I've stayed in hostels before, and this one is predatory. Not worth it trust me. I payed $123 for 2 nights for a dorm with bunk bed thinking it was for 2 people, but realized we bought only "1" of the beds and the other bed belonged to 3 people staying there who came later the day. You can get a hotel room to yourself in San Francisco area for $90 a day relatively cheap. The website for this hostel is misleading. I even called ahead to make sure, and the receptionist who doesn't seem to speak English well affirmed everything I said, stating that it was for 2 people indeed. Misleading as hell !!!

A great hostel. Comfortable beds, sauna upstairs, so many social activities planned through the week. Ideal for solo travellers and female travellers. Free Brekky. It is in good condition considering its age and the staff on reception were always very warm and friendly to me. Good location, there are plenty of characters and intoxicated people around but I was never approached or hassled.

Great service and location! The bathrooms were clean and the breakfast was decent. They have soap, body, wash, and shampoo in all bathrooms, but I suggest you to bring a towel or rent one for $1. It can be noisy during the weekends until 2 AM so bring or ask for earplugs if you're a light sleeper. For me, it was a great place to stay for the price and quality. Definitely the best hostel in San Francisco.

Pro: Staff are really nice and easygoing. Events every night & Good for its price! I enjoyed my stay here. Free breakfast every morning. Con: it is really loud at night (bar across the building) until 2 am so be aware if you are a light sleeper. Also not that clean but that’s hostels for ya !!

The place is perfect. Of all the hostels I’ve stayed this is by far the best. The room was clean and comfortable, the staff was extremely friendly and helpful, the breakfast was very good and the facilities facilitate for making new friends, do networking and finding activities in the city. They have a specific activity for each night, which is a great way to connect with people and get to know the city’s nightlife. There are arcade games in the common area. Everything we asked for was available and easy to get, even when we thought they probably wouldn’t have (phone charger, sunscreen, etc.). They have lists of recommended places by category (thrift shops, coffee shops, weed places, restaurants, etc.). The washing machine and dryer work perfectly, are easy to use and usually available. The location is good, very close to many places and to important bus stops, while being located in right outside the Chinese neighborhood. The doors were automated and you could access anything with your key.

Stayed in a triple with my two daughters. Tiny room but adequate for our needs. Plenty of bathrooms/showers. All were clean. Staff was friendly and helpful. Plenty of room in the lounge and activities to encourage meeting others. Highly satisfied. Oh, location was ideal. Felt safe and plenty to do.

My Amtrak train got in late and they were still able to accommodate me. Friendly people behind the counter, friendly vibes in the common area, free breakfast, clean bathroom, great location, 15 minute walk to the water and all the attractions. I would stay again.

I’ve stayed at many hostels around the world but this was my first in San Francisco and it was great all around! Safe location, good for walking around Chinatown/North Beach as well as taking transit to other parts of the city. Extremely clean, super kind employees, huge kitchen, towels/linens and breakfast provided. Couldn’t ask for much more, definitely recommended! Thank you!

Despite its proximity to a rather lively night club, this is by far the best hostel I've ever been to (and I've been to quite a few). The staff were all very welcoming and kind-hearted, they'll help you out with any questions/problems. The common room is fantastic and the kitchen is well equipped. In conclusion this hostel is the bomb 💣 💥

Absolutely amazing hostel if you're keen to be out super late enjoying San Fran. Great social activities, good communal areas and really easy to meet like minded people. Not so good if you fancy a bit of sleep and happen to get the rooms at the front of the building, which are directly opposite clubs which are still going at 8am the next day. Great hostel overall, just depends what type of stay you're looking for.

Top notch service and wonderful building. Our rooms were small but clean—perfect for our needs. The staff was knowledgeable, accommodating, and welcoming. At no fault of theirs, the area around the hostel leans into Rated R territory—including a few strip clubs and bars. This didn't present us with any issues but is worthy to note for those traveling with children.

I'm always happy to return to the Green Tortoise. This is my go-to stay in San Francisco. As a hostel owner myself, I'd like to believe I have a sense of what hostelers want, and I've never been disappointed here. The primary reason? The community. The management here figured it out a long time ago and has stayed true to those roots. Their upper-level corner-view grand ballroom is a cultural experience itself as the meeting place for every type of international traveler from the young gap-year students to the professional working nomads. The hostel also facilitates a range of social events almost every night of the week. Their years of experience shows as they offer nearly any service a hosteler would want, or the front desk will help you find it. Located on the edge of one of my favorite neighborhoods in San Francisco, you're only blocks away from restaurants, bars, shops, and transportation routes to wherever you wanna go. Don't miss this. More than likely you'll be glad you came.

