San Francisco, 433 Powell Street37.788765,-122.408582(Show on Map)
8.7
Very Good
Checkin - Checkout datesSat, 27 Jun - Sun, 28 Jun27 Jun - 28 Jun
1 Room2 Guests
Info
Summary of reviews
The Chancellor Hotel on Union Square, nestled in the heart of San Francisco, offers an unbeatable location for both leisure and business travelers. Guests frequently praise its central setting, adjacent to Union Square with easy access to public transportation, including the Powell St. BART station, cable cars, trams and buses. This prime location ensures that tourist attractions such as Chinatown, Japan Town and Fisherman’s Wharf are within walking distance, making the hotel a fantastic base for exploring the city.
Cleanliness and maintenance are key highlights with guests consistently impressed by the spotless rooms, comfortable beds and fresh amenities like bath salts and rubber duckies in the bathroom. The hotel, featuring a charming vintage boutique style, retains a well-maintained and cozy atmosphere. Staff members are often singled out for their friendliness and willingness to assist with specific mentions of individuals like the General Manager Wes and other front desk personnel contributing to a welcoming and homely stay.
While the hotel does not offer a traditional breakfast or on-site dining facilities, guests appreciate the complimentary coffee, tea, cookies, fruit and other snacks available 24/7 in the lobby. Many enjoy breakfast at nearby establishments like Lori's Diner and Sears Fine Food. For other meals, the hotel's prime location affords plenty of nearby dining options, including renowned spots like Vito's Pizza.
Guests also praise amenities like the fun pillow menu, free water and the aroma of freshly baked cookies. While the hotel lacks air conditioning, the combination of thoughtful details and recent renovations helps maintain a pleasant environment.
Wi-Fi at the hotel receives mixed reviews with many guests appreciating the complimentary service but some experiencing connectivity issues. Parking, although sometimes costly, is available nearby with secure and convenient options praised by several visitors. The vibrant neighborhood offers abundant nightlife, dining and shopping options, enhancing its appeal as a central, yet safe, location.
Despite being a three-star hotel, the Chancellor Hotel on Union Square offers excellent value for money. Guests often commend its competitive pricing, comfort and the overall quality of services provided. Though the decor may seem dated to some, the combination of its prime location, cleanliness and friendly staff makes the Chancellor Hotel a favored choice for travelers visiting San Francisco.
Categories
Historic
The Chancellor Hotel on Union Square, opened in 1914, is a long-standing fixture in San Francisco's hotel scene. While specific architectural details are not as widely highlighted as some others, its longevity and continuous operation in a historic district contribute to its heritage.
Nightlife
The Chancellor Hotel on Union Square is situated right in Union Square, offering immediate access to the area's plentiful nightlife, dining, and entertainment options.
Free Wi-Fi
This hotel provides complimentary Wi-Fi that is generally reliable with good speed. The connection is effective in both the lobby and guest rooms, and some guests have specifically noted the fast and secure nature of the network.
3 Star
The Chancellor Hotel on Union Square provides a prime location, offering easy access to shopping, dining, and theater options. It is a well-regarded hotel known for its comfortable rooms and dependable service.
Honeymoon
Business
Parking
Sustainability Journey
Room Types
Deluxe Queen Room - Hearing Access
Deluxe Two Double Room - Hearing Access
Deluxe Two Twin Room - Hearing Access
Double Room
Queen Room
Queen Suite
Room Selected at Check-In
Twin Room
Two Double Beds
Guest Reviews
8.7
Very Good
Review Summaries
Location
Nestled in the heart of San Francisco, the Chancellor Hotel on Union Square boasts a prime location that's hard to beat. Guests frequently praised its central setting, right next to Union Square, providing easy access to public transportation such as the Powell St. BART station, cable cars, trams and buses. The neighborhood is bustling with shops, restaurants and cafes, making it an ideal base for exploring the city.
Tourist attractions are within walking distance, including Chinatown, Japan Town and Fisherman’s Wharf. Guests found the area to be safe, convenient and perfect for sightseeing. The hotel itself is described as clean and well-maintained with the added charm of a vintage boutique style. The staff receive high marks for their friendliness and helpfulness.
