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Summary of reviewsBeresford Arms, ideally located in the heart of San Francisco, offers a convenient base for exploring the city's main attractions. Just three blocks from Union Square, it provides easy access to shopping, dining and iconic locations like Market Street, Chinatown and the theater district. While the surrounding streets, particularly near the Tenderloin district, have raised some safety and cleanliness concerns, the overall positioning of the hotel is strategic for both sightseeing and business travel.
Guests appreciate the hotel's classic charm and well-maintained facilities. The spacious, clean rooms are a highlight, often praised for their size, comfort and aesthetic. Many rooms feature additional amenities such as kitchen facilities and large bathrooms with whirlpool tubs, making them particularly suitable for families. The ample space and quietness add to the comfort, ensuring restful stays.
The complimentary breakfast, although basic, is often considered satisfying with various options like pastries, yogurt and hot coffee. The hotel's highlight is the afternoon wine and cheese hour, which has received commendations for its enjoyable and inviting atmosphere. The old-school charm of the breakfast boxes and the free wine and cheese service enhance the overall guest experience, despite minor shortcomings in variety and the use of plastic during the pandemic.
Despite mixed reviews about the staff, the majority of interactions are positive with guests frequently praising the friendliness and helpfulness of the hotel employees. There have been some occasional reports of unfriendly behavior from the front desk, yet many still find the staff accommodating and courteous.
The cleanliness of Beresford Arms is consistently praised, from the rooms to the common areas. The daily cleaning service ensures that rooms remain tidy and well-kept throughout the stay, adding to the comfortable environment.
WiFi quality is generally satisfactory for standard use, though experiences with connection speeds can vary. The hotel stands out as a family-friendly option with its spacious rooms and helpful amenities, supporting easy meal preparation and comfortable accommodations for larger groups.
Beresford Arms' central location offers a bustling nightlife experience, adding to the charm for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere. While street noise can sometimes be an issue, the vibrant setting near Union Square is a positive feature for many guests.
The hotel’s beds are noted for their exceptional comfort, further enhancing the restful experience. Coupled with a charming blend of old-style elegance and modern comforts, Beresford Arms offers good value for a three-star accommodation, making it a reliable choice for both business travelers and vacationers. Despite a few minor drawbacks, it remains a practical and pleasant option for a visit to San Francisco. Show more
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Historic Hotel
The Beresford Arms, built on the rubble of the 1906 earthquake, is a Union Square landmark that showcases turn-of-the-century urban architecture. It maintains a distinctive antique charm in its lobby and rooms, blending historic elegance with modern comforts.
Cheap Hotel
The Beresford Arms provides reasonably priced accommodation in a central area, suitable for visitors seeking to explore nearby attractions and landmarks.
3-Star Hotel
Located near Union Square, the Beresford Arms provides a convenient location for exploring the city. The hotel offers comfortable accommodations and reliable service.
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Business Hotel
Accessible Hotel
Room Types
Standard Queen RoomStyled in Victorian-inspired decor, this room provides a desk, a cable TV and an en suite bathroom.
Studio Suite With Wet BarFeaturing a spa bath, this spacious suite offers Victorian-inspired decor. A seating area with a table, chairs and a cable TV are provided.
Studio Suite With KitchenThis suite comes with a kitchen, a seating area, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath and a shower. Meals can be prepared in the kitchen, which features a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven. The suite features a minibar, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit has 2 beds.
One Bedroom Suite With KitchenThis spacious suite is comprised of 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath and free toiletries. The fully equipped kitchen features a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven. The suite offers a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area as well as city views. The unit offers 3 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.8
Good
Location
Beresford Arms boasts an enviable location in the heart of San Francisco, making it an excellent base for exploring the city. Situated just three blocks from Union Square, the hotel places guests within walking distance of numerous attractions, shopping spots and dining options. The proximity to Powell Street BART station and various public transportation points makes it easily accessible for visitors relying on subway and trams.
