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Summary of reviewsThe Urban hotel in San Francisco is highly praised for its prime location, nestled in the heart of the city. Situated at the entrance to Chinatown and mere steps from Union Square, it offers unparalleled access to significant landmarks, restaurants and public transportation, including the BART station and numerous bus stops. This central position makes it a favorite among both short-term visitors and those on extended stays, enhancing their overall experience with the neighborhood's safety and welcoming atmosphere.
The hotel excels in prioritizing cleanliness. Both rooms and shared bathrooms receive frequent cleanings, ensuring a spotless environment. Guests frequently commend the maintenance of the shared spaces, including a well-equipped kitchen and tidy common areas, making for a pleasant and comfortable stay.
Complimentary amenities at The Urban further enhance the guest experience. Free coffee and tea, available around the clock, along with convenient laundry and luggage storage services, add to the practicality of the hotel. Although formal breakfast options are not provided, there are numerous cafes and eateries within close proximity. For those needing dinner options, the hotel offers well-stocked vending machines and shared kitchen facilities for quick and inexpensive meal preparation.
While the rooms elicit mixed reviews, the general consensus points to their functionality and cleanliness. Despite being small and occasionally facing issues like poor ventilation and street noise, guests acknowledge the comfort of the beds and the value for money, particularly given the prime location.
The staff at The Urban receive consistent praise for their friendliness and attentiveness. Reception staff, available 24/7, are frequently noted for their welcoming and helpful nature, significantly contributing to a positive guest experience.
For business travelers, The Urban's proximity to the Moscone Center and financial district, coupled with reliable Wi-Fi and accommodating staff, make it a suitable choice. Additionally, the hotel’s accessibility features ensure convenience for guests with disabilities, further establishing its reputation as a versatile and reliable accommodation option.
Overall, The Urban stands out as an affordable, clean and centrally located hotel with excellent staff and practical amenities, making it an appealing choice for both leisure and business travelers seeking to explore San Francisco. Show more
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Categories
Hotel for Adults Only
This hotel is adults-only, offering a quiet and exclusive atmosphere. It is centrally located near Grace Cathedral and provides city views, a snack bar, and a shared lounge for relaxation.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Business Hotel
Cheap Hotel
Accessible Hotel
Room Types
Single Room with Shared BathroomOffering free WiFi, this single room features an HDTV and a writing desk.
Double Room with Shared BathroomOffering free WiFi, this room features an HDTV and a writing desk.
Double or Twin Room with Shared BathroomOffering free WiFi, this room offers bunk beds and features an HDTV and a writing desk.
Economy Single Room with Shared BathroomOffering free WiFi, this economy single room features an HDTV and a writing desk.
Economy Double Room with Shared BathroomOffering free WiFi, this economy room features an HDTV and a writing desk.
Economy Double or Twin RoomOffering free WiFi, this room has bunk beds and features an HDTV and a writing desk.
Double Room with Private BathroomThe spacious double room provides a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, as well as city views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
7.9
Good
Location
The Urban hotel in San Francisco boasts an exceptional location that places guests in the heart of the city, making it an ideal base for exploring the area's highlights. Situated directly at the entrance of Chinatown and just steps away from Union Square, the hotel's central position allows for easy access to key tourist attractions, restaurants, shops and public transportation options including the BART station and various bus stops.
Guests consistently praise the hotel's prime location, noting that it is perfect for both short visits and extended stays. The convenience of being able to walk or use public transport to reach Union Square, the financial district and other significant landmarks like Fisherman's Wharf and North Beach makes it a favorite among travelers. Additionally, the neighborhood is described as safe and welcoming, enhancing the overall experience.
The blend of affordability, accessibility and safety makes The Urban an excellent choice for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and activities of San Francisco. Whether traveling for business or leisure, the location offers unmatched convenience for sightseeing and exploring the city.
Breakfast
The Urban offers a variety of complimentary amenities focused on providing convenience and a sense of home for its guests. Tea and coffee facilities are a significant highlight with free beverages available around the clock in the common pantry. Guests can enjoy unlimited coffee, tea and fresh water at any time of the day, making it easy for them to stay refreshed and energized.
