Your stay — Herbert Hotel
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for San Francisco.
The Property — Herbert Hotel
The Herbert Hotel sits in a narrow Edwardian building just off Union Square, its lobby a quiet time capsule of dark wood, patterned carpet and an old-fashioned key rack. It’s a basic, clean and safe 3-star that makes sense if you want to be at the centre of shopping and cable-car routes without paying for frills. The rooms are small, the bathrooms dated, but the staff are efficient and the location – a short walk to the Powell Street BART and historic streetcars – is its real asset. This is a no-surprises bed for the night, best for travellers who treat a hotel as a launchpad rather than a destination.
Chronicles of San Francisco
San Francisco exploded from a sleepy Mexican village of 800 in 1846 to a chaotic gold-rush port of 25,000 within two years, leaving it with a legacy of boom-and-bust and a heavily rebuilt downtown after the 1906 earthquake and fire. The city’s architectural signature is the long row of painted Victorian and Edwardian houses, though its skyline is punctuated by modern towers like the Transamerica Pyramid (1972) and the Salesforce Tower (2018). Culturally, it has been a haven for counterculture since the 1950s Beat poets, the 1960s Summer of Love and later the LGBTQ rights movement centred on the Castro. Today it is a tech-driven metropolis where discord over housing costs and homelessness sits right next to world-class museums, parks and the loudest, most briny foghorn on the West Coast.
Best Time to Visit
Full San Francisco guide →Best months
September and October: warmest, sunniest weeks of the year, with ‘Indian summer’ conditions and the city’s big street fairs (Folsom Street, Castro Street) still running before the winter rains start.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak for tourism because of school holidays and the massive Independence Day fireworks show over Fisherman’s Wharf. Hotel prices across the city, including the Herbert, are at their highest – expect 30–40% above shoulder-season rates – and BART is packed with visitors along the Market Street corridor.
Budget shoulder season
March and November are the best budget shoulder months. March has fewer tourists, mild days (13–17°C) and the cherry blossoms in Japantown. November sees hotel rates drop sharply after Halloween, with crisp, clear weather before the winter storms roll in.
Weather & packing
San Francisco in July is a classic trap: the city’s famous microclimates mean the downtown area can be foggy and 14°C while the Mission district bakes at 25°C. Pack a midweight jacket or fleece you can tie around your waist, and always bring at least one long-sleeve layer – the fog can roll in from the ocean in under an hour.
Live City Briefing — San Francisco
- BART and Muni have introduced all-door boarding on many lines to speed up service; expect shorter waits but still plan for delays during evening concert crowds at Chase Center. Its new fare-capping system means you never pay more than a day pass if you tap the same card repeatedly.
- The controversial ‘Great Highway’ along Ocean Beach has been permanently closed to cars between Lincoln Way and Sloat Boulevard, turned into a pedestrian and cycle route. If you had planned to drive it, reroute via Sunset Boulevard instead.
- July 2026 sees the return of the Fillmore Jazz Festival (July 4 weekend) and the city’s annual Outside Lands planning excitement heats up in August; both push hotel demand high, so booking the Herbert well ahead is essential.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Herbert Hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on floors 5 through 8 at the rear of the building (facing inward, away from Powell Street). These floors are high enough to avoid street-level noise but still within the range that typically has quieter corridors in older mid-rise hotels. The rear orientation faces the quieter alleyways behind Powell Street, reducing cable car and traffic rumble.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on floors 2 through 4 facing Powell Street. They're directly exposed to cable car bells, bus exhaust, and late-night pedestrian noise from the Union Square transit hub. Also avoid rooms adjacent to the lift shaft on any floor — the elevator mechanism in a 3-star older building can be audible.
Best views
Rooms facing Powell Street from floors 6 to 8 offer a view of the cable car line, the Westin St. Francis, and Union Square park — decent cityscape, though not spectacular. Rear-facing rooms see brick walls and back alleys; not worth paying extra for.
Quietest floors
Floors 5 to 8 are the quietest. These sit above the street din but below the top floors where roof-level HVAC or water pump noise can be an issue in older buildings.
🔊 Noise notes
Powell Street runs cable cars from 6am to midnight with constant bell ringing. Buses stop directly outside the hotel entrance. The hotel's bar or restaurant on the ground floor can generate chatter that reaches rooms above the lobby if not well insulated.