The surrounding area offers a diverse array of restaurants and local eateries, enhancing the culinary experience for guests. The hotel also stands out for its easy access to iconic San Francisco locations like Market Street, Chinatown and the theater district, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the city's vibrant culture.
Guests have praised the hotel's charm and classic feel, complemented by its well-maintained, clean rooms and old-school decor. The convenience of nearby shops and the central position make it a practical choice for both sightseeing and business travel.
Despite the numerous advantages, some guests have pointed out concerns regarding the safety and cleanliness of the surrounding streets, particularly at night. The presence of homeless individuals near the Tenderloin district has been mentioned as a negative aspect of the location.
Overall, Beresford Arms offers a strategically convenient location for those looking to explore San Francisco’s main attractions and local hotspots, coupled with the charm of a classic, well-maintained hotel.
Breakfast
Guest reviews for breakfast at Beresford Arms are varied, but several recurring positives highlight the experience. Guests appreciated the complimentary breakfast, often describing it as simple, basic, but satisfying. Many found the breakfast convenient and handy, consisting of pastries, yogurt, healthy snack bars, tea, coffee and occasionally fresh fruit.
Some reviewers praised the breakfast box concept, particularly noting its old-school charm and that it sometimes included delightful touches like apples and juice. The coffee was generally well-received, described as hot and plentiful. Many guests mentioned enjoying the free wine and cheese hour in the afternoons, adding a pleasant note to their stays.
However, there were suggestions for improvement. The breakfast was often described as too basic and lacking in variety with several guests expressing a desire for more savory options. The box format, needed during the pandemic, contributed to a somewhat impersonal experience and generated plastic waste. Overall, while the breakfast is adequate and appreciated by many, it leaves room for enhancements to better meet guests' expectations.
Dinner
Guests at Beresford Arms have expressed positive experiences regarding the hotel's dinner offerings. Each evening, the hotel features a happy hour with complementary snacks and wine, providing an inviting and enjoyable atmosphere. Visitors particularly appreciate the delightful selection of wine and cheese available with some reviewers highlighting the addition of crackers and cookies. This afternoon indulgence often extends to include coffee and tea service, making it a well-rounded treat. The afternoon tea with wine service, along with afternoon cheese and wine, has been well-received, offering a pleasant break in the day. While the service is now provided behind the front desk, the quality and enjoyment remain a highlight of guests' stays.
Rooms
Beresford Arms offers a variety of rooms that consistently impress guests with their spaciousness. Many have noted the ample size and comfort, emphasizing that the rooms are large, often described as huge or very large. The rooms are arranged neatly and maintain good cleanliness standards. Guests staying in suites appreciated the additional kitchen facilities which include a microwave, fridge and sometimes a functional jacuzzi bathtub.
The building itself has a charming, old-world feel that many find irresistible, despite some mentions of it needing modern updates. Inside the rooms, the comfort of the beds has been highlighted frequently, contributing to a restful stay. In terms of aesthetics, the rooms are adorned with beautiful furnishings, maintaining a balance between old-fashioned charm and modern needs.
Adding to the comfort, most rooms come equipped with necessary amenities and some even feature large bathrooms equipped with separate bidets and whirlpool tubs. Guests also valued the quietness of the rooms and the fact that they are well-insulated from street noise.
Overall, guests find the spacious, clean rooms at Beresford Arms to be a substantial positive aspect of their stay. While some minor maintenance and improvements could enhance the experience, the comfortable, well-equipped rooms with their charming interiors repeatedly leave a pleasant impression on visitors.