Been staying here 1-2 times a year since Spring break my senior year of high school (2005). And, while it’s changed a little over the years, it’s still your best bet to meet new people and have a unique and memorable adventure in SF. Make sure you know what you are getting here…. It’s not the ritz. It’s a hostel. They do their best to keep things top notch but again, it’s a budget friendly hostel. The beds and comfy and big and there is always a conversation to be had in the common area. Grab earplugs from the front desk if you have a hard time sleeping. If you have an issue, be nice. The front desk will usually do what they can to help you. It’s disappointing to see so many bad reviews on here when a lot of them could be avoided if they actually did a little research beforehand. If you want peace and quiet and large spacious rooms with AC… find another place to stay. If you want to have some of the best nights of your life and make lifelong friends…stay at the Green Tortoise

An AMAZING hostel. The beds (for a hostel) were quite comfortable, the under the bed lockers made it so easy to safely store items, there was even a little sink and mirror in the room I stayed in, the breakfast was great, and there is generally a really friendly and welcoming atmosphere of all the people that stayed there. Kitchen was well maintained. I appreciated that the bathrooms were single stall and actually had room/a shelf to place items down while showering. 10/10 would recommend.

Definitely a place that grows on you the more time you spend there. It's still a bit quiet, but the location really is fantastic. Bathrooms are nice, I would say the downside is that is really loud EVERYWHERE, so bring your ear plugs. Highly recommend the group eating and comedy show, great bang for your buck. Would definitely go back.

I loved this hostel! I had a mixed all girls dorm. The room was comfortable with lockers and our own vanity and sink. The bathrooms were always clean and the showers supplies with soap, shampoo, and conditioner. There was an on site washer and dryer ($2.50 each). The breakfast was standard as far as hostels go. The front desk workers were always so friendly and helpful. The location is perfect, most things a walk or short bus ride away. This hostel met all of my needs as a solo traveler on a budget. I would highly recommend this hostel.

I had never been to any type of hostel before and I thought I would be hostile when my friend suggested I try one. Well, it turns out that it's actually really fun lodging located in The City's North Beach area. There are eateries like the Bamboo Hut nearby. Just several blocks away, you can find Washington Square Park and the Coit Tower. Would I stay here again? ... You bet your bottom dollar... 💵 🛏️😉

My partner and I had a great experience here. The place was very clean, the staff friendly and helpful, and the room was as pictured. Check in was easy, and the stay went smoothly. The common dining area and common fridge area are very large compared to other hostels I've stayed in. This is a big plus to have lots of space. We stayed in a private room with bunk beds. The room is very small, but we were comfortable. We had a fan and a sink in our room which we loved. I also loved the decor and the travel quote on the wall between our bedroom and bathroom. We'll definitely be staying here again if we return to San Francisco. This is one of my favorite hostels.

I love this place! Clean! Staff are nice. Great price for the area. Always stay here when I come from out of town.

🐢! This place is well-maintained and with the exception of the psychedelic carpet, beautifully decorated. The owner is here regularly and cares about implementing feedback, so the standards of cleanliness and overall experience are high quality. They change cute signs on your door to let you know what social events take place that day. They throw special parties for holidays/big occasions. Clothing swap/sale + community dinner on Sundays (have never been, but hear it’s worthwhile). Decent vegetarian protein options at breakfast. Some of the receptionists have a stank attitude sometimes but Seamus is unproblematic 100% of the time. You might end up w difficult roommates or people clearly sick. Just advocate for yourself + unlike other hostels they’ll accommodate your request to switch.

