The Dakota, San Francisco

...for work for 4.5 months. The first two week I spent in the Dakota Hotel, in search for a spot of my own.

Dakota hotel caught my eye for a number of reasons: the price and the location. Normally, you'd have to rob a bank or two to stay in a hotel in the heart of San Francisco for two weeks. Luckily, Dakota offered an attractive rate for long-term stays. I thought it would certainly be worth a look, given it's excellent location.
...blocks from Union Square. In the street itself, there are a number of restaurants and a small supermarket.

The hotel is on the edge of what are considered to be the good neighbourhoods in San Francisco. Two blocks down, you'll find the so-called Tenderloin- a place where you wouldn't want to be found dead, but probably might ifyou were to walk there alone at night. Ok, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but trust me: it is not the place ... more

In 2007-2008 I lived in San Francisco for work for 4.5 months. The first two week I spent in the Dakota Hotel, in search for a spot of my own.

Dakota hotel caught my eye for a number of reasons: the price and the location. Normally, you'd have to rob a bank or two to stay in a hotel in the heart of San Francisco for two weeks. Luckily, Dakota offered an attractive rate for long-term stays. I thought it would certainly be worth a look, given it's excellent location.

Location
You see, location is undoubtedly one of Dakto Hotels strongest points. This hotel is situated on 606 Post Street, approximately 2 blocks from Union Square. In the street itself, there are a number of restaurants and a small supermarket.

The hotel is on the edge of what are considered to be the good neighbourhoods in San Francisco. Two blocks down, you'll find the so-called Tenderloin- a place where you wouldn't want to be found dead, but probably might ifyou were to walk there alone at night. Ok, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but trust me: it is not the place to flaunt your expensive camera at night! Unless you really want to get rid of it, that is…

However, walk towards city centre and you'll be in the heart of San Francisco in less than 10 minutes!

First impression
The hotel looks a bit run down at first, although that might have changed by now, given the amount of construction work that was happening during my stay. Luckily, I had to get up pretty early anyway, so this didn't really bother me.

The lobby is pretty small, containing a couple of computers for free internet access. Well, that is if you are patientenough to get these boys running, as they seem to be from the stone age. Still, free internet is a bonus.

From the lobby, you can reach your room by stairs or elevator, with the stairs being the more sane choice. The bird-cage elevator is something straight out of a horror flick; it creaks, it shudders, and hopefully it takes you where you need to be. Other times, it might decide to stay put, no matter how much you insist. Oh well, that is part of the charm, I guess.

Service
Luckily, the staff isn't as grumpy as the elevator. They proved quite friendly and helpful, although the owner gave me a bit of trouble when I asked for the cheaper longterm rate. In the end, he agreed, so that was ok.

Room
The room itself seemed to be lifted straight from the '50's; dull colours, old furniture. It was easily large enough for one person and contained a small, but comfortable bed, a fridge and a tiny microwave. Although the TV displayed colours, it looked like something from ages past. Good thing I wasn't there to spend my time in front of the television!

The clean bathroom had the sort of old-fashioned bathtub and shower curtain which could've been used for the movie "Psycho" and the like. Still, to be honest, it was all perfectly fine for me.

Facilities
For a small fee, the hotel offered wireless internet in the room. It is still a complete mystery to me why a hotel like this already provides this service, whereas certain 5-star hotels I've stayed at didn't!

Breakfast was served at the nearby Adelaide hostel, which has the same owner. Don't expect anything fancy,but the bread, milk and cereal did a good job of getting me on my legs. Something that cannot be said of the watery American coffee- better grab a cup in the city!

You also have the option to join dinner at the hostel, butI didn't do this myself. There is quite a collection of nice restaurants in the street, and San Francisco in general is a gourmet's dream!

Nonetheless, the lounge in the Adelaide hostel is a good place to chill out for a second and to meet people. Strangely, the lounge and the hostel itself look a lot more modern and luxurious than the hotel!

Surroundings
Well,what can I say? It's San Francisco, and the hotel is smack-bang in the middle of it! There is an enormous array of activities and sight to see. Go to Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge/Park,Marin County. Shop at Union Square, hop on a cable car or have a look in Chinatown- the list is endless!

Price
The rooms start at 50 dollars a night- very reasonable given the wonderful location and the fact that you have your own facilities and breakfast! Should you stay for a longer period of time, the hotel offers cheaper rates still. Just make sure you explicitly mention you want to take advantage of these rates, as the owner certainly won't give you these out of the goodness of his heart.

Conclusion
The Dakota hotel will not win any beauty awards, but for the budget-conscious or adventurous traveller, it is a good place to stay in San Francisco. Just be careful that the elevator doesn't eat you!

To have a virtual look around the street of the Dakota hostel, look at:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=nl&geocode=&q=606+post+street,+san+francisco&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=29.910058,75.585938&ie=UTF8&ll=37.789506,-122.411964&spn=0.007275,0.018454&z=16&iwloc=A&layer=c&cbll=37.787839,-122.411909&panoid=V8kCGP_xIpQEkegIP2m3ig&cbp=12,345.3393534976595,,0,5

 

...less