I spent two nights at the Nob Hill Hotel last month. Work trip. Carry-on bag. Late flight. Fog rolling in, like it always does in San Francisco. You know what? I was tired and a little grumpy when I checked in. But the front desk smiled, handed me a keycard, and pointed me to the tiny elevator with the gate. It rattled up like a movie set from 1910. I kind of loved it. For a professional take with more photos, Oyster has an in-depth review of the Nob Hill Hotel that’s worth a skim.
If you want the play-by-play of that first impression (complete with rattling gate video), I put together a longer journal-style recap on Fortune Hotel’s blog that you can skim here.
First look: charming, but not shiny
The lobby felt like grandma’s parlor. Old paintings. A chandelier. A Persian-style rug that had seen feet. Not dirty, just worn thin. I caught a faint old-building smell. Wood and dust, maybe. It faded after a minute, so I stopped noticing.
I asked about coffee. The clerk said there’d be some in the morning by the front desk. No cookies, but they had tea bags. Small touch, but it helped.
My room: small, sweet, and a bit squeaky
My queen room faced the street. It was tight but not cramped. I had room to open my suitcase and walk around the bed. The bed frame was antique, and yep, it squeaked when I flopped down. The mattress ran firm. Not hard, but firm. Pillows were thin. I asked for one more. They brought it up in five minutes. Points for speed.
The window was narrow and looked over Taylor Street. I could see a cable car line down the hill. The curtains were cute, sort of floral, and a little see-through. Afternoon sun lit the room in a soft way. At night, the glow from the street came in a bit.
One hiccup: outlets. I only saw one near the desk and one by the TV. I had to plug my phone in by the bathroom the first night. The next morning, I asked for a power strip. They had one at the desk. Problem solved.
Wi-Fi worked fine for email and browsing. My Zoom froze once for a few seconds, then came back. Not a deal breaker, but I wouldn’t plan a big webinar here. For travelers who like to wind down with a bit of live-stream entertainment, it’s worth noting that Camster runs smoothly even on middling hotel connections—checking out this thorough review breaks down the platform’s features, token costs, and the bandwidth you’ll need for glitch-free viewing.
The bathroom: old tile, hot water, and a clingy curtain
The bathroom looked original. Square tile. Cute black trim. It was clean—really clean. The shower heated fast and had good pressure. The curtain did that sticky cling thing, which made me laugh and scoot. Not fancy toiletries, but they refilled them. The hair dryer lived in a drawer and worked like a champ.
Sound check: city noises included
Here’s the thing. This is a city hotel, in an older building. I heard sirens twice, a bus whoosh, and a cable car bell in the evening. The walls didn’t feel paper thin, but I could hear a neighbor close a door. I used my white noise app. Slept fine the second night. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the street. Or bring earplugs. I always do.
Service: warm, quick, and very human
The staff felt local and kind. The night clerk marked my map with places to eat on Polk Street. A day clerk helped me print a boarding pass. Housekeeping was polite and didn’t push when I asked for a late start on cleaning. After checkout, they held my bag so I could walk the hill. No fuss, no weird rules.
Location: steep, classic, and handy
This spot sits on, well, a hill. Shoes with grip help. I walked to the California Street cable car in about five minutes. Union Square was a bit farther—ten or twelve minutes downhill, fifteen back up. I grabbed hot tea at the Fairmont one afternoon and felt fancy for a minute. For food, I walked to Polk Street. I got a plain glazed at Bob’s Donuts and it slapped. If you’re debating flavors, The Infatuation’s review breaks down the donut options with mouth-watering detail. Also had a simple Thai curry two blocks away, which warmed me right up.
At night, I stayed on the Nob Hill side streets. The Tenderloin sits nearby, and the vibe can shift block by block. I felt fine, but I kept my eyes up, like you do in any big city.
Parking looked pricey in nearby garages, so I used rideshare. Street parking? Good luck.
If you’d rather base yourself closer to the Yerba Buena arts scene and the Powell BART stop, I had a solid, if slightly bumpy, experience at Zelos Hotel that could fit the bill.
On the flip side, if your travels ever take you to Maryland and you’re curious about where locals socialize once evening falls, the community-curated listings at Backpage Hagerstown can help you navigate Hagerstown’s nightlife and classified ads before you even touch down, ensuring you step into the scene with confidence and a ready-made plan.
Little quirks I liked (and a few I didn’t)
- The elevator is tiny and charming, but it fits two people with bags, tops.
- Hall lights are dim in a moody way. Pretty, but bring your phone flashlight if your eyes are tired.
- The radiator clicked on at odd times. Warm air, funny timing. I turned it down at night.
- Morning coffee by the desk was hot and ready. I wish they had fruit or a small pastry, but I was fine.
Who will like this spot
If you like historic charm, real wood, and a sense of place, you’ll smile here. If you want a sleek, modern box with blackout curtains and total silence, this isn’t it. For a polished, upscale alternative with sound-proof rooms, check out the contemporary digs at Fortune Hotel. I’m a sucker for old buildings, so I was happy.
For an indulgent stay that marries vintage swagger with modern Marriott touches, see my notes from the storied Jumeirah Essex House (now JW Marriott Essex House).
Price and value
My rate was lower than the big chains nearby, and that mattered for a quick work trip. The value felt fair: clean room, kind staff, great neighborhood for walkers. Just know you’re paying for character, not for glossy upgrades.
Quick tips from my stay
- Ask for a room away from Taylor Street if you sleep light.
- Request extra pillows and a power strip right away.
- Bring earplugs and comfy shoes. That hill is no joke.
- Ride the cable car once. It’s touristy and still fun.
- Grab a donut on Polk. Simple joy.
Final take
Nob Hill Hotel is a sweet, older soul with scuffed shoes. It’s cozy, safe, and a bit noisy, like the city itself. I’d stay again for a short trip, especially if I want that San Francisco feel without breaking the bank. I wouldn’t plan a whole week here, but two or three nights? Perfect.
And yes, I kept the elevator selfie. Couldn’t help it.