Insider tips
1. There's no onsite parking; use the Sutter-Stockton Garage at 330 Sutter Street (3 blocks north) — cheaper than street parking and avoids towing risk on Powell. 2. Check in early (before 2pm) to request a high rear-facing room, as these are limited and go first on busy weekends.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Herbert Hotel
Free basic WiFi (5 Mbps download). Premium upgrade to 25 Mbps for $9.95 per day; no login required—accept terms on portal.
Two lifts serving all six floors. No stairs-only sections.
Complimentary access to PressReader via hotel iPads in lobby. No physical newspapers. The building is a 1914 Beaux-Arts structure originally a department store, with original terrazzo floors in the lobby.
Check-in from 15:00. Free luggage drop from 10:00 if room isn't ready. Late check-out until 12:00 for free; after that $25 per hour until 14:00, then full night's rate.
Free for day-of-arrival and day-of-departure. Longer storage not available.
Step-free entry via Powell Street sidewalk ramp. One ADA-compliant room per floor. Lifts are standard size; some corridors are narrow (under 36 inches) in the rear wing.
No on-site parking. Nearest public garage is at 333 O'Farrell Street (Sutter-Stockton Garage), $45 per 24 hours. No EV charging on-site; nearest EV chargers at 555 Sutter Street (ChargePoint, $0.25/kWh).
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: San Francisco Tourism Improvement District Fee: $5.15 per night; plus 14% Transient Occupancy Tax on room rate.
Deposit & card hold: First night's room and tax charged at booking; $100 incidental hold per night on a credit card at check-in.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Buddhist temple: Chi Sin Buddhist and Taoist Association (303 m · ~4 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: Quong Ming Buddhism and Taoism Society (385 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Chapel of Grace (414 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Chinese United Methodist Church (460 m · ~6 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Washington Square Park — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
Chinese Historical Society of America — 282 m · ~4 min walk
Marine's Memorial Theater — 506 m · ~6 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 341 m · ~4 min walk
Clay Medical Pharmacy — 336 m · ~4 min walk
Pine-Taylor Market — 302 m · ~4 min walk
Chinatown-Rose Pak — 442 m · ~6 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →US Dollar, USD
Best rates at bank ATMs in the city; avoid the currency exchange kiosks at SFO airport or tourist-heavy spots like Fisherman’s Wharf — they add heavy fees and poor rates.
Visa and Mastercard accepted almost everywhere; Amex and Discover less widely. Contactless / Apple Pay works at most terminals, but carry small cash for street vendors and some Chinatown shops.
Restaurants: 15–20% pre-tax for sit-down meals. Taxis: 10–15%. Hotel staff: $2–5 per bag for bellhops, $2–5 per night for housekeeping (left daily).
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A 12-oz drip coffee from a corner cafe or bodega—around $3.50–4.00. Starbucks is a reliable fallback at similar prices.
A burrito or bowl from a taqueria in the Mission or a sandwich from a deli — about $12–15.
A main from a casual Vietnamese pho house or a slice-and-drink combo at a pizza joint — around $16–22.
Mission District (Mission St between 16th & 24th) has taco trucks and pupuserias; also the Ferry Building farmer’s market on Saturdays samples like fresh oysters and artisan bites.
Safeway (multiple locations nearby); Trader Joe’s a short walk from Powell St BART. Groceries cost 15–25% more than national average.
H&M and Uniqlo in the Westfield Centre on Market St; thrift stores in the Haight-Ashbury area for second-hand bargains.
Muni day pass ($5 via the MuniMobile app) gives unlimited buses/cable cars (not cable cars – those are $8 per ride). From SFO, BART to Powell St station costs about $10 one-way.
Buy groceries at Trader Joe’s or Safeway rather than eating out every meal. Get a CityPASS if you plan multiple attractions. Walk or use Muni buses instead of ride-share or taxis.
Good to know — San Francisco
Type A/B · 120V
safe
USD ($)
Emergency Contacts
San FranciscoFor non-emergency police, dial 311 within the city or 415-553-0123 from outside. Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222. If using a cell phone, be aware that 911 routes to Highway Patrol first; tell the operator you are in San Francisco.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in San Francisco, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Herbert Hotel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 341 m · ~4 min walk — pharmacy · Clay Medical Pharmacy — 336 m · ~4 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) → Powell Street Station (near Hotel Madrid)
💡 Most economical airport transfer; transfer to Powell St station is 2 blocks from Hotel Madrid. Valid for local metro travel too.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) → Hotel Madrid, San Francisco
💡 Shared shuttle service; book online for discounts. Stops at multiple hotels but longer travel time than direct taxis.
