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Frequently mentioned in reviews: hotel (24) stay (19) staff (19) room (17) breakfast (16) rooms (15) wine (14) location (14) great (13) fireplace (13)
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  • 5/5 Natalia L. 9 months ago on Google
    This review is long over due as a stayed here in September. I am extremely picky when it comes to hotels and very few impress me .. but this hotel was 10/10. The interior design is so nice and unique. The rooms and hotel grounds were very clean. The shower was great and very clean, brand new shower curtain as well. We enjoyed complementary wine during their wine hour. The service was fantastic and overall my husband and I loved the hotel/ our stay. After staying at a few hotels in San Fran.. this is the only one I will return to :)
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paulina B. 2 years ago on Google
    I’ve only been here one night and one full day of my five night stay and I’m already so impressed. The check-in staff (Cody) was very helpful, conversational and kind. The free breakfast and wine hour are lovely but the abundant fireplaces really set this place apart. There’s a downstairs area where breakfast is served and it remains open to guests. In this space there is 24 hour water, coffee, tea, and HOT COCOA (!) along with lovely music and ambiance that reminds of yesteryear when phones were not invented and people actually socialized. I’ve already had the most lovely conversations with other guests here and I feel so relaxed sitting in their common area (where I write this review from). White Swan Inn meets all our other check marks: reasonably priced, clean, all staff are friendly, accommodations for children (for example, they provided us a crib for $25/night which actually fit in our powder room included with our junior suite so our 6 month old baby sleeps really well in the quiet dark space). (Note: we did not photograph our room due to our belongings being in the way but trust me, it’s clean, cozy, and romantic!)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 A 5 months ago on Google
    This Inn is very charming and centrally located but we found the cleanliness and upkeep wanting. The rooms are thoughtfully decorated and the historic building has a lot of charm. However, we arrived to a clogged toilet and spent the first night of our vacation plunging the toilet after arriving late at night. The furniture showed substantial wear / age, linens had numerous small stains (on the bed and the curtains). The caulking on the bathtub was moldy and needed to be redone - it was dirty enough that I did not feel comfortable taking a bath. The housekeeping did not seem very thorough - I found the last guest's dried contact lens on the nightstand. In terms of safety, I would not have felt safe traveling here as a single woman because the rooms do not have latches beyond the card-activated lock, and the fire escape was located directly next to the bed. Overall it was not the worst experience we've had, but we would choose a different hotel the next time we come to San Francisco.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Angela E. 1 year ago on Google
    Very cool old hotel. Rooms are beautiful and the staff wonderful! Also there is a very nice wine reception in the afternoon evening. And in the morning there is a free breakfast included which had fantastic croissants, danishes and cinnamon rolls. They were so good they must have been from a local bakery I'm guessing. There was also fruit and yogurt parfaits Plus juice, coffee and nice variety of Teas. Really a fantastic stay. We met people that were cruise ship passengers and they really enjoyed their stay also

  • 3/5 Jacob A. 9 months ago on Google
    This is a really cute little hotel with big, clean, interesting rooms and in a great location. The staff, however, was less than helpful. I booked directly, and my reservation said I'd prepaid for parking at a particular rate. The staff had no record of this, blinked unresponsively when I showen them the receipt from their own website, and charged me a higher rate. It wasn't a lot of money, but it did not feel like good service. I would say the service was indifferent at best, which is unfortunate given the otherwise excellent value for money.

  • 5/5 Pam L. 5 months ago on Google
    Charming Inn and centrally located for a couple of days of exploring that part of SF. Nice, expanded Continental breakfast. Wine and cheese hour by the fireplace. Staff were very friendly and accommodating. Great choice for us!

  • 5/5 Marla R. 7 months ago on Google
    I can't recommend this jewel to enough friends and acquaintances! We are locals who live across the bay in Oakland and White Swan Inn is a reason in itself to visit San Francisco. We are always greeted with warmth and feel valued. The rooms are beautiful and the fireplaces create an ambiance of coziness and comfort. We can't wait to come back!

  • 5/5 Lynze 6 months ago on Google
    I wanted to stay in a place that was historic, Victorian and had that San Francisco charm. I found the absolute best place in San Francisco as far as I’m concerned! This historic building is in the best location. It’s been maintained and well cared for! The decor is exactly what I was hoping for! There is a social hour with snacks and drinks in a cozy setting. Free sodas and waters in the rooms fridge, free breakfast in the morning. Fire place in each room. This place will always be my go to place when I visit San Francisco!!! The bed was comfortable. There was a box fan, fridge, coffee maker, robes, shower and tub. Spacious rooms. The location is downtown! Quick walk to union square, entrance to china town. I felt safe here. I seriously can’t say enough good things about White Swan inn! I had the best weekend!!!

  • 5/5 Marla J. 4 months ago on Google
    Great part of town. Central to many venues. Excellent staff that goes out of their way to make sure one is comfortable and has all needs met. I have stayed before and certainly will stay again.

