this old have shared bathrooms). The room was huge and comfortable. Yes, everything is old, but spotlessly clean. The staff were great. Very friendly and helpful. The state of homelessness is enough to make you despair, but, no-one ever hassled us. Every now and then someone would ask for a dollar. If you don't respond, they just move on (unlike Rome, where you just about have to push them away from you while clinging to your bag so they don't pick pocket you). We had a good look around San Francisco - honestly -there are homeless people everywhere. It isn't this hotels' fault. The staff constantly reassure you that you are safe - and you are. The police presence on the corner of Market and 7th is constant. There is nearly always a police car parked across the road. Aside from that, Market St is always busy with (non-homeless) locals and tourists. I don't know why everyone bleats about leaving the key at the desk. Personally I like it. It is one less thing I have to worry about losing when I am out all day. Plus you get to have a chat with whoever is on the desk. The desk is manned 24/7. They usually lock the front door, especially at night, but instantly open it when you arrive. The big bonus is that every conceivable transport option is right outside the front door. 25 mins on the F street car which goes to the end of the piers for $2.50 if you have a Clipper Pass. Bus straight to Haight-Ashby. BART station straight to the airport, or anywhere else. There is a huge Whole Foods market a block up the street with hot food you can pick up for dinner as well as a couple of cafes in both directions. It would have been nice to have a fridge in our room, but there is a communal fridge downstairs and our stuff was perfectly safe in there. The walk to Union Square is about 5 minutes. The furniture in the hotel lift lobbies is amazing. Spoke to the owner who told me it was all stored in the basement and he has had it all restored. The entrance lobby was a bit cluttered with pallets of paint. Apparently they are going to renovate the area behind reception into a restaurant. That would be a bonus, especially for breakfast. We would stay here again.

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