San Francisco

Firstly, what is an HI hostel? It is a type of a unique and affordable accommodation for travellers of all ages and backgrounds, which is a part of a larger hostel network, Hostelling International. All HI hostels are non-profit, striving to encourage interaction between guests and help them gain a greater understanding of the world. They are also highly committed to sustainable travel by practising recycling and water conservation, minimising their carbon footprint and energy consumption, reusing spaces, and educating the public about the environmental protection through programs like the OHA Outdoor Hostel Adventure. By 2020, all HI hostels in the USA will be awarded the Green Globe certification. The environmental constraints do not exclude the high quality; in fact, all hostels must undergo rigorous inspections and meet strict standards for cleanliness, security, and customer service. HI hostels in San Francisco all offer free breakfast, dorms and private rooms, and a number of facilities and common areas to provide maximum comfort.

HI SAN FRANCISCO DOWNTOWN HOSTEL

This is a newly renovated hostel located in the heart of the tourist district, one block from Union Square and close to cable cars, museums, shopping, and more. The hostel is the most convenient for exploring the streets of San Francisco. To that end, it offers plenty of organised tours and events to provide a very immersive stay. Guided by locals, you will be able to visit the beatnik North Beach, the towering San Francisco hills, the biggest Chinatown in the USA, and the most famous of the city’s attractions, the Golden Gate Bridge. In the evening, guests can enjoy a movie night with free pizza, cooking classes, or a party with board games and free drinks. I spent almost two weeks in this hostel and it definitely exceeded my expectations. The staff was super friendly and helpful, speaking different languages and showing general interest in guests. If you want to see what an average day at Downtown Hostel looks like, check out this video.

HI SAN FRANCISCO FISHERMAN’S WHARF HOSTEL

It almost doesn’t feel like being in a big city when you stay at Fisherman’s Wharf, yet the view from the window of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge will remind you of your true location. The hostel is situated in a historic building, a former Civil War military base, in an idyllic national park by the San Francisco waterfront. The area of Fisherman’s Wharf is known for its piers (the most famous being Pier 39), where you can watch the coloured boats set out to sea each morning, take pictures of sea lions that bask on the docks, or taste the seafood specialty Dungeness crab. Besides the relaxing park setting, this hostel also offers a cosy lounge with a fireplace, a movie room, and a cute café – Café Franco – serving delicious healthy snacks made of locally-sourced and organic ingredients. Indeed, Fisherman’s Wharf is probably the most eco-conscious hostel in San Francisco, reaching out to other organizations to help them toward greener management (such as sfenvironment.org) and promoting environmental awareness among their guests.

HI SAN FRANCISCO CITY CENTER HOSTEL

This urban hostel is a sight on its own. Set in a charming 1920s boutique hotel, it is so artistically decorated that it feels like walking into a museum – a very beautiful museum. Each common area exhibits local art representing one of San Francisco’s bohemian neighbourhoods. If you’re lucky you might even see a concert or a gospel choir performing in the lobby. Otherwise you can always grab a beer or a glass of wine in the on-site bar, whose revenue goes to the local soup kitchen. As San Francisco is estimated to be the most expensive city in the USA, you will be relieved to know that this hostel is located in the eccentric district of Tenderloin – the home of San Francisco’s very best cheap eats, dive bars, and legendary music venues. Nevertheless, make sure to ask the staff which streets in the area you should avoid, as it can get a bit sketchy at night.