While there isn't a formal breakfast provided by the hotel, there are mentions of free coffee being available in the morning, which many guests appreciate. For those looking for more substantial breakfast options, there are several cafes and eateries within a 400-meter radius, ensuring guests can start their day with a satisfying meal.
Additional conveniences like the possibility to do laundry for a minimal fee, luggage storage services and consistently clean showers and toilets enhance the overall guest experience. The Urban focuses on offering essential comforts and easy access to local dining options, making it a practical choice for travelers.
Dinner
The Urban offers a variety of options for guests seeking a convenient and satisfying dinner experience. The hotel's shared area provides a nice dinner space, complemented by a small but well-equipped kitchen. Guests can find a toaster, coffee machine, water dispenser and microwave, making it ideal for preparing quick and inexpensive meals with supermarket ingredients. Additionally, the kitchen area offers free tea and coffee, adding a welcomed touch for after-dinner relaxation.
For those preferring packaged goods, the place includes coffee and snack vending machines with a good range of options at fair prices. This feature ensures that guests have access to refreshments and snacks around the clock. For more formal dining, dinner can also be organized at the hotel and there's a menu available for ordering meals, adding an extra layer of convenience. Overall, The Urban provides various ways to enjoy dinner, catering to both quick bites and more planned meals.
Rooms
The rooms at The Urban have received mixed reviews, though guests tend to agree on a few key points. First and foremost, cleanliness is frequently highlighted with many noting that the rooms and shared bathrooms are well-maintained. Despite their small size, the rooms seem to be functional and equipped with basic amenities such as a refrigerator, sink and sometimes a desk or microwave. Beds are generally described as comfortable and the linens are clean.
However, the size of the rooms is a common concern. Many guests mention that the rooms are very small, making it difficult to navigate, especially with luggage. Some rooms lack sufficient ventilation and natural light and others face noisy streets, which can be a disturbance. Additionally, some rooms have a musty smell or other minor issues like outdated furnishings and worn-out mattresses.
Despite these drawbacks, the rooms are considered a good value for money, particularly given the prime location. The staff is friendly, attentive and there are pleasant common areas with coffee and tea available. For solo travelers or those looking for brief stays in a central location, The Urban offers a practical option with essential amenities in a clean environment.
Beds
The beds at 'The Urban' have a mixed reception among guests. On the positive side, many reviews mention the beds being comfortable with some guests highlighting the clean and crisp bed linens. The pillows have also been praised. Comfortable beds were noted, although more than a few guests appreciated the beds being soft and cozy enough to ensure a good night's sleep. The small size of the beds consistently appears in reviews with some mentioning that these beds are perfect for solo travelers but might be a bit tight for two people.
However, not all feedback is glowing. Numerous reviews highlight issues such as uncomfortable and worn-out mattresses and some guests noted that the thin mattresses may not provide adequate support. Furthermore, squeaky and noisy beds have been a recurring complaint with some guests expressing frustration over the disturbance caused. The beds, particularly the bunk beds, have been described as unstable and prone to making excessive noise with movement.
In summary, while some guests find the beds at 'The Urban' to be comfortable and suitable for solo travelers, others have experienced discomfort due to small sizes, worn-out mattresses and noise issues.
Cleanliness
The Urban consistently stands out for its impeccable cleanliness, making it a reliable choice for travelers who prioritize hygiene. Numerous guests noted that both rooms and bathrooms are spotless and well-maintained. The shared bathrooms receive particular praise for being cleaned multiple times a day, ensuring they remain in pristine condition. Rooms are also cleaned frequently with daily cleanings being a common mention.
Although a handful of reviews pointed out issues with room conditions such as poor ventilation and occasional stains, these seem to be exceptions rather than the rule. The hotel overall excels in providing clean facilities, including tidy common areas and well-stocked bathrooms. Guests appreciate the attention to cleanliness throughout the property with many mentioning the consistent and thorough cleaning practices.
The Urban’s shared bathrooms are especially commended for their maintenance and availability with ample facilities ensuring no waiting times. Additionally, the shared spaces, including kitchens and common areas, are invariably clean and neat, making them pleasant environments for socializing and relaxation.
