Hotel Carlton, A Joie De Vivre Boutique Hotel

“Comfortable European style Hotel with Cheerful Staff”

The lobby is light and welcoming and the staff very cheerful. Ride the funky elevator to the upper floors (there is also a well-lit staircase) to a clean comfortable room. We could see the neon Hotel Carlton light out our window but they had a black out screen that kept the light out. The noise w... more

The lobby is light and welcoming and the staff very cheerful. Ride the funky elevator to the upper floors (there is also a well-lit staircase) to a clean comfortable room. We could see the neon Hotel Carlton light out our window but they had a black out screen that kept the light out. The noise wasn't an issue until the blasted trash pick up. The staff was helpful every time we asked for anything. There is parking on the corner of Larkin from a private garage for $25. It is walking distance from so much including City Hall.

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“Liked my room and the location was handy but...”

I booked my stay over the phone but no one told me that there would be work being done during my stay. I arrived and was able to check in a bit early, which was a relief as I was exhausted from my travels. So I lie down and instead of peace and relaxation, I had to listen to the sound of some k... more

I booked my stay over the phone but no one told me that there would be work being done during my stay. I arrived and was able to check in a bit early, which was a relief as I was exhausted from my travels. So I lie down and instead of peace and relaxation, I had to listen to the sound of some kind of machine (I guess they were finishing the floor on which they would be laying carpet). Then I saw the note in the room about it...really annoying. The room was very clean and stylish but it was on the chilly side. When I called the desk before I went to bed to ask for a bit warmer temp (no control in the room) I was told the heat wasn't working but maybe it would go back on later?? What kind of answer is that? It was suggested I could go downstairs to get a space heater (not have it brought up)??? Ugggh I just put the extra blanket in the closet on, but that was a bit disconcerting. They did have computers for guests and I needed to work on something on one so that was nice to have, and the filtered water was a nice touch. And lastly, I would have loved to try the restaurant but it was only open in the morning on the days I was there and I couldn't make it with my schedule. Oh, I almost forgot...my bathroom window (that could be opened to let outside air in) faced Larkin street and provided a good view of the homeless tent encampment across the street. I witnessed city workers chase them all out and clean up the street, only to have them return and set their tents right back up! The streets of SFO are filthy and I did not enjoy walking around (also lots of dog poop lying around - why)?

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“Nice boutique style hotel ”

Nice rooms not spectacular but clean and comfortable. Walls a bit thin. Has great little restaurant Saha serving modern Arabic food. Only complaint it’s not open every evening but when it is it’s popular. I’d come here again!

“Five days in SF”

I just got home from spending five days at the Hotel Carlton while attending the RSA conference. I was concerned about the hotel based on reviews I read. I didn't have a choice of where to stay (business trip) so I wanted to provide my own review after my trip. I arrived Sunday afternoon, chec... more

I just got home from spending five days at the Hotel Carlton while attending the RSA conference. I was concerned about the hotel based on reviews I read. I didn't have a choice of where to stay (business trip) so I wanted to provide my own review after my trip. I arrived Sunday afternoon, check-in was easy and quick. I asked for a mini-fridge and they said it would be right up. The elevators are small but that wasn't a problem at all. The room itself is small but I wasn't there to hang out in the room so no issue for me. King size bed, TV, large walk in closet, functional bathroom. The fridge arrived no more than 5 minutes after I got in the room. My room was clean and in great condition. Yes, this is an older hotel so you'll see things like pipes along the ceiling but no concerns for me. The only worn spot was in the bathtub by the drain. Again, not an issue for my showers. There isn't any A/C so no way to cool off the room other than opening the windows which is what I did. On the 6th floor so I had no safety concerns. A nice touch is a dark screen shade that you can pull down to block the sun but still get the fresh air. There is a ceiling fan also that helped. Noise. It is true you can hear your neighbors, I did the first night but not really the rest of the time. My co-worker said he could hear his neighbor's TV and conversation but it didn't cause him issues. Yes, I heard noise from the street. Just like in any city. When I closed the windows it wasn't a problem for me. I ate in the little bar/restaurant next door one night (Millers Rest). Nice place, decent food, clearly a neighbor hood hangout. I had breakfast at the hotel two mornings, food was okay. I wouldn't complain for the price. Service was good. So all in all I had a good stay. Bed was comfortable, hotel quiet enough and staff was all pleasant. Nothing wrong with the neighborhood, I felt fine walking around alone.

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