Mayflower Hotel

975 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94109, San Francisco, United States

2-star hotel

Guest rating: 4.4 / 5

The Mayflower Hotel is a modest, family-owned property in San Francisco's Lower Nob Hill neighborhood that has operated since 1929, giving it a distinctly vintage, old-San Francisco character. Spread across six floors served by elevators original to the building, the hotel offers casual guest rooms outfitted with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, ceiling fans, desks, walk-in closets, microwaves and minifridges, with some rooms adding hardwood floors, city views, or full kitchenettes. A complimentary daily continental breakfast and free on-site parking are included, notable perks in a city where both are often scarce or costly. Guests should note a 2-night minimum stay policy. The location puts Union Square's shops and restaurants within a 7-minute walk and a California Street cable-car stop within 5 minutes, connecting easily to the Financial District and Chinatown. Major attractions including the SFMOMA, Asian Art Museum, Coit Tower, and the Ferry Building are all under two kilometers away, with Alcatraz, PIER 39, and the Golden Gate Bridge reachable within a short ride.

Best for

This hotel suits budget-conscious travelers and couples who want a central, walkable base in San Francisco without paying premium rates, thanks to its free breakfast, free parking, and proximity to Union Square and the cable-car line. It also appeals to those drawn to a historic, family-run atmosphere rather than a modern chain experience.

Travel tips

Plan for the 2-night minimum stay when booking, and take advantage of the California Street cable-car stop five minutes away to reach the Financial District and Chinatown without a car. Union Square is an easy 7-minute walk for shopping and dining, and a nearby market is handy for supplementing the continental breakfast. The building's original elevators are compact and dated, so allow a little extra time if traveling with luggage.

What guests say

Guests consistently praise the hotel's central, safe location, describing it as quiet enough to walk around at night and convenient to Union Square. Many highlight the friendly, helpful front desk staff and the value offered by the included continental breakfast and low nightly rates. Recurring criticisms center on the dated condition of the property, including mismatched furniture, low toilets, showerheads poorly suited to taller guests, worn lobby plants, and noise carrying between rooms due to uncarpeted floors above. Breakfast is appreciated as a cost-saver but noted as limited, heavy on starches with little variety like yogurt. Overall sentiment remains positive, with guests framing the dated aspects as an acceptable tradeoff for location, cleanliness, and price.

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