Beds
The beds at the Beresford Arms hotel receive overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests, who frequently highlight their comfort. Reviewers describe the beds as very comfortable, super comfortable and even incredibly spacious. Many guests appreciated the cleanliness and quality of the bedding, sheets and pillows, contributing to a relaxing and restful experience. Comments like comfy beds and relaxing atmosphere are recurrent, indicating a high level of satisfaction with the sleeping arrangements. Although there are sporadic mentions of minor issues like a sagging bed or bedding being worn, these seem to be exceptions rather than the rule. Overall, the comfortable and clean beds at Beresford Arms stand out as a notable feature, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a good night's sleep after a long day of travel or exploration.
Cleanliness
Beresford Arms is praised for its exceptional cleanliness, which appears to be one of the hotel's key strengths. Guests frequently mention that the rooms are clean, spacious and well-maintained, contributing to a comfortable stay. The linens and towels are described as impeccable and the daily cleaning service ensures that rooms remain tidy throughout the visit. The bathrooms also receive high marks for their cleanliness, adding to the overall positive experience.
Common areas and facilities are noted to be clean, complementing the hotel's well-maintained appearance. Despite the building's older exterior, the interior cleanliness and upkeep do not disappoint. The friendly housekeeping staff contribute to maintaining high hygiene standards, emphasizing the hotel's commitment to cleanliness.
While the hotel shines in many aspects, a few minor issues were noted, such as occasional stained towels or the need for some room renovations. Nonetheless, these concerns appear to be exceptions in an otherwise well-regarded setting. Overall, guests can expect a clean and comfortable environment at Beresford Arms, enhancing their stay in the heart of the city.
Staff
The guest reviews of 'Beresford Arms' paint a mixed picture of the hotel staff. On the positive side, many reviewers noted that members of the staff were extremely friendly, helpful and accommodating. There were mentions of super helpful and kind staff who went out of their way to assist guests, including arranging transport and making quick changes when needed. The concierges were highlighted as being particularly accommodating and several guests appreciated the courteous and attentive cleaning crew.
However, not all experiences were positive. Some guests reported encounters with front desk staff who were unfriendly, rude or uninterested. Complaints included curt and brusque behavior, as well as an overall lack of warmth and friendliness from certain receptionists. Despite these negative interactions, many guests still emphasized that the majority of the staff were friendly and offered excellent service, creating a welcoming atmosphere for most visitors. Overall, while the hospitality at 'Beresford Arms' receives praise from many, there's a notable inconsistency in guest experiences with the staff.
Wi-Fi
When staying at the Beresford Arms, guests can enjoy complimentary WiFi. The quality of the connection seems to vary with some guests experiencing very high speeds and strong, reliable service, particularly inside their rooms. Others mentioned that the WiFi can be slow or spotty at times and there were instances where it couldn't support more demanding activities like Zoom calls. Generally, many reviews suggest that the WiFi works well enough for standard use and the hotel provides the password easily, often without guests having to ask for it.
Family
Beresford Arms offers an exceptional stay for families with spacious and cozy rooms that ensure comfort for both parents and kids. The availability of baby cots and a plethora of fresh linens and towels cater well to the needs of young families. Kids thoroughly enjoy the breakfast and the hotel's family suites provide ample space, making it an excellent choice for larger groups.
The well-equipped kitchen space in the rooms is a notable convenience for those traveling with kids, allowing for easy meal preparation. The location of the hotel is ideal for family stays with its proximity to key attractions adding to the ease of planning family outings.
The accommodating staff and family-friendly atmosphere further enhance the overall experience, making it a lovely place to stay. Families of various sizes, including larger groups, find the hotel’s room arrangements perfect with options such as connected adjoining rooms and nearby rooms for larger groups. The comfortable parlor room and family suite are particular highlights, offering enough space for everyone to relax and enjoy the stay. With its excellent amenities and welcoming environment, Beresford Arms is highly recommended for families visiting San Francisco.
Nightlife
Beresford Arms enjoys a prime central location, just a short walk from Union Square. This vibrant area is bustling with activity, offering plenty of options for nightlife enthusiasts. Guests often find the neighborhood lively, filled with people playing music, talking and enjoying the local bars such as the one on Powell Street. There's a certain charm to the nightlife, making it fun for people watching.
