Mayflower Hotel Apartment in San Francisco, CA

Pros

• The Mayflower Hotel is wonderful, with attentive staff, great rooms, and beautiful decor.
• The staff go out of their way to ensure guests are comfortable.
• The hotel preserves a nostalgic vibe with original elevators and classic charm.
• The location is ideal for exploring the city and sightseeing.
• The rooms are clean, spacious, and comfortable.
• Breakfast is included and convenient, giving guests a great start to the day.
• The hotel offers exceptional value for money and a central, walkable location.

Cons

• The room was tiny and there was mold in the shower.
• The AC filters had not been changed in years.
• The front desk staff were not the nicest.
• There was no hand soap available.
• The Wi‑Fi on the sixth floor was terrible.
• The hotel was very loud and poorly insulated against noise.
• There was an unpleasant odor in the room.
• Parking was narrow and difficult to access for larger cars.

Review

The Mayflower Hotel is best suited for history-minded travelers who want a central San Francisco base without paying boutique-hotel prices, and for families or small groups comfortable with an old-world vibe. This is not a polished, ultra-modern property; it’s a grand, early-20th-century building that sells its charm as a feature. Guests who prize location, within strolling distance of Union Square, Chinatown, transit hubs, and a cluster of bars and restaurants, will feel rewarded by the neighborhood energy and convenience, often with included breakfast and, surprisingly, usable parking on site. For anyone who can embrace uneven surfaces, antique elevators, and period aesthetics, the Mayflower delivers a distinctive experience that feels authentic to the city’s Roaring Twenties past.

Those who may want to consider alternatives are travelers who require consistently pristine cleanliness, quiet nights, or modern, noise-insulated spaces. Several reviews note lingering odors, occasional cleanliness lapses, and outdated bathrooms, while others cite noisy street-facing rooms that undermine sleep. For guests who depend on fast Wi-Fi, reliable in-room outlets, or a truly fresh, contemporary feel, the Mayflower strains against the expectations set by newer hotels. Families with older children or guests sensitive to sound and small living spaces might find the configuration tight, the bathrooms cramped, and the overall atmosphere less forgiving than a newer property. In short, this is not the place for those chasing modern convenience or a flawless, uninterrupted slumber.

The property’s strongest offsets come from its powerful location, value, and the warmth of the staff. The Mayflower’s proximity to Union Square, transit options, and an array of nearby dining options makes it a practical launchpad for urban exploration, often at a price that remains compelling for San Francisco. The historic character, wooden elevators, vintage lobby touches, and a genuine sense of “stepping back in time”, resonates with guests who see the building as a character-driven experience rather than a utilitarian stay. Included breakfast and, in some instances, a kitchenette in rooms add practical value that reduces daily expenses. And repeatedly, reviews highlight staff who are friendly, attentive, and willing to offer tips to maximize a visitor’s time in the city, turning a modest property into a surprisingly welcoming home base.

The set of pros also includes roominess and a general sense of comfort in several units, along with reliable parking options that many travelers value in San Francisco. A number of guests praise spacious rooms and the convenience of having a fridge or microwave, which eases meal planning for families and longer stays. The building’s character and the occasional spacious corner room, such as a well-regarded suite, further reinforce the impression that the Mayflower can offer a generous, if not uniformly modern, staying experience. For budget-conscious travelers who want space to breathe and a mild touch of nostalgia, these factors often tip the balance toward a favorable impression, especially when the alternative is paying a premium for a newer property.

Yet the cons cannot be ignored, and they are not cosmetic. Noise is a consistent issue, particularly for rooms facing the street, underscoring the building’s age and the city’s vibrancy. Some guests encounter odor or cleanliness inconsistencies, and a few complain about the bath fixtures and overall upkeep in older bathrooms. The parking situation, a small, narrow garage with tricky ramps, creates real friction for guests arriving with larger vehicles or those who prefer a stress-free ingress and egress. Breakfast, while included and adequate, is limited and not particularly exciting, leaving some guests wishing for more variety or better quality. Finally, mixed experiences with front-desk responsiveness and occasional maintenance quirks remind that service and upkeep depend on the day and the staff on duty.

For families and travelers who choose this property, the decision hinges on tolerance for age and noise versus the rewards of location, value, and character. The Mayflower remains a compelling option for those who want San Francisco in a nutshell: walkable access to iconic sights, a sense of history preserved in architecture and service, and a price that often undercuts many nearby options. To optimize satisfaction, request a room on a higher floor away from busy avenues, confirm the exact parking situation and vehicle size compatibility, and clarify housekeeping expectations before arrival. Bring an expectation of old-world charm, not pristine modernity, and plan accordingly around breakfast dynamics and potential noise. In practical terms, for travelers who prize a genuine San Francisco ambiance, the Mayflower is worth embracing; for those who demand contemporary comfort and flawless quiet, alternatives in newer buildings are the prudent choice.

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)