I am in love with the vibrant atmosphere of this legendary hostel! The Green Tortoise is centrally located in the lively North Beach neighborhood with a wide enough offering to fulfill every taste, from local bars, dance clubs and live music to cultural and art events and of course great food! The staff is super friendly and helpful giving amazing recommendations and can help booking one of their many tour options plus cool events every night of the week! The female dorm was very comfortable and clean, breakfast was plentiful and I also scored a free delicious dinner on Sunday!! Does it get any better? The common area is huge with lots of comfortable seating, games and musical instruments, a big communal kitchen and they have a seperate work room if you need more peace and quiet to concentrate. Thanks Green Tortoise for providing the setting so I could get to make the coolest friendships and unforgettable memories! I can’t recomend enough for you to stay in the Green Tortoise if you are ready to immerse in a real San Franciscan experience!!

Really nice hostel. The staff are very nice and will help you with any questions about your plans in SF. There's organized activities every night at reasonable prices. There's everything you need here, like a big locker under the bed, a big kitchen with lots of kitchenware, bathrooms with soap and shampoo dispensers, laundry machines, vending machines for drinks and snacks, and they even have a sauna. I really liked how every bathroom was individual and has a toilet and shower so you have some privacy. I like they have a big dining and common room with couches and tables to eat and socialize.

Nice, large common area. Convenient commercial grade kitchen for guests. Storage fridges for guests. Plenty of coffee and hot water available all the time. Pool table and plenty of seating space in main common room. Nice and knowledgeable staff.

Great area of the city with lots of bars and nightlife near by. Lots of clean bathrooms. Quiet and clean room. Also the only hostel I’ve been to with a sauna. Would definitely stay again!

The staff here are an amazing crew of unique and talented individuals!! During my stay here I was treated like part of the family. I felt safe staying here during covid as they viewed it seriously and took appropriate precautionary measures ..which I'm sure isn't easy from a business sense. Green Tortoise is a necessary San Francisco experience. The manager really does an outstanding job!!

It's the perfect place if you don't know anybody in the town. You'll get to know a lot of people in the public hall where you can hang out. Also the rooms were clean.

Absolutely superseded my expectations! All the staff were friendly and helpful, the location is great, and the beds are comfortable. Not to mention the common area is great for meeting people. Also, special shout out to Jeremiah, the night concierge. He’s an absolutely terrific person and an amazing personality that really defined the character of the green tortoise for me. He made my stay from just great to excellent! If you ever have the opportunity to talk to this man please do so.

An utterly fantastic hostel. Located right on Broadway in North Beach. Down the street from the Beat Museum and immediately adjacent to one of San Francisco's signature steep streets. The lounge area is huge & festooned with large windows that command stunning views of the Transamerica Building & the twinkling lights of the topless clubs on Broadway. There are a plethora of amenities, too numerous to list here and not possible to indulge in a single visit. There is a stage on the Broadway side of the lounge with a guitar, piano & other more exotic musical instruments. There is a chess board surrounded by comfy leather couches & chairs. Then there is a pool table. Outside it's a short walk down Broadway to Columbus & good food galore. And let's not forget the historic City Lights bookstore on Columbus, founded by the late centarian poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti.

Visited SF with my wife & I would highly recommend it for anyone looking to travel on a budget. The location was perfect. We were able to easily walk or take the muni everywhere. The staff were friendly and helpful. Inside was well maintained, always clean and had everything you would need while traveling. Not to mention meeting people from all walks of life. Had a great time!

Highly recommend if you are in the San Fransisco area! Prices are very reasonable and comes with complimentary breakfast. The kitchen was very clean and had lots of pots/pans/etc to use. There was also plenty of fridge space to buy grocery and cook your own food. The location is very walkable to grocery stores, restaurants, and fun places to go. The staff were great and very helpful! You also have the opportunity to meet a lot of cool people.

I stayed in this hostel for a week with a large group of people, and it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The rooms were quite comfortable for their size and price - it wasn't a 5-star Sheraton, but it was nothing less than I expected from the pictures. Every bed has its own small lamp and 4 sockets available. I'm a person who will sleep in any noise conditions, so I have nothing to complain about, but I heard my roommates had to close the windows at night to reduce the noise from the street. The staff was very kind and cheerful. I was happy to find out the front desk sells post stamps and can post my postcards. There were around 5 showers with bathrooms, clean, but a bit small, and with the size of my group there were queues in the morning. The common room was the absolute highlight of my stay there - it had an amazing vibe, enough space for everyone. We played music on the available instruments, sung, or played music from the speakers and held dance parties in the evening. Absolutely awesome! The kitchen was well-equipped and there was more than enough space in the fridge. It was very well-situated, withing walking distance of the Union Square and city centre. Overall, I would really recommend it to anyone who wants to feel the local vibe, socialise and is not expecting extraordinary comforts.

