The Metro Hotel

We recently stayed at The Metro Hotel and found it to be a quirky boutique option with a great neighborhood vibe—but not without its drawbacks, especially considering the price. The Good: Check-in was excellent. The reception staff were warm and helpful, giving us great local recommendations that really enhanced our stay. The location is a major plus—right in the heart of a lively, walkable neighborhood filled with independent cafés, local boutiques, bars, and leafy residential streets. It’s not the touristy part of San Francisco, and that’s exactly what makes it special—you really feel like you’re experiencing the city as a local. It’s also conveniently connected by public transport, making it easy to get to popular attractions without the chaos of the downtown core. The hotel itself is cute and character-filled, with quirky decor and a peaceful outdoor area that offers a nice place to relax after a day out. The Not-So-Good: Despite the boutique charm, we found the hotel quite expensive for what it offers. The rooms are very small, with tiny bathrooms, a sink in the bedroom, and virtually no space to unpack—a real challenge for international travelers or anyone with more than a carry-on. Noise was another big issue. The walls and ceilings are thin—we could clearly hear guests walking around above us, as well as people coming and going in the halls and stairwell throughout the night and early morning. Light sleepers, be warned. The TV setup was underwhelming too—no casting from personal devices and no access to local channels, which felt outdated for the price point. Overall: The Metro Hotel has charm, great staff, and an unbeatable neighborhood location, but it comes at a premium. It’s best suited to light packers on short stays who want to explore local San Francisco life—but for the cost, you may find better value elsewhere if you need more space, peace, or modern amenities.

The Hotel’s location is excellent, just a few minutes away from Alamo Square where you can enjoy a picnic with a view of the Painted Ladies. Several good restaurants are also in the area. The hotel is very clean and the staff friendly. If you are a couple, you might want to opt for the bigger room as the standard room is quite small for 2 people.

Divisadero is something of a pivot point between some really great neighborhoods in SF. You can go to the Upper Haight and hit all the resale shops (got some great, inexpensive finds). Or Lower Haight for a more chill vibe, with great food, bar and shopping options. Divis itself is thriving with a great range of food and drink options (all over the price range as well). The Page is a block away and is one of the great dive bars of SF (my definition of dive is 100% a compliment -- cozy and unpretentious). Don't forget that you're also a short walk from stellar city parks with views that SF is rightly praised for. The hotel itself is charming. If you want a cookie cutter hotel with sterile modern aesthetic you won't find that here. It's quirky, charming and cozy. The staff are genuinely interested in making sure you have a good experience. Our room was small but used the space really well for our extended weekend.

So nice to not be downtown. Instead you're in the cute Lower Haight. Hotel had charm and character. Other than a few flickering lights and one heat setting for the entire building - it was a completely lovely stay.