However, the energetic atmosphere comes with its challenges, including street noises that can persist late into the night. While some might find the area noisy due to music and voices, others appreciate the dynamic and active setting. The hotel's lobby also adds to the charm, offering a fascinating space to relax in. Despite potential disturbances like snoring neighbors or loud music from homeless individuals, the general consensus is that the central location and vibrant nightlife make the area an exciting place to stay.
3 Star
Beresford Arms offers a charming blend of old-style elegance and comfort, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a simple, three-star accommodation. The hotel stands out for its welcoming staff with receptionists often noted for their helpfulness. Despite its age, the property is clean and maintains an inviting appearance. Guests frequently highlight the super comfortable beds and the fragrant, well-kept rooms.
The amenities provided go beyond typical three-star expectations. In the morning, guests can enjoy a simple breakfast, but the real treat comes in the evening with complimentary wine, cheese and crackers—a lovely touch that enhances the overall experience. An added bonus is the availability of apples and coffee throughout the day, which guests found convenient.
While the hotel embraces an older design, it maintains a fascination for its elegance and architectural style. The service is generally aligned with a three-star rating, described as average but meeting expectations. However, some guests have pointed out issues with condition and formal, yet impolite, manor of service at times.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Beresford Arms provides good value with reasonable prices, making it a practical option for both business travelers and vacationers. Overall, this standard yet nice hotel delivers a reliable stay with a few pleasant surprises thrown in.
Business
Beresford Arms offers a blend of convenience and comfort for business travelers. The spacious lobby and meeting rooms are ideal for business engagements and the conference facilities are described as perfect for professional gatherings. Despite the lack of significant business-specific amenities, the hotel compensates with super comfy beds and reasonable room rates, making it a practical choice for those balancing work and rest. The convenient city access further enhances its appeal for busy professionals on the move.
Accessible
Beresford Arms is praised for its accessible and convenient location, situated close to conference hotels like the Hilton and within a 15-minute walk from Union Square and other attractions. While the hotel is generally accessible, there are some limitations; for instance, no parking is available and some hallways are not as easily navigable. The maintenance of facilities, including a dark yet well-kept elevator, is noted. Despite the lack of wheelchair availability, guests appreciate the accessible space and the ample amenities provided, such as lotions, soaps and towels.
Historic
Nestled in a prime location in San Francisco, Beresford Arms offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern convenience. This historic property is a beautiful old building, boasting a well-preserved historic style with classic architecture and decor that harken back to a bygone era. The hotel’s vintage and arts-deco elements create a period decoration that adds to its retro charm. Guests appreciate the antique and classic feel of the hotel with lovely turn-of-the-century decor that maintains an old but noble ambiance. The beautifully decorated interior and the historic aesthetic of the place offer a rich cultural heritage experience.
The old structure is thoughtfully maintained, ensuring that the historic context is perfect and the old elegance shines through. The charming lobby and character-filled environment reflect the building's long-standing history. Historical information in frames around the hotel adds to the sense of stepping back in time. Overall, the Beresford Arms presents a well-maintained historical hotel experience that preserves its Victorian ambiance and classic design while providing a touch of modernity, making it a beloved traditional establishment for visitors.
Dog Friendly
Beresford Arms offers a welcoming environment for guests traveling with dogs, featuring pet-friendly décor and policies that ensure a comfortable stay for both pets and their owners. The hotel is noted for its exceptional pet deposit value with a reasonable fee of $25 for the entire stay. Guests appreciate the dog-friendly atmosphere, which extends to nearby parks, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The staff at Beresford Arms is friendly and accommodating, contributing to a pleasant experience. While specific dog services are not provided, the overall pet-friendly approach makes it an appealing choice for those traveling with their furry companions.
No, Beresford Arms doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Beresford Arms.
Yes, Beresford Arms welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Beresford Arms.