  • 5/5 Diane C. 4 months ago on Google
    I love the White Swan Inn. They treat their guests with utmost care and respect. The wine and cheese receptions in the afternoon and the breakfasts in the morning are topnotch. The people working at the front desk are always so helpful. And the rooms? I have stayed in three different rooms and they have all been very very nice, with a working fireplace, comfortable bed, and a cozy (but spacious) feeling. The front door is kept locked which makes me feel very safe. The location near Grace Cathedral and Union Square can't be beat!

  • 5/5 Barbara K. 1 year ago on Google
    Perfect Location and Lovely Ambiance! My husband and I, with another couple, recently spent one night at the White Swan Inn. We booked the package that included the valet parking. Parking in San Francisco is always a big issue, so it was nice knowing that we didn't have to deal with it. When we were ready to check out, the car was waiting for us in front of the hotel. The hotel is charming; our room was very well appointed, the bed was very comfortable and the size of the room was quite generous for older SF boutique hotels. The breakfast service was wonderful...delicious baked goods, yogurt, fruit, a variety of cereals, juice and coffee. Additionally, the location was near to China Town, great restaurants and Union Square. We will definitely stay here another time when visiting SF.

  • 5/5 Dulce510 1 year ago on Google
    Pauline and her staff made my stay amazing. It’s close to Bars to walk to. Not the prettiest luxury location, or any kind of view besides the street maybe. Very old fashioned, bit outdated. Regardless though it has value. Why? Roomy, fireplace, coffee maker, little kitchen area, and robes. The shower pressure was lovely. The Wine basket little snack was on point. Oh I was giving a complementary red wine. Very calmed. Free breakfast-continental. Check-out is at 12 which is better than 11.

  • 5/5 Jenny K. 1 year ago on Google
    I highly enjoyed my stay at the White Swan Inn. The general atmosphere was charming, and comfortable. The cocktail hour was incredibly cozy as i curled up on an overstuffed chair and read. The room was large, clean, and well-kept. A gas fireplace truly made the evening perfect. Staff were pleasant and friendly. I will definitely return the next time i am in town.

  • 5/5 Peter R. 1 year ago on Google
    A hotel that was a pleasant change from the usual hotel chains. Engagingly decorated rooms; friendly staff; a decent cold breakfast with good coffee included in the price. We appreciated the free soft drinks in the room's mini-bar, even though we didn't drink them.

  • 5/5 Jessica S. 1 year ago on Google
    Stayed at the white swan inn for my friend's wedding. I couldn't have been happier and wish I could have stayed longer. Breakfast was great. The evening wine and snacks were great. I loved the parlor and had lots of tea there. I adored the 24 hour tea available. My queen room with fireplace was beautiful. The soaking tub was perfect. The staff were always happy to see me and gave great recommendations of places to eat when asked. The only negative I could possibly have thought was there was no honey for tea. 5 kind of sugar though, so I was good. If I ever maker it back to San Francisco, I'll be staying there again.

  • 5/5 P C. 1 year ago on Google
    This was a charming hotel. I had a very pleasant 3-night stay. Everyone was very welcoming and kind. Cody checked me in and he is very friendly. The room was spacious for me and had lots of character. The fireplace was a very nice touch. I absolutely loved the common area and the breakfast. The wine reception was amazing as well. The hotel is very centrally located. I got to walk to many nearby attractions. I felt very safe here. I will be staying here again some time in the future. Thank you!

  • 5/5 Karina C. 2 years ago on Google
    I had the best stay here! It was cozy and relaxing and the staff was amazing and they cared for their guests. I enjoyed the wine hour and the snacks provided which are complimentary to your stay. I loved the breakfast (do search up what continental means though). I loved that they had coffee and tea available at all times. I loved the decor and the fireplace in our room it was amazing! If I come back to San Fran I will be coming back here for my stay! Thanks 😊

  • 4/5 Mike P. 2 years ago on Google
    The location of this hotel is good and the prices are reasonable. There are a few perks to staying here too (wine time & mini bar included). The breakfast is a basic continental which is also reasonable. The rooms are a good size and the bed is huge (very soft). Theres no AC and they tend to get pretty warm. I had the window open 24/7. Bathrooms are actually pretty modern and the showers are great too. The staff were super friendly.

  • 5/5 Autumn R. 2 years ago on Google
    Such great service! The location of the hotel is perfect for wonderful eating and exploring Nob Hill and Union Square. The staff were SO SO attentive and helpful as it was our first trip with our 3 month old. They were the perfect host, everyone went out of their way to make you feel like a true guest. Will definitely return.

