The hype
Travelers are obsessed with the room size and location but frustrated by the confusing housekeeping policies and parking costs.
The Donatello
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want the largest standard room in Union Square (400+ sq ft) and don't mind a timeshare-style 'self-sufficient' stay.
Why People Love It
- Massive studio-style rooms with kitchenettes (rare in SF)
- Rooftop lounge (Club 1500) with outdoor terrace
- No mandatory resort fee (unlike most neighbors)
Quick Take: It's a timeshare disguised as a hotel, meaning you get huge rooms and a kitchenette, but you might have to beg for fresh towels and dodge a sales pitch.
Reviewed by @Lovetruetravel: My partner and I needed a quick SF escape, and this place surprised us. The location is dead center in Union Square, but the top-floor spa and lounge felt like a private sanctuary. We spent hours in that jacuzzi—it’s the perfect way to recharge after sightseeing.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'timeshare' roots show—check-in is late (4pm), check-out is early (10am or 11am), and you might get a 'welcome' call that's actually a sales invite.
- You need a kitchenette (microwave, mini-fridge, wet bar)
- You are traveling with family and need a sofa bed
- You hate tiny, shoebox-sized SF hotel rooms
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. 'On request' model means dust can accumulate if you don't pay up.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean, but grout lines show age. Some reports of slow drains.
- Maintenance: Aging infrastructure. Faucets and AC units can be finicky.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality. Not luxe, but clean.
- Odors & scents: Usually neutral, though hallways can smell like old carpet or cleaning chemicals.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Street noise on lower floors (Post St is busy)
- Renovation drilling/hammering (9am-5pm)
- Elevator mechanical noise (avoid rooms near the shaft)
Before you book
Good to know
- Check-in is often strictly 4:00 PM; early check-in is rarely granted due to the timeshare turnover model.
- The 'kitchenette' has a microwave and mini-fridge but no stove/cooktop.
- There is a $250 security deposit hold on your card.
What to pack
- Earplugs (for street/renovation noise)
- Slippers (carpets are clean but older)
- Your own tea/coffee pods (in-room supply is starter only)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Top floor (14th/15th) facing the back for less street noise
- Corner studios for slightly more light
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms near the elevator (noisy mechanics + foot traffic)
- Lower floors facing Post Street (sirens/traffic)
- Rooms directly under the rooftop lounge (footsteps/music)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a quiet room on a high floor, facing the back/courtyard, and specifically AWAY from the elevator shaft due to noise sensitivity.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a resort fee?
Technically no, but the lack of free daily housekeeping acts as a hidden cost if you want service.
Is parking included?
No. Valet is ~$65/night + tax. Oversized vehicles cost $10 extra. No self-park on site.
Do the rooms have AC?
Yes, all rooms have air conditioning (a rarity in some older SF buildings).
Is breakfast included?
No, but there is complimentary coffee/tea in the Club Lounge (15th floor) in the mornings.
Is it safe?
It's one block from Union Square. Generally safe, but it borders the Tenderloin, so stay alert on Mason/Taylor streets at night.
Can I cook in the room?
Only microwave meals. There is no stove, oven, or toaster.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Club Lounge' on the top floor has free coffee/tea and is a great quiet workspace, even if you aren't an 'owner'.
- ✨
Don't pay the hotel valet—use the Mason O'Farrell Garage around the corner for half the price.
- ✨
If you book via a third party (Expedia/Booking), you are a 'guest' not an 'owner', which means strictly 10am/11am checkout with no wiggle room.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Welcome Center' desk is often just a sales trap for the vacation club.
💡The sauna and jacuzzi are indoor and actually quite nice, often empty during the day.
💡The sofa beds are surprisingly decent, making this a legit option for 4 adults.
💡You might have to take your own trash out if you stay less than a week and don't pay for cleaning.
💡The Wi-Fi can be spotty on the lower floors due to the building's concrete structure.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Donatello is located and what's nearby.