Throughout San Francisco downtown → Hotel Madrid area and surrounding Union Square
💡 Buy Visitor Passport (1-3 days unlimited) for $32-81. Most efficient for local exploring; multiple lines serve Union Square area near hotel.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) → Hotel Madrid, San Francisco
💡 Uber/Lyft cheaper than traditional taxis; avoid during peak hours (4-7pm). Hotel Madrid location near Union Square makes taxi access convenient.
About San Francisco
Wikipedia ↗
San Francisco, officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the fourth-most populous city in California and the 17th-most populous in the United States, with a population of 826,079 in 2025. Among U.S. cities with a population of 200,000 or more, San Francisco is ranked first by per capita in...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Herbert Hotel?
Request a room on floors 5 through 8 at the rear of the building (facing inward, away from Powell Street). These floors are high enough to avoid street-level noise but still within the range that typically has quieter corridors in older mid-rise hotels. The rear orientation faces the quieter alleyways behind Powell Street, reducing cable car and traffic rumble.
Which rooms should I avoid at Herbert Hotel?
Avoid rooms on floors 2 through 4 facing Powell Street. They're directly exposed to cable car bells, bus exhaust, and late-night pedestrian noise from the Union Square transit hub. Also avoid rooms adjacent to the lift shaft on any floor — the elevator mechanism in a 3-star older building can be audible.
Is Herbert Hotel noisy?
Powell Street runs cable cars from 6am to midnight with constant bell ringing. Buses stop directly outside the hotel entrance. The hotel's bar or restaurant on the ground floor can generate chatter that reaches rooms above the lobby if not well insulated.
Which rooms have the best views at Herbert Hotel?
Rooms facing Powell Street from floors 6 to 8 offer a view of the cable car line, the Westin St. Francis, and Union Square park — decent cityscape, though not spectacular. Rear-facing rooms see brick walls and back alleys; not worth paying extra for.
What are insider tips for staying at Herbert Hotel?
1. There's no onsite parking; use the Sutter-Stockton Garage at 330 Sutter Street (3 blocks north) — cheaper than street parking and avoids towing risk on Powell. 2. Check in early (before 2pm) to request a high rear-facing room, as these are limited and go first on busy weekends.
What time is check-in at Herbert Hotel?
Check-in at Herbert Hotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Herbert Hotel have Wi-Fi?
Free basic WiFi (5 Mbps download). Premium upgrade to 25 Mbps for $9.95 per day; no login required—accept terms on portal.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Herbert Hotel?
San Francisco Tourism Improvement District Fee: $5.15 per night; plus 14% Transient Occupancy Tax on room rate.
Where can I eat cheaply near Herbert Hotel?
A burrito or bowl from a taqueria in the Mission or a sandwich from a deli — about $12–15.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Herbert Hotel?
Muni day pass ($5 via the MuniMobile app) gives unlimited buses/cable cars (not cable cars – those are $8 per ride). From SFO, BART to Powell St station costs about $10 one-way.
When is the best time to visit San Francisco?
September and October: warmest, sunniest weeks of the year, with ‘Indian summer’ conditions and the city’s big street fairs (Folsom Street, Castro Street) still running before the winter rains start.
Top Attractions in San Francisco
💡 Visit on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday morning for the farmers' market outside — best for free tastings and watching the bay activity. Skip the expensive sit-down places; grab a coffee and walk the Embarcadero.
💡 It's small — allow 20-30 minutes. The gift shop sells cheap souvenirs. Combine with a walk through nearby Nob Hill; the cable car stop right outside lets you watch them turn around manually.
💡 Go just before sunset for golden light on the houses and fewer people. Bring a blanket — the grass is prime for sitting, and locals often picnic here.
💡 Start at the south end (Crissy Field) around 9am for thinner fog and fewer crowds. Bring a windproof jacket — it's always breezy.
💡 Head to the bison paddock near the west end — it's unexpected and often quiet. The park is huge; rent a bike from a shop near Stanyan Street.