The Park Hotel

There are no frills to be had at the Park Hotel, an ideal choice for fuss-free travelers who want to spend more on shopping than on food and lodging. This central two-star spot, with simple rooms, low rates and a guest kitchen, is a good place to “park.”

The Park’s 96 rooms are about as bare-bones as they come. They’re outfitted with basic double beds, dark paisley bedspreads and a white Ikea desk and chair, with desk lamp. The only adornment here is the white molding that contrasts cleanly with freshly painted tan walls. All rooms are equipped with a TV and free Wi-Fi, plus a mini-fridge. Ask for an inside room to avoid the street noise on busy Sutter Street.

Some rooms have private bathrooms, but the cheapest rooms share facilities down the hall. All rooms have small standing sinks, and the clean white bathrooms have been recently renovated.

The hotel also has a well-equipped (and rather modern) guest kitchen, with a black-and-white floor, granite countertop and plenty of bowls and utensils. A small second-floor lounge with a large black couch and not much else feels stark, and a downstairs lounge offers a flat-screen TV, vending machine, microwave and a few café tables. The most interesting thing about the place is the old blue-and-white elevator.

When all is said and done, the plain-jane Park is not going to win any awards for style. However, it’s clean, cheap and located just a few blocks from Union Square.

Note that reception is only open from 8 a.m. until 1 a.m. Guests are given a key to the front door to enter at all other hours.