We had a great time staying here! The location is very walkable, and the sense of community here is very welcoming. They had events every night where you could meet other folks, they have a good range of services (laundry, sauna, work room, large communal area and kitchen), and there’s a plethora of bathrooms on each floor so waiting for one when needed hasn’t been an issue. The staff are friendly, helpful and available 24/7. We felt not only safe here but welcomed by all other guests we had the pleasure of getting to know. Definitely would recommend this hostel to anyone seeking a more affordable way to experience San Fran.

I had a GREAT time here!! It was super lively, lots to do and so many new people to meet. Brad and Seamus at the front desk were incredible and so helpful and nice and beautiful and magical and probably like the coolest guys I’ve ever met?! Yeah can confirm, coolest guys I’ve ever met. Location is perfect, great area w lots going on close by. 10/10 rec

It’s a very dated hostel. HOWEVER, great location for exploring SF, safe, clean, great value for money, friendly and helpful staff and great Wi-Fi. You can leave your luggage and there is a kitchen and hanging out area. Would surely stay here again. Thank you all the wonderful staff for my fantastic stay.

Gina, Meg, Shamus(sorry if I butchered your name!) and the rest of the staff are great. They always take care of me when I visit and the hostel itself is as good as it gets when it comes to hostels. I’ve stayed in hostels in about 30 countries and the way GT does it makes sense. They offer breakfast, have events every night, and the rooms and bathrooms are really nice. Hands down it’s my go to spot to stay when I visit -Bryt

They have events every night, some better than others. Go on a Friday night to their mystery bar crawl for cheap drinks and lots of fun!!! Bed are okay, but staff are very accommodating and really nice. You can't beat the location, right outside Chinatown and in the Italian district, a few minutes walk from the pier, it's great!

I loved this location of the Green Tortoise. So many things within walking distance. The staff was friendly and helpful. The only thing you should be aware of is if you're mobility challenged you have to climb stairs. There's no elevator. Other than that a great place to stay for someone on a budget.

I stayed in a private room and i truly recommended over the dorms. The price is fair and the customer service is really friendly. My main complaint is the noise level coming from the dirty street outside.

We booked 2 private rooms for 8 people (4 people/ room) for 148$/person for about 4 days. The thing is once we arrived they gave us 1 private room and 1 public room under the pretext that there are no rooms available. In addition to that, the private room consists of 2 separate beds and 1 shared bed for two. The hygiene of the room was not as good as expected but the bathrooms were clean. They offer free breakfast where you make your own dish like eggs or oats or whatever available. You can also store your groceries in the fridge for making dinner and so, also you can have free tea and coffee. The lounge was good where you can play billiard or table tennis and listen to music. To wrap things up, the price was good and reasonable for this experience.

Best Hostel in the World! Love this place. Cleaners on site all day/nite, hot/cold showers, breakfast daily (just bring your own veggies), super nice ppl that work there; 10/10 would recommend to any loved one !

It's a really great place overall. It is recommended to bring earplugs for sleeping because some areas as noted can be a bit loud (probably smart in any hostel really I would think). If you're looking for a really memorable place, dorm style accommodations, great staff, great basic breakfast options, great price, and overall a good environment for a longer social stay than it's a 5/5 to me easily. Events were also very fun, and frankly the beds are actually really comfortable for what they are and rooms are simple and nice, I was impressed. There's also plenty of lockable storage underneath (duffle bags, etc will fit). Also the location is fantastic for walking, transit, etc. Now that being said, if you're looking for a quiet, isolated, and "upscale hotel" type place or environment, then I mean.....well you should probably actually be looking at that then and why are you here? But, I can also assure you that if you did, you probably won't have as much fun traveling, so, ya know, keep that in mind. Final conclusion, tis a very fun place and you'll meet some great people, highly recommend the experience.

I stayed here one night in the private room back in March and had a blast! When I arrived everyone was playing Mafia in the ballroom and I played some chess and had a great time. We ended partying for a while until one of the guys invited us to an underground rave. One of the employees even raved with us! Was one of the best nights I've had in SF for sure. Room was clean and about what you expect for a hostel.

