Perched on a hill near Alamo Square, the one-star Casa Loma Hotel, which bills itself as a “European-style hotel,” gave us a sense of what happens when a hostel grows up.

With a central location, well-appointed guestrooms and rates starting at $39, the Encore Express may just be the best value in town.

Set back from the street and two block from the Presidio, the basic Country Hearth Inn has something its motel neighbors on Lombard Street do not: It's quiet!

The centrally located Hotel North Beach offers simple rooms with a bit of a hostel feel, and rates to match.

Part art gallery, part hotel and all magnifique, the Hotel des Arts offers great cheapo rates and a central location with pizazz, to boot.

Set in a historic building within walking distance of Fort Mason and the great shops and eateries of the hip Marina District, the Marina Inn is a two-star hotel with spacious rooms, loads of character and very low rates.

Offering 64 simple rooms with shared baths, the sweet San Remo Hotel is a San Franciscan treasure that's been providing affordable haven to merchant seamen, penniless artists and many a traveler since 1906.

The Hayes Valley Inn is a two-star B&B with simple rooms, comfy common spaces and a "when you're here, you're family" vibe.

Situated just two blocks from the popular Nordstrom Center and Market Street’s transportation hub, the two-star Hotel Bijou celebrates San Francisco’s cinematic charm.

For fuss-free travelers who want to spend more on shopping than on food and lodging, the central Park Hotel with simple rooms, low rates and a guest kitchen, is a good place to “park.”

The two-star Good Hotel offers 117 cheery rooms and a philanthropic bent in the heart of the artsy SoMa district.

The two-star Phoenix Hotel has a funky, youthful vibe, and has served as crash pad to up-and-coming rock stars from Joan Jett to Moby.

The three-star Best Western Americania pays tribute to everything all American, with fun retro décor and tons of fun extras, including an outdoor pool

Located in the heart of San Francisco’s tiny Japantown, this hip, modern Hotel Tomo takes its inspiration from Japanese pop-culture.

This splurge-worthy three-star Queen Anne Hotel may be over the top for some, but if you’re looking for a frilly and luxurious taste of history, it’s just the place for you.

Gush alert: Artsy "types" will swoon for the literary-themed Best Western Carriage Inn, with its hip neighborhood, eclectic décor and celebration of San Francisco's favorite characters.