  • 5/5 Bob B. 1 year ago on Google
    First of all this is a excellent location if your intent is exploring the city. The hotel is staffed by very friendly and accommodating personnel. I was almost always greeted with the hello when I came back to the hotel. The rooms are very cozy and fairly quiet at night for being in the city. The downstairs lounge where breakfast is served also has coffee available 24/7. Also there is a sitting area comfortably furnished with a fireplace. Very soothing music will be heard in the background. I could have spent all day there and been content. LOL. My room was on the third floor near the end of the hall. I was able to securely leave a window open which kept the room nice and cool. The bathroom fixtures appear to be new. There's plenty of water pressure and hot water. The shower head could be a little higher but if you're 6 ft or under you shouldn't have any issues. There is a mini fridge with a few sodas and a couple of bottles of water. If you need more water, just ask and they will supply. If you're in San Francisco, consider this hotel. I do not believe you will be disappointed.

  • 5/5 Rose M. 2 years ago on Google
    We love the White Swan Inn and intend to make it our go to hotel every time we go to San Francisco. We have grown tired of the ‘coldness’ of huge hotels. This inn is so inviting and welcoming. We especially love the lounge downstairs with the fireplace. My husband and I have had many great conversations there. And the location is wonderful, close to restaurants and a short walk to downtown.

  • 4/5 Natalie R. 2 years ago on Google
    Overall we really enjoyed our experience. The decor was just what we expected. The hotel is in need of some minor repairs, such as new curtains and some painting in the hallways, but overall it was great. We stayed during a particularly cold week and the heat didn’t work (in our room? Or the hotel? Not sure.) they did provide us with a space heater, which helped. It would be nice if that was relayed to us upon checkin. We would definitely recommend and return in the future! Breakfast and wine happy hour were both delicious and great touches.

  • 4/5 Ben G. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a lovely, European-style hotel. The furnishings and finishes are a bit scuffed with wear, but it is immaculately maintained and the very generous breakfast is served in a lovely parlor with working fireplace. The staff were so kind and hard-working. The value is absolutely there. We stayed for 4 nights and came to really love being there after a bit of initial surprise at the quirks. If you are interested in staying in the neighborhood, I recommend it unreservedly. We did not love the neighborhood as all the restaurants close by 9 and there were no outdoor cafes or places to hang out outdoors. I would give the hotel five stars if it were updated. Oh, and free soft drinks in the mini fridge and coffee and tea all day in the parlor.

  • 4/5 Diana N. 1 year ago on Google
    Quirky and historic with a great staff in a central location. Overall, our stay was comfortable but expectations need to be managed. The building is historic (elevator is over 100 yrs old, we were told) and has a unique character and charm. However, when dealing with older buildings some inconveniences should be expected. The window in our room had a broken lock and didn’t close all the way which meant it got very cold at night. The heater in the room didn’t work but the space heater they provided worked very well to compensate. The main bed in the room was very comfortable. The pull out bed for our 3rd person was really rickety, flimsy and not comfortable. I think they offer roll away cots for an additional charge, so may be better to do that. The rooms were spacious but felt best for a couple and not friends traveling together. The hotel felt safe but as a female, I generally appreciate some sort of bolt or lock on the inside of my door, which is not available here. The lock that is available is a little push button that seemed easy to open in my opinion. The hot breakfast and endlessly available coffee/ tea was very nice and the staff are all very warm and friendly.

  • 5/5 Lauren H. 2 years ago on Google
    Could not recommend this place more highly! Stayed here for a brief business trip and would absolutely stay again. Everyone on staff was incredibly warm and helpful. The rooms are spacious and totally unique- mine had a working fireplace and couches and chairs, as well as a thoroughly comfortable bed with great pillows. The breakfast included in the morning and the coffee/tea/hot chocolate available in the parlor 24 hours a day make this place so homey and comfortable. It’s quirky and lived in, but 100% clean with reliably fast WiFi that’s easy to connect to, a printer for any work you need to do onsite, and in a fantastic location. Makes for a wacky but excellent choice for both business and leisure travel.

  • 5/5 Brie N. 2 years ago on Google
    The rooms are very spacious with a cozy feel. I loved the fireplace and courtyard view. The staff were exceptional and went above & beyond to welcome me.

  • 5/5 Kathleen M. 2 years ago on Google
    The White Swan Inn was a perfect choice for my stay in San Francisco. The location is central, staff is helpful and friendly and it is well maintained. They have morning buffet and evening wine and appetizers. The motif is charming and fun. My queen suite was spacious, quiet and comfortable. I look forward to staying there for future visits to San Francisco.

  • 5/5 Felonie K. 2 years ago on Google
    We LOVED our stay with you. Truly, the service and hospitality of your staff was outstanding! A special shout out to both Louis, Louis and Fransisco. We had the most contact with them during our stay and they were nothing short of amazing. They really deserve recognition for outstanding service, friendliness and professionalism. Our room was clean, breakfast every morning, and the wine and nibbles in the evening was terrific and just added a special touch to our vacation.

  • 5/5 rebeca a. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing, friendly and welcoming hotel! Great location, a few blocks from union square. Good breakfast, which includes various pastries that change every day. The wine and nibbles in the afternoon are really good as well and and excellent touch to make guests feel at home. Very comfy bed and amazing room with fireplace. Would definitely stay again!


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