Super 8 by Wyndham San Francisco/Union Square Area

This Super 8 stays busy with a diverse mix of travelers who want to stay in the heart of San Francisco without paying the high rates typical of the city. Expect to see many international travelers and even Bay Area residents in town for getaway weekends. The quiet and modest lobby of this older, six-story building is brightened by yellow walls and colorful photos of the world-famous city. A sofa and chair in matching gold sit next to a TV, but guests don’t typically linger, as the city awaits, and there's little to encourage it. Other than the lobby, guests cross paths in the small breakfast room, which has a few tables and a dozen or so chairs. Due to limited seating, some guests take breakfast back to their rooms.

This Super 8 is located in the Tenderloin district, a sketchy area with a sizable homeless population, rundown motels, and massage parlors. Locals generally find it safe, if gritty, but it can make some people uncomfortable. The hotel takes security seriously, and has locks on the elevator and lobby stairs. Within walking distance or a short drive are many of the attractions that make the picturesque city world famous. Many restaurants are a couple of minutes away on foot, and Union Square’s upscale boutiques and department stores are a seven-minute walk away, as is the Powell Street BART station. Nob Hill is 11 minutes away on foot, and the Moscone Center is a 15-minute walk. It’s about a 15-minute drive to Haight-Asbury, AT&T Park, Golden Gate Park, and Fisherman’s Wharf. By car or public transportation, it takes about 35 minutes to reach San Francisco International Airport.

Despite bright-gold walls and equally bright accent colors, the Super 8's rooms are cramped and drab. The small windows are part of the reason, along with olive carpeting and dark-wood furniture, some of which is topped with black granite. Bursts of color come from the gold bedspreads with large multicolored circles, as well as from striped curtains and orange bolster pillows, all adding a little retro '60s panache. Bathrooms are brighter, aided by windows and white tiling on the floors and framing the shower/tub combos. The bathrooms range in size, but some are so cramped there's barely enough room between the toilets and dark-wood vanities. Standard Rooms have one or two double beds. Suites include separate living rooms with sofas. One-bed suites have sleeper sofas too. On our visit, we saw obvious signs of wear on the furniture, and there were places where the bathroom grout could use a deeper cleaning. Standard amenities include mini-fridges, safes, coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, and flat screen TVs. Ambient noise from the street and a nearby nightclub can be heard in some of the rooms.

As a budget hotel, the Super 8 offers limited amenities, but a few perks add to its value. A continental breakfast is included in the rates. Valet parking is available, but it’s priced at about the same rates as public garages on the same block. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and the front desk will arrange airport shuttles and tours for guests.