Best Things Nearby:
Union Square, the wonderful cable-car system, Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, and the ferries
Best Things About the Resort:
The best things were the newly refurbished rooms, classy decor, and space - these must be the biggest 'lil hotel rooms in the States!
Resort Experience:
If convenience and space are your priorities, the Donatello is the place for you. Sure, the rooms are only studios, but they have more than enough room to swing a suitcase.
Before booking, we were told by the RCI agent that the hotel had been refurbished recently, and in our case, this was certainly true. Our room was light, airy, and modern, with plenty of storage space. The bathroom was very small, though, and the rooms could benefit from a table and chairs for in-room dining. The coffee table and tiny desk really didn't cut it.
If you're on a romantic getaway, this is a fine, classy joint, complete with an elegant, although somewhat pricey, restaurant downstairs. (Try to get a table away from the windows, though - the Donatello is only a few blocks away from a downtrodden area, and we felt guilty and distressed to see hungry homeless people peering in on a cold winter's night.)
Back in your room, you'll enjoy a complimentary turndown service (complete with chocolates) and a comfortable king-size bed. Best of all, the hotel is relatively quiet - but we suggest asking for an upper floor when you check in, just to be sure.
If romance is not on your mind and you've packed the kids instead of a negligee, you'll also love the size of the rooms. While our room could not be partitioned off, there is plenty of room to have a rollaway bed without skinning a shin. That said, the Donatello seems more suitable for couples than families. There are no kid-friendly amenities, and the owner’s lounge is small and as quiet as a library. And don't even think of sending them outside to play - this hotel is right in the heart of San Francisco, only a credit-card's throw from the glamorous shops in Union Square.
- Unit Type: Studio
- Activities: Not Available
- Amenities: Good
- Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
- Family Friendliness: Fair
- Service: Good