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  5. Reviews of HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel

Reviews of HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel 3 stars

312 Mason Street, Union Square, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

#64 of 227 hotels in San Francisco

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 1574 hostel reviews

8.1

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.3

  • Comfort

    8.2

  • Location

    9.0

  • Facilities

    8.1

  • Staff

    8.4

  • Value for money

    8.4

  • Free WiFi

    9.0

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 1 September 2025

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in Men's 4-bed Dormitory
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    My room had no air conditioner, and it felt very stuffy. I had a bad nights sleep

    The environment and community gathering areas.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 1 September 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in Men's 4-bed Dormitory Ensuite
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Not happy that you stopped the breakfast

    You guys were great

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 26 August 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in Women's 4-bed Dormitory Ensuite
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Great facility, prime location and nice staff.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 22 August 2025

    9.0
    Heart of San Francisco
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in Men's 4-bed Dormitory
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I've been staying at this HI a long time and the place is neat and convenient when you need a place to stay.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 18 August 2025

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in Men's 4-bed Dormitory
    • Stayed 3 nights

    The 4-bed room was very small and had no view because the window was completely covered due to renovation work outside. I was lucky that my roommates were okay. The air in the room wasn’t great, but it was still bearable. For the price, it’s acceptable. However, if you’re unlucky with your roommates, I can imagine it could get difficult.

    The location is very good, and the staff is quite friendly. I really like the free luggage storage. The kitchen is great and well equipped.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 10 August 2025

    9.0
    The Staff are very good and heptful
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in Men's 4-bed Dormitory
    • Stayed 3 nights

    All are very good.

    The location is very good ,close to China Town transport is very good. There have train to airport

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 5 August 2025

    9.0
    Pleasant stay in the center of San Francisco
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    The hostel is located just 3 min walking from union square. I was traveling with my girl friend and we were scared about the security. But everything was perfect! We didn't have any problem and the area looked really nice

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 4 August 2025

    9.0
    Thec onstruction noise was unexpected, but necessary. The stay met my needs. The stay met my
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Private Queen Room Ensuite
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Bed was to low to floor.

    No breakfast.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 29 July 2025

    9.0
    A good and affordable hostel to stay in San Francisco.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 3 nights

    Great location, elevator, common area to socialize, good kitchen facilities, good room rate

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 25 July 2025

    7.0
    Good spot for a short trip
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in Women's 4-bed Dormitory
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Rooms are small and have no windows / you're not allowed to open. There was an air purifier in the room but no aircon despite mandatory closed windows. It was super hot in the room (4-bed female) at night, hence I was waking up regularly

    Great location, locked front door at any time for extra safety, clean showers and toilets

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 24 July 2025

    8.0
    Great location, fine for a couple of nights
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in Women's 4-bed Dormitory
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Due to the downtown location there are obviously still quite a few homeless people around, so I would not have felt comfortable going around at night by myself. The kitchen was also very busy and a bit dirty (although not bad by youth hostel standards) but that is to be expected.

    Really good central location, I chose this place because it was an available pick up point for a day trip to Yosemite.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 22 July 2025

    8.0
    Worth it.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Private Economy Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    None.

    Location. Facilities. Staff.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 16 July 2025

    9.0
    Very enjoyable and great location to visit SF.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Private Queen Room Ensuite
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We stayed in a private room for two. Mattress too soft and bed too low.

    Very nice location, kind staff, change towels whenever you need, comfortable premises and very good kitchen and eating area. Choice of private bathroom in our room.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 14 July 2025

    9.0
    Ending my Vancouver to San Francisco bike tourq
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in Men's 4-bed Dormitory
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I had no complaint with any aspect

    Check-in was seamless and I felt my bicycle and touring kit was securely stored.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 9 July 2025

    9.0
    Great international community at this downtown hostel. Good location and well equipped.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in Women's 4-bed Dormitory
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Toaster wasn’t working. No freezer. It seemed like there were only 2 showers and 2 toilets per floor (it wasn’t an issue, never had to wait but it was strange for how many rooms there were)

    Central location, good amenities, well equipped kitchen, smaller rooms with good storage under bed. Quirky and beautifully furnished lounge area. Plenty of prep space and sitting in kitchen/dining area. It was always staffed in the lobby so it felt secure and welcoming. I stayed in a 4-bed female dorm and it was wonderful as there were not too many occupants. Plenty of space and bed was decently comfortable

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 7 July 2025

    8.0
    Very good
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Private Economy Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Location

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 6 July 2025

    8.0
    The staff were helpful.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in Men's 4-bed Dormitory Ensuite
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The elevator wasn't working

    The hostel is in a good location. Close to public transportation, restaurants, etc.

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 5 July 2025

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Private Queen Room Ensuite
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Loved the location, very clean and peaceful. The common areas were very nice.

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 3 July 2025

    7.0
    Hostel International San Francisco is a skimper’s gold nugget, by deluxe Google Ghetto!
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in Men's 4-bed Dormitory
    • Stayed 1 night

    Hosteling is a special category of “Dorms by Design”. If you like (or tolerate after learning the system) their safe & friendly world is great. But anyone who compares with private lodging or hotel will be miserable. I have to watch my $100’s so a $40 bed by Union Square is amazing. I checked in at midnight & made my own bed with sheets provided. I pulled off the sheets at 5am, showered & prepped my breakfast, left at 6am. Super!!

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 30 June 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in Women's 4-bed Dormitory
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    All fine

    The staff was helpful. Linen was clean. Liked staying. Here. Will advise solo travelers to stay here and it's in Downtown,the location is advantageous.

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 22 June 2025

    8.0
    Great stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in Women's 4-bed Dormitory
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Access to toilet and shower

    Location

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 21 June 2025

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Private Economy Room
    • Stayed 14 nights

    activities

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 18 June 2025

    7.0
    Good spot to stay and find friends to visit sf
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Noises in the street at night and not so clean

    The kindness of the Staffa sn the fact is was in downtown to go wherever you want in sf

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 15 June 2025

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in Women's 4-bed Dormitory
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Only two bathrooms on the same floor. Closer to Union Square, convenient but not safe when it gets dark

    Stayed in June 2025

Showing 1 – 25

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