By L. Roberts
Grant Plaza Hotel exterior
With a fantastic location and incredibly affordable rates to boot, you can't beat a stay at
San Francisco's Grant Plaza Hotel. This inexpensive hotel is great for anyone on a shoestring budget, looking for accommodations right in the heart of the action. Located just inside Chinatown's gates, and only three blocks from Union Square, the hotel is in a prime location. With newly renovated rooms that are clean and comfortable, the Grant Plaza Hotel makes a great home away from home.
Features
Free wireless Internet access
Tons of great restaurants and theaters are within walking distance of the Grant Plaza Hotel, and the property is actually located within the gates of Chinatown, giving visitors great views of the city in action. Park your car in the nearby lot and grab the cable car just a block away from the hotel to see the sights. For those looking for a little peace and quiet, be sure to check out the sitting area on the top floor, where you'll find a beautiful stained glass skylight letting in sunlight from above. For those that need to stay connected, WiFi is available, for an additional charge, down in the lobby.
Pros and Cons
Rooms at the Grant Plaza are clean and comfortable.
An historical building and friendly staff add plenty of charm and personality to your hotel experience at the Grant Plaza Hotel. The property's excellent location right in the heart of San Francisco makes this a great jumping-off point for first-time visitors to the city. Nearby parking costs extra, but leaving the car behind enables you to see all the sights via public transit. Clean, comfortable rooms that are a bit smaller than traditional hotel offerings may cause problems for larger travelers or those who prefer more room to breathe. There is no air-conditioning available in the summertime, and open windows invite street noise from below.
Bottom Line
Overall, the Grant Plaza Hotel is truly a great value. You'll definitely get your money's worth by parking the car and seeing the nearby sights on foot, or by hopping on and off the nearby cable cars. Although the hotel lacks many of the traditional amenities you'll find in larger, luxury hotels, it's a great bargain for those who don't mind roughing it a bit. Besides, who needs free in-room WiFi when there is a coffee shop on every corner? If you're looking for clean and comfortable rooms, monitored by friendly staff who are more than willing to give you tips on the best things to see and do in San Francisco, then this is the hotel for you.
Resources
About the Author:
Laura Roberts is the editor-in-chief of Black Heart Magazine and author of the weekly sex column, "V for Vixen," at Hour.ca. She is currently working on her first book, a guide to the sexy side of Montreal.
Photo Credits:
photo courtesy of Ken Ho, General Manager
photo courtesy of Ken Ho, General Manager
photo courtesy of Ken Ho, General Manager
