Metro Hotel SF

The simple Metro Hotel has been a family business for 25 years. Situated amid some cute restaurants and shops on bustling Divisadero Street, within walking distance of the action on Haight and near several MUNI lines, this unassuming abode is a true budget find, offering 24 comfy rooms, a lovely garden and personal service.

Guestrooms are tiny and furnished with a hodge podge that ranges from Ikea basics to ornate antiques to dated faux-wooden pieces. Print bedspreads are similarly random, and accent walls in pink or pale green, hung with a few framed prints, provide the only decoration. The general vibe here is utilitarian, but rooms are tidy and equipped with a ceiling fan, small mounted television and free Wi-Fi.

Bathrooms are all renovated and private (although most sinks are located in the rooms), with stall showers and tan tiling. They’re very clean, and, since the hotel is taking steps to convert to a “green” business, they offer eco-friendly Dr. Bonner’s Peppermint soap.

Make no mistake: The humble Metro Hotel is very basic. Shana, the manager who showed us around, unapologetically pointed out the small room sizes, mismatched furniture and 22 steps leading to the first floor of rooms (yes, she’s counted). But what her family offers is friendly service, special touches and low rates.

The lobby, with its slate gray walls and San Francisco Parks posters, is sleek and inviting, with chairs, magazines and a table offering treats. But the true highlight of this hotel is its idyllic backyard garden full of café tables and lush greenery. A rarity in San Francisco, this is a great place to relax with a book and a bottle of wine (bring your own—the front desk has a wine opener and ice bucket waiting).

As for getting out and about, the Metro Hotel is well situated, within walking distance of Golden Gate Park, Alamo Square (and the Painted Ladies) and the up-and-coming NOPA (North of the Panhandle) district with its sleek new bars and eateries. The lively Castro and the artsy Hayes Valley are also very close, and the hotel is located along one of the main MUNI arteries for trips farther afield.