Truly a magical place. First time in a hostel and I was greeted with the kindest staff and amazing fellow travelers! The common area is perfect for cooking, socializing, pool, and they even have instruments for people to jam out. Comfy couches to kick back and read. The rooms are clean and the location is just superb if you like being in a busy part of the city. Walking distance from great restaurants, attractions, cafes, bars, etc. The pub crawl was also super fun! Cannot wait to return <3

I really liked my stay here. The location is great (right next to China Town, with a lot of fun shops and restaurants). The beds and bath rooms seemed clean. The common area is spacious and has a great vibe. The staff is friendly and helpful. They also have some social gatherings every night so it’s easy to get to know people. The mood is great as the guests are actually travellers and not homeless people (when I was in green tortoise in Seattle it seemed like a lot of the guests stayed there because they couldn’t afford to live somewhere else). The only thing is that we booked a tour to Muir woods with the hostel in order to get 10$ or so in discount. But when we arrived to Muir woods we had to pay the entrance fee (15$) in addition. It might not be the best to book through the hostel. I guess the upside is that you get picked up right in front of the hostel.

It's really hard to find fabulous hostels in the US, but this one was amazing! We stayed in a very clean private room with multiple bathrooms on our floor. The staff is super friendly and helpful and there are many free activities and amenities. We loved the free breakfast and dry sauna! We'd definitely stay here again and would highly recommend to any of our friends.

We only stayed one night at the Green Tortoise and I wish we'd had more time to attend some of the social events. The Indian food + piano bar + comedy show sounded so fun! My partner and I stayed in a private room: it was clean and a good enough size for two. The shared bathrooms were clean and I never had to wait to use the restroom or shower. The free breakfast was a nice treat. I recommend this spot for anyone on a budget or looking to meet other travelers!

Great place to stay. I feel I didn't have much time. Next time in SF I am surely taking this place. Very accessible to pier 39 and fisherman's wharf. You can take public transport to golden gate vista point from here (if you are totally reliable on public transport, thought you would have to change twice.) Literally walk down the road it will be Chinatown. The people at reception were very nice and they will help with your doubt 🙌 come here if you are backpacking trip and want to stay at nice and cheap place

Loved this little hostel! Staff was friendly and accommodating, rooms are comfortable with a firm mattress. Free food, coffees, teas and interesting guests from all over the world. It felt like home after a hectic but fun day traveling to San Francisco. Hot showers are provided as well as soap, shampoo and conditioner. You can rent a towel for a dollar. They have social events every day of the week and beer for a dollar as well!

This place had one of the best atmosphere among hostels that I've seen anywhere in the world. They have some special activities every night, the lobby looks and all of the hallways look very cool. Rooms are okay as well, nothing too fancy, some of the windows face inwards which can be a bummer. There are plenty of showers and toilets on every floor, I never had to wait a single minute. Staff was helpful and we could even check in before the usual check-in time. There's breakfast in the big social room next to the lobby which was an unexpected surprise. Even though it's nothing fancy, it was nice to grab a bagel and some orange juice.

The hostel is really good located in a neighbourhood with many bars and close by to Little Italy. The pictures of the rooms on their website are definitely the nicest rooms in the hostel. If you book a bed there you should be aware that you will not get such a room. The showers and toilets are in the same bathroom which produce long waiting times during the rush hours since the whole bathroom is occupied even if a person is just using the toilet while someone else is waiting for a free shower. In addition to that there are no paper dispensers in the bathroom, which doesn’t make sense for me. So you always have to bring your towel even if you just have to use the toilet. The breakfast is definitely a plus point since they provide eggs for free so you can make your own eggs in the morning. I definitely stayed in better hostels but for some nights it’s alright. Just keep in mind that you will have to take at least two staircases to your room, so if you have a heavy suitcase or you are not that good taking the stairs you should consider another hostel.

Really enjoyed my stay at this awesome hostel! Stayed for a few nights then headed back for one more as had such a great experience. Rooms were inviting and air-conditioned, great security in the rooms/leaving luggage, awesome range of shower/bathrooms, epic clean sauna and free breakfast/coffee was above and beyond. Met some amazing people and the staff were knowledgeable and helpful with my onward journey, local knowledge and tipping advice was spot on. Thanks guys will definitely be back and look forward to staying at the one in Seattle. Truly one of the last great hostels. *****