Mayflower Hotel Apartment in San Francisco, CA

Pros

• The Mayflower Hotel was wonderful.
• The staff went out of their way to make guests comfortable.
• The rooms were great, with beautiful decor.
• The location was ideal for exploring the city.
• Breakfast was included and convenient.
• The hotel offers exceptional value for money.
• The building has charming historic ambiance and features like the original wooden elevator.
• The staff were friendly and extremely helpful.
• The rooms were spacious, clean, and quiet.

Cons

• The Wi-Fi and internet are terrible and don't work on the 6th floor.
• The Mayflower Hotel was not as advertised; the room was tiny with mold in the shower and decrepit bedside tables.
• The AC caused coughing, and the filters had not been changed in years.
• The front desk staff were not friendly, and the valet took 35 minutes to bring the car out.
• The manager Tim was of no help.
• San Francisco is very loud, and the hotel provides poor sound insulation amid inconsiderate guests.
• There was no hand soap at all; guests had to wash their hands with body wash.
• There are few outlets, and the fridge had to be lifted to access a plug, taking up counter space.
• The parking garage is narrow and difficult to navigate; larger cars may not fit.
• The toilets are tiny and the building is old with outdated elevators; there was hair from a prior guest and the blanket smelled unclean.

Review

The Mayflower is best suited for travelers who want to soak in San Francisco's historic atmosphere without paying top-tier boutique prices, and who don't mind the quirks that come with a 1929-era building. It works well for families or budget-conscious visitors who value a central location near Union Square, easy access to transit, and a included breakfast with modest but dependable amenities. The charm - exposed old-world architecture, vintage elevators, and a lobby that evokes a bygone era - gives the stay a memorable character that many guests prize as part of the experience. For those who place high importance on modern finishes, ultra-quiet rooms, or high-tech comforts, this is a choice that will feel like stepping back in time more than a step forward in convenience.

Altogether, a spectrum of alternatives should be considered for guests with particular needs. Those who cannot tolerate street-level noise, frequent travel delays, or inconsistent service should compare other centrally located options with better soundproofing and more predictable housekeeping. Guests whose priority is flawless cleanliness and modern bathrooms - think mold-free showers, updated fixtures, and strong air filtration - may find the Mayflower lacking in those areas. If high-performance Wi-Fi, strong air conditioning, or a large, ultra-clean bathroom are non-negotiables, look toward newer properties with reinforced infrastructure. And travelers with larger vehicles or a deep aversion to narrow parking ramps will want to weigh the garage's access limits against alternative SF parking options.

The strongest positives stack up in practical, experience-driven ways. The staff are repeatedly praised for warmth, attentiveness, and going "above and beyond," which offsets some of the building's aging infrastructure. The location remains a practical dream for sightseeing - near Union Square, with ready access to transit, dining, and shopping - and the included breakfast and on-site parking add tangible value for a mid-range budget. Several reviews highlight spacious rooms and a genuine sense of "old hotel" character that guests remember fondly, along with reliable housekeeping and a generally calm, if not luxurious, atmosphere. For families or travelers who want room to spread out, the higher-end corners and larger layouts cited by guests can feel like a real upside to the price.

But the cons aren't cosmetic nitpicks; they're recurring themes that shape overall satisfaction. Noise can be significant, especially in street-facing rooms or on floors with thinner walls, and some guests report that windows and insulation do not perform well against city sounds. The building's age also manifests in practical wrinkles: occasional odor or cleanliness concerns in rooms, limited outlets, dated decor, and a breakfast that some describe as basic rather than robust. The parking situation - narrow ramps, limited spots, and vehicle size restrictions - adds a logistical hurdle for guests arriving with larger cars or SUVs, even though the garage is free. In-room climate control and modern bathroom standards can feel underwhelming when higher expectations meet antique plumbing and older fixtures.

Despite those drawbacks, the Mayflower often overcomes them through deliberate strengths that align with traveler priorities. The staff's hospitality, often described as "exceptional" or "friendly and helpful," tends to turn potential irritants into manageable experiences. The hotel's authentic 1920s vibe, complete with a historic ambiance and distinctive features, offers a sense of place that pure-function hotels rarely provide. For guests who value value-for-money, the combination of reasonable rates, central location, and included breakfast plus parking frequently eclipses the occasional discomfort of older interiors. When a room delivers quiet sleep - some reviews cite quiet corners and well-insulated spaces - the appeal rises markedly.

In practical terms, this property works best for those who can navigate a few planning choices. If a quiet night is non-negotiable, ask for a room away from Bush Street corridors and request updates on current window treatments or floor changes that improve soundproofing. If ease of movement matters, opt for a room with space and a functioning layout (kitchens or mini-fridges are helpful for longer stays) and confirm that the AC and ventilation meet personal comfort thresholds. When possible, lean on the staff for guidance on the best floor, the most reliable room type, and the parking process to minimize friction. Those who prize nightlife proximity and a charming historic vibe at a reasonable price will likely walk away satisfied; those chasing modern polish and flawless quiet should likely consider stricter contenders in the market.

This particular part of San Francisco, California boasts a variety of amenities that could be appealing for senior living. With several parks located within walking distance, such as Huntington Park and Lafayette Park, residents can enjoy the outdoors and stay active. There are also numerous pharmacies nearby for convenient access to medications and health supplies. In terms of dining options, there are upscale restaurants like House Of Prime Rib42 and Coqueta, as well as more casual cafes like The Coffee Movement and Saint Frank. For entertainment, there are theaters such as AMC Metreon 16 and AMC Kabuki 8 close by. Additionally, transportation is readily available with the San Francisco Caltrain Station just a short distance away. Overall, this area provides a mix of conveniences and recreational opportunities that could make it a desirable location for seniors looking to settle in San Francisco.

Parks

• Huntington Park (0.2 miles)
• Municipal Pier (0.5 miles)
• Yerba Buena Gardens (0.7 miles)
• Lafayette Park (0.8 miles)
• Washington Square (0.9 miles)
• Salesforce Park (0.9 miles)
• Allyne Park (1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• Grass Roots (0.4 miles)
• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• Walgreens (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (0.7 miles)

Cafes

• The Coffee Movement (0.4 miles)
• Saint Frank (0.8 miles)
• Sightglass Coffee (0.9 miles)
• Andytown Coffee Roasters (1 miles)
• Blue Bottle Coffee (1.2 miles)
• Jane The Bakery (1.2 miles)
• Balboa Cafe (1.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Local Edition (0.6 miles)
• House Of Prime Rib42 (0.6 miles)
• Deli Board (0.9 miles)
• A Mano (1 miles)
• Coqueta (1.1 miles)
• Salt & Straw (1.1 miles)
• Gott's Roadside (1.1 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Metreon 16 (0.7 miles)
• AMC Kabuki 8 (1.1 miles)
• Alamo Square (1.4 miles)
• Alamo Drafthouse New Mission (2.3 miles)

Physicians

• Golden Gate OBGYN (1.2 miles)
• One Medical (1.2 miles)
• Noe Valley Pediatrics (2.7 miles)

Transportation

• San Francisco Caltrain Station (1.3 miles)