Overall, the Chancellor Hotel offers superb value for money, combining comfortable accommodations with an unbeatable location in the center of San Francisco's vibrant Union Square. Whether arriving from the airport or planning daily excursions around the city, guests found the ease of connectivity and access to attractions a major highlight of their stay.
Breakfast
The reviews on the breakfast options at Chancellor Hotel on Union Square present a mixed picture. While the hotel does not offer a traditional breakfast or have a dining room for such services, guests appreciate the complimentary coffee, tea, cookies and fruit available in the lobby throughout the day. These small gestures add a touch of comfort and convenience to the stay with the 24/7 availability of snacks and drinks being a particular highlight for many.
However, some guests expressed a desire for more substantial breakfast options and missed having an onsite restaurant or dining facilities for a more complete morning meal. Instead, they recommend nearby dining establishments such as Lori's Diner and Sears Fine Food for excellent breakfast and brunch options.
Despite the lack of a "real" breakfast, the offered amenities—such as free water, apples, popcorn and the aroma of freshly baked cookies—provide a pleasant and generous, if unconventional, start to the day. Overall, while the absence of breakfast services is noted, the complimentary snacks and beverages contribute positively to the guest experience at the hotel.
Dinner
Located in the vibrant Union Square area, Chancellor Hotel offers a delightful dining experience both within and around its premises. The hotel itself boasts great options for breakfast, lunch and dinner with guests frequently praising the adjacent restaurant for its excellent offerings. While the small bar area provides a cozy, intimate setting with enticing 2-for-1 drink specials in the evening, some felt the quality of the drinks could be improved.
The hotel's prime location means guests are just a stone’s throw away from a variety of renowned dining establishments, such as Loris Diner, Vitos Pizza and Sears Fine Food, which serve appetizing meals from early breakfast through dinner. The surrounding area is not only rich with culinary choices but also offers convenient access to shopping, bars and public transportation, including the iconic cable car and hop-on hop-off points.
Additionally, unique touches like the fun pillow menu and complimentary lemon water add extra comfort to the overall stay. Whether seeking a quick meal or an immersive culinary experience, visitors have a plethora of excellent options right at their fingertips, making Chancellor Hotel a favored destination for food enthusiasts.
Rooms
Stepping into the Chancellor Hotel on Union Square offers a mix of both charm and modern touches. While the property may be a bit dated, guests consistently find the rooms clean and comfortable. The rooms vary in size with some guests mentioning they are quite small, yet still cozy and functional. For those on higher floors, rooms tend to be quieter with minimal street noise.
The hotel offers excellent amenities, including comfortable beds, tea/coffee, water, cookies available all day and a complimentary evening wine session. Bathrooms have been praised for their cleanliness, modern fixtures and thoughtful details like bath salts and rubber duckies. However, some guests noted the lack of air conditioning, which can make the rooms warm.
Many rooms come equipped with helpful extras such as refrigerators, safes and ample closet space. Despite some outdated furniture and finishes, recent renovations have maintained a pleasant atmosphere, retaining a vintage feel with modern conveniences. The vibrant and central location near Union Square adds to the hotel's appeal, making it an excellent spot for city trips.
Overall, while some rooms may be on the smaller side, the consistent cleanliness, comfort and thoughtful touches make the Chancellor Hotel a welcoming and practical choice for visitors to San Francisco.
Beds
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square has received a plethora of positive feedback regarding the beds from its guests. The beds are frequently described as comfortable, cozy and extremely soft, providing a restful night's sleep. Many guests have noted the high quality of the bedding and pillows with comments highlighting the cleanliness and good condition of the sheets and mattresses. The pillows have also been praised for their comfort, adding to the overall positive sleeping experience.
While the beds are predominately praised for their comfort, some guests have mentioned that the mattresses can be a bit too soft for their liking, potentially lacking support. A few reviews also pointed out issues with the beds being too small or the mattress showing signs of wear. However, these instances appear to be relatively infrequent compared to the overwhelming number of comments celebrating the bed's comfort.
The hotel offers a variety of pillow options, which many guests appreciated and found added to their comfort. Despite some minor criticisms regarding the softness and size of the beds, the general consensus is that the beds at Chancellor Hotel contribute positively to a comfortable and relaxing stay.