This dedication to cleanliness, combined with a great location and helpful staff, positions The Urban as a top choice for those seeking a clean and comfortable stay in a central area.
Staff
The reviews for 'The Urban' highlight the exceptional friendliness and helpfulness of the staff as a standout feature. Guests consistently describe the personnel as welcoming, attentive and polite. The reception staff, characterized by their availability and willingness to assist 24/7, receive particular praise. Specific employees, such as Patty, Benny and Maggie, are noted for their outstanding service. Despite occasional mentions of staff changes and less welcoming interactions, the majority of reviewers emphasize the kindness, professionalism and enthusiastic nature of the team. The positive atmosphere created by the staff contributes significantly to the overall guest experience, making stays pleasant and accommodating.
Wi-Fi
'The Urban' hotel offers guests complimentary Wi-Fi, a significant perk for many travelers. Positive feedback highlights that the internet connection is generally strong, reliable and fast, catering well to basic normal use. Many guests appreciated the good cost-benefit ratio and the convenience of 24-hour reception, alongside the complimentary water, coffee and tea stations.
There were, however, mixed experiences regarding the Wi-Fi's quality. While numerous guests reported good, great and even perfect Wi-Fi during their stay, others found the internet connection to be poor or not stable at all times. Issues like Wi-Fi blocking Slack and slower speeds were mentioned, which may impact those who need a more robust connection for work or streaming.
Overall, while 'The Urban' provides a generally positive Wi-Fi experience, there are occasional fluctuations in the service's stability and speed.
Adult Only
The Urban offers an ideal getaway for those seeking a serene and private environment, perfect for relaxation. Nestled in a quiet and safe neighborhood, it creates an atmosphere that is well-suited for solo travelers, especially single female travelers, who will appreciate the privacy and tranquility it provides. The exclusive adult-only experience ensures a peaceful stay, free from the typical noise associated with kid-friendly hotels. With its unbeatable location and excellent value for the price, it primarily serves young tourists looking for a budget-friendly option. The presence of private room sinks adds a touch of convenience, enhancing the overall experience for individual guests. While some aspects, like non-functional sockets and occasional unfriendly staff, could be improved, the positives far outweigh these minor setbacks, making it a viable choice for solo adventurers seeking a quiet and affordable retreat.
Business
Located conveniently close to the Moscone Center and the financial district, The Urban stands out as an excellent choice for business travelers attending congresses or events. Its central position not only places guests near the entrance of China Town but also ensures easy access to various bus lines, making it a practical base for both business and leisure activities. Despite the absence of an elevator and relatively small room sizes, visitors appreciate the hotel's good value for money and reasonable prices, particularly for solo travelers. The staff's accommodating attitude, especially when it comes to room selection, further enhances the experience for those on business trips.
Business amenities also receive positive feedback with reliable WiFi that supports work needs and the helpfulness of the staff who are even willing to print necessary documents like rental car vouchers. The Urban's overall ambiance and business-friendly environment contribute to its strong reputation among professionals, making it highly recommended for anyone visiting for work purposes.
Accessible
The Urban boasts a stellar reputation for being exceptionally accessible to guests with disabilities. The hotel features multiple wheelchair-accessible facilities, including lifts to the lobby, restrooms and shower rooms, ensuring convenience for all guests. Strategically located near Montgomery metro BART station, the hotel offers excellent connections to public transportation, making it easy to reach the airport, conference centers and various city highlights such as SOMA, Coit Tower and the Exploratorium.
Guests will appreciate the hotel's central location, right at the entrance of Chinatown, in a secure financial district neighborhood, making it an ideal base for exploring San Francisco's iconic landmarks. The neighborhood is well connected to various bus lines and metro services, allowing for easy walks to many points of interest and bus stops.
The hotel’s affordability adds to its universal appeal, catering particularly well to budget travelers. With a clean, centrally located environment, well-equipped kitchen and a super-efficient check-in and check-out process, it provides a comfortable stay without compromising on convenience. A 24-hour reception guarantees assistance at any hour, securing The Urban's status as a highly accessible choice for all types of travelers.
No, The Urban doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Urban.
No, The Urban doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at The Urban.