Hard to beat
Written: Feb 17 '08
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Clean, inexpensive, and a great location.
Cons: Street noise, though that may depend on room location.
The Bottom Line: I sincerely doubt you'll find anything nearly as good at anywhere near the price. No, it's not a luxury hotel, but you're giving up nothing here.
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| Scott_A_R's Full Review: Beresford Arms Hotel |
I recently took a trip to San Francisco--a combination visit to see an old friend who'd relocated jobs, and a guilty sneak cross-country to go to the Macworld Expo.
The hotels I'd started looking at seemed to either be quite pricey or were in what could charitably be described as "marginal neighborhoods." I tentatively booked a stay in one that was closer to the latter, only to find out that it slid rather closer than I'd thought. Then I heard about the Beresford Arms Hotel.
One person wrote that it was "like coming home," a description that I can't say I've heard applied to other hotels. Other very positive reviews followed. So, I made a reservation.
Trip time, and arrival. Sigh of relief: it looked nice. An attractive if understated outside, and a rather expansive, nicely appointed and clean inside. The key was just that: a metal key, not a card, but I can't say that's a negative, even if it meant I couldn't just slide it into my wallet.
The room... well, small (it was a basic room booked online at an average price of $87 a night), but very clean and well put together, with a window seat under large windows that actually opened. Though I understand that not all of the rooms have yet been renovated, mine clearly was, and it was a pleasure to behold. The bed linens, while not luxurious, were also clean, soft, and warm. If there was a single defect to the room's appointments, it would have to be an under-provision of electrical outlets: there were none free, and plugging in my laptop required unplugging the desk lamp, and charging anything else (camcorder, cell phone) required yet another light to go. There was a modest TV with decent reception--I turned it on briefly once and couldn't really say how extensive the channel lineup was--as well as a VCR for which tapes can be rented from the front desk. A small refrigerator contained various drinks sort of on the honor system (when I left, they asked, "did you have anything from the fridge?") as well as a few snacks on top.
The bathroom was at least as nice as those at hotels I've been in at twice the price.
My room was on the floor above the lobby, facing Post Street, which was probably the single biggest negative of the stay: it was noisy at night, with traffic going by and garbage or recycling trucks at very early ours (but I'm a very light sleeper, so it's more of an issue for me than for most). That the windows were single-pane was probably also a factor.
The staff was cheerful and pleasant.
The hotel has wifi in the lobby; fortunately, my room was close enough that I could browse without leaving my room. Though breakfast is served each morning (fruit, bagels, pastries, and the like) I didn't have any, as a truly outstanding breakfast place, Dotty's True Blue Cafe, is literally about a minute's walk down Jones Street. Wine and cheese is served each afternoon, but by chance I never happened to make it.
The location couldn't have been much better. Union Square is less than a five minute walk away; there's one bus route that stops almost literally outside the front door, and others not much further away. The Moscone Center, where I went daily for three days of my stay, was a longer walk, but by no means inconvenient.
Were I to return to the city anytime soon, there is no question that I would turn to the Beresford Arms first.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Scott_A_R
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Location: Massapequa, NY
Reviews written: 45
Trusted by: 11 members
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