2008 U GO! Awards

Vote now for your favorite journals,
reviews, and photos of the year.

San Francisco

Villa Florence

More Photos
  • $159
    Recent Rate
  • 225 Powell Street
    San Francisco, California 94102
    (800) 553-4411
Tana B.
Tana B.
First Reviewer
Avg. Member Rating
25
Reviews
5
Photos

Comfort In the Heart of Activity

  • December 3, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by a traveler from Travelocity.com
Given a downgraded room, likely because we had found such a great deal, but after viewing it, the concierge brought a room key for what was originally reserved. The Standard King was nice, but bed-centric, and nowhere for two to sit together but on the bed... a problem for those with back pain. The Deluxe King (executive) has a couch and coffee table, much more comfortable for romantic evenings after traversing the hills of San Francisco, and the extra table useful for work. The comfort and cleanliness was fantastic, there was more than ample closet space, and the bed comfort was superb. While we didn't dine at Kuletos restaurant, we used the cafe (croissants excellent!), choc. cake, cheesecake, salads all delicious. Commercial art galleries are just up the hill and to the left, and the Asian Art Museum at 200 Larking St. is world-class. Purchasing a 3-day pass to the trollies, street cars and buses was great, and some galleries give discounted admission if you show your passes. Just outside the hotel, catch the streetcars to romantic sites including The Palace of Fine Arts, or hiking up to Buena Vista Park. China Town offered some great views and food from the Trademark bldg., while lunching at the Cathay House. We had taken the Oakland Ferry to San Fran., and enjoyed the farmers' market and street musicians at the Ferry Bldg. on Saturday. No matter where we were, it seemed no trouble to get back "home" to drop off shopping and change, or refresh. Nights were so unexpectedly quiet... Sun. night I did hear faint drumming from street musicians, but no problem. There was no view from our room, but who cares! The hotel kindly kept our luggage before check-in, and after, as our flight was late in the evening.

Tiny dirty room

  • November 29, 2007
  • Rated 2 of 5 by a traveler from Travelocity.com
To start off when you arrive at this hotel you have no choice but vallet parking which is $40.00 a day. Once we got checked in we were taken to a tiny room smaller than my own bedroom. The toilet was only a few steps away from the bed. There was no microwave or refrigerator. We did stay up for hours because we could hear cars all night. The wallpaper was dirty and the carpet had stains. I definitely would never stay here again, we even checked out a day early!

Great value, great location

  • October 26, 2007
  • Rated 4 of 5 by a traveler from Travelocity.com
This hotel is very typical of hotels in the older buildings close to Union Square but it is very well located and within convenient walking distance of various attractions downtown and the Powell Street cable car line. That perhaps was one of the down sides of my stay - the constant sounds of the cable car going up and down the street right outside my window. The room was small but comfortable and they have all the usual amenities you need for business travel like Wi-fi and printer access in the lobby. They even have a complimentary wine tasting in the evenings. It was very convenient to have a good Northern Italian restaurant connected for meals and drinks later in the evening. Don't go there for breakfast in the morning though if you are in a hurry because it seems as though all the wait staff think you're on vacation and often forget about you, especially if you're dining alone. All that said, still a very nice place to stay especially given the rate per night.

We felt special

  • October 20, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by a traveler from Travelocity.com
The very first time that we stayed here, we had been at an all-day, outdoor event in drizzling rain. We arrived looking bedraggled and slightly nefarious, I'm sure, but every single one of the staff made us feel welcome and special. The room was very nice and pretty; we love eveything about this place! It's where we've been staying everytime we come to the City for the past 6 years!

Villa Florence

  • October 15, 2007
  • Rated 4 of 5 by mikro from Liverpool, New York
This 183-room boutique hotel was a block away from Union Square. The rooms have been recently redecorated in a romantic Italian style and provide a homey sense of comfort. Windows do open and have plantation-style shutters. Rooms have air conditioning, which is uncommon in many of the older downtown hotels. The bed was the most comfortable ever - we slept very well after days of walking all over the city. Bathrooms are old-style tiled with modern fixtures. The towels were plush; LATHER bath & body products were featured. Rooms contained iron and ironing board, honor bar and snacks. The furnishings overall were in excellent condition.
The lobby is very inviting with comfortable furnishings and internet station with printer. We were able to check-in for our return flight and print the boarding passes there.
Tea & coffee are provided each morning and there is a free wine tasting hour in the evening. Unfortunately, we missed this due to our touring the city.
The staff was very friendly and accommodating. We had a problem with our credit card at check-in but they were able correct the situation. The day we checked out, our luggage was held at the hotel until we left for the airport at 7 PM.
Kuleto's restaurant is adjacent to the hotel and its dining area separated from the lobby by a glass enclosure. There's also a small cafe for pastries and coffee.
We were able to check in early but the only rooms available faced the street. It was noisy at night with the street performers at nearby Union Square and the cable car bells.
We would stay at Villa Florence in the future. The location was convenient to all transportation, restaurants and shopping. It's a good place for couples and business travelers.

From journal Columbus Weekend in San Francisco

Compare San Francisco Rates 

City or airport code

Each website you select will open a new window in your browser.

Helpful San Francisco Links