Cleanliness
The Chancellor Hotel on Union Square consistently impresses guests with its high standards of cleanliness. Visitors frequently highlight the very clean rooms, comfortable beds and well-maintained facilities. Many appreciate the clean sheets and fresh towels provided regularly, along with daily cleaning services that keep the rooms in top condition. The bathrooms are often described as spotless with some noting the availability of free amenities and fresh water.
Guests feel comfortable and at ease in clean, cozy rooms that are also spacious and well-equipped. The cleanliness extends to the entire property, contributing to a welcoming and pleasant stay. Even the older, more rustic aspects of the building don't detract from its exceptionally clean and well-tended environment.
Additionally, the central location of the hotel in a safe neighborhood, combined with top-notch cleanliness, enhances the overall experience for visitors, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore the city.
Staff
The Chancellor Hotel on Union Square consistently receives high praise for its exceptional staff. Guests frequently commend the warm welcomes they receive upon arrival and highlight the consistently friendly, helpful attitude of everyone from the receptionists to the porters. Professionalism and kindness are repeatedly noted with many staff members going above and beyond to ensure guests have memorable stays.
Various guests specifically mention the attentiveness and efficiency of the workforce, appreciating their knowledge and willingness to assist with everything from luggage storage to city recommendations. Despite a few instances of less positive interactions, the overarching sentiment remains one of gratitude for the accommodating and welcoming nature of the hotel’s team.
Special mentions of particular staff members, like the General Manager Wes, Rory, Alicia, Shirley at the front desk and the bar personnel, underline their commitment to providing personalized and attentive service. Many guests feel a strong sense of hospitality and remark on the staff's ability to create a homely and pleasant atmosphere throughout their stay.
The positive impression left by the staff is mirrored in the hotel’s service quality, described as exceptional and beyond compare by several visitors. From efficient handling of inquiries to facilitating early check-ins and upgrades without hesitation, the level of customer care is noteworthy. Overall, the combination of a prime location and an incredibly friendly and helpful staff makes the Chancellor Hotel on Union Square a top choice for travelers seeking comfort and excellent service.
Wi-Fi
Guests at the Chancellor Hotel on Union Square have varied experiences with the hotel’s Wi-Fi. Many appreciate the complimentary service, noting it is generally reliable with good speed. The connection works well in both the lobby and rooms and some guests specifically mention the fast and secure nature of the network. However, not all encounters are positive; some visitors experience slow and unstable connectivity with others reporting complete disconnections or trouble accessing Wi-Fi in their rooms. Despite occasional complaints about weak signal and intermittent performance, the hotel’s free and accessible Wi-Fi, combined with additional perks like 24/7 coffee, tea, water, apples and cookies in the lobby, largely satisfies guests.
Parking
Guests of the Chancellor Hotel on Union Square have shared various experiences regarding parking. Generally, parking is available nearby with multiple mentions of secure, convenient options just across the street or within a block from the hotel. Several reviewers appreciated the availability of affordable parking solutions in a secure garage and the ability to park briefly at the front door for unloading luggage was highlighted as a positive feature.
However, parking costs were a recurring concern among guests, often described as expensive with charges typically around $35-$45 per day. While the convenience and proximity of the parking facilities received praise, some found the additional expenses disappointing and noted the lack of on-site parking as a drawback. Despite these concerns, the presence of nearby monitored parking with in-and-out privileges received kudos for providing peace of mind and ease of access. Overall, while guests faced some cost-related issues, the parking arrangements near the Chancellor Hotel were largely appreciated for their convenience and security.
Nightlife
Located in a vibrant part of San Francisco, the Chancellor Hotel on Union Square offers a promising setting for nightlife enthusiasts. The area brims with a variety of nightlife options, including clubs, pubs, bars, taverns and lovely spots for nighttime refreshments. Visitors can enjoy a lively ambiance with plenty of places to drink and several bars within walking distance that stay open late. Happy hours in the afternoon and evening provide additional entertainment.
The neighborhood also boasts a wealth of dining choices with numerous nice restaurants and eateries, making it enjoyable for food lovers looking for great local eats. Additionally, downtown San Francisco is easily accessible, further broadening the array of dining and drinking options.
However, it's important to note that the area does have issues with homelessness and drug use, which might affect the overall experience for some travelers. For those cautious about safety, it's advisable to plan outings earlier in the evening and be aware of the surroundings, especially if new to the area or traveling as a couple. Despite these concerns, many find the location walkable and overall pleasant, providing a mix of fun and entertainment every night.
3 Star
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square offers guests a cozy, well-maintained experience at an affordable price, making it a great option among three-star hotels. Its excellent value-for-money is frequently highlighted with many guests praising its competitive pricing and very good price-performance ratio. The location and services of the hotel are noted as outstanding for its cost, often exceeding expectations for a three-star establishment.
The hotel is recognized for its solid three-star services and well-maintained property, reflecting good cost performance and comfort. Guests often describe it as one of the best value options in San Francisco, appreciating the unbeatable combination of location, service and reasonable pricing.
While the hotel is characterized as dated with older decor and basic facilities, visitors find it clean and adequate for brief stays. The dated nature of the building does not overshadow the overall satisfaction and comfort provided, contributing positively to the overall guest experience. For travelers seeking good quality rooms at a competitive price, Chancellor Hotel on Union Square stands out as an excellent and reasonably priced choice.
Business
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square stands out as a prime choice for business travelers. Located centrally, it offers easy access to key business areas, including the Moscone Conference Center and other essential amenities. The hotel's business-friendly atmosphere and numerous amenities cater well to those traveling for work, ensuring that all necessary conveniences are close at hand.
Facilities such as a 24/7 business center and meeting rooms are particularly appreciated, providing functional spaces perfectly suited for conferences and business meetings. The friendly and accommodating staff contribute to an overall positive experience, making it easy for guests to focus on their professional commitments.
In addition to its business facilities, the hotel offers great value for money. The bar with its complimentary popcorn, provides a relaxing space to unwind after a busy day. Cleanliness and charm are also notable aspects with the older building still maintaining a cozy and welcoming environment.
Overall, the Chancellor Hotel on Union Square is a great hotel for short stays and business use, especially for those needing proximity to notable conference centers and business sites.
Historic
The Chancellor Hotel on Union Square boasts a rich historical heritage that guests consistently praise. This charming old hotel retains a vintage charisma that transports visitors back in time. The building's age is evident, yet it is well-maintained, ensuring an authentic experience without compromising comfort. Vintage decor and old-world charm are meticulously preserved, offering a nostalgic feel that guests adore. While the rooms may exhibit dated elements, such as original bathrooms, the classic furnishings and characterful interiors provide a delightful ambiance that reflects its storied past.
The historical significance of the hotel is enhanced by its prime location in the heart of Union Square, making it a convenient and memorable choice for visitors exploring San Francisco. Despite its age, the hotel features modern amenities and remains clean and well-cared-for. Guests appreciate the beautiful architecture, traditional decor and the myriad historical references throughout the property. The attentive and lovely staff add to the overall positive experience, making this vintage hotel a beloved landmark for those seeking an authentic and historic stay in San Francisco.
Honeymoon
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square seems to be a well-loved option for honeymooners visiting San Francisco. Guests frequently noted the special attention paid to their celebratory trips with many recounting pleasant surprises such as bottles of champagne, welcome notes and even cute wedding-themed ducks. Whether celebrating a honeymoon or a wedding anniversary, reviewers highlighted how the staff’s friendly gestures—like a congratulation card and complimentary upgrades—made their stays memorable.
Happy hour offerings, such as wine, were mentioned as additional romantic touches that enhanced the overall experience. Many couples appreciated these thoughtful extras that made their honeymoon or anniversary celebrations especially remarkable. It’s clear that the Chancellor Hotel goes the extra mile to create unforgettable experiences for those marking such special occasions.
FAQ
No, Chancellor Hotel on Union Square doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Chancellor Hotel on Union Square.
No, Chancellor Hotel on Union Square doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Chancellor Hotel on Union Square.
No, Chancellor Hotel on Union Square doesn't have a gym.
