A friend had found the hotel on-line, sent us a link, and we said "Sure, looks OK". I did not pay the close attention to neighborhood that I would have if I had done the research.

So, I was quite dismayed as we neared SF and I realized the hotel was in the Tenderloin, based on what I knew from living in the Bay area decades earlier. I was still doubtful as we pulled up and saw the street side presentation.

BUT, peeking through the gate into the courtyard, I felt a bit better. Then we walked up to the desk and were greeted by two of the most genuinely friendly people I have ever encountered in the hospitality business. That characteristic was true of all other encounters with staff.

The ambience is funky with interesting metal sculptures and burbling fountains. The rooms were clean. Furnishings were eclectic. Our bathroom was sparkling clean. Looked like new tile work.

The included poolside, covered, under the heat lamp breakfast was very good for what it was. Good pastries, bagels, breads, surprisingly good coffee, juices. Just short on protein.

Excellent, inexpensive restaurants nearby. Ask the staff. And, the neighborhood, while definitely big city gritty, never felt dangerous.

Two minor quibbles: First, the jalousie windows didn't close tightly enough to stop a strong, cool exterior breeze from blowing into the room. But, the wall heater compensated (at some environmental cost). Second, either don't drive to the hotel or park your car once and take transit. Getting in and out of parking spaces there can be challenging.)

But, definitely a great experience overall. I would go back.

Fun place. Great location in downtown SF near Opera house and other musical venues. Many musicians stay here. Stayed for 4 days and met people from many parts of the world. A lot of young people some with families and a few oldies interspersed. Great pool scene every night and many people in the pool right up until 11 PM when it closes. The pool is heated to about 85 degrees all the time. Rooms are nice and functional. Staff is cool and relaxed like you would expect in SF. Great free breakfast every morning by the pool.. Our expectations were surpassed.

I was a bit disappointed with my stay at the Phoenix Hotel. The staff was great and the rooms were okay, tho slightly old and worn down. However... breakfast was simple and the neighborhood .. or "da hood"... was very bad. Walking along Eddy street to Union Square you'll come across quite a few "interesting" characters. Homeless people, pimps, prostitutes, beggars, criminals and other shady individuals.

Phoenix hotel lives well on the cult status from having been visited by alot of famous rock musicians and the likes, but beyond that, it doesn't deserve its high ranking on this website. That`s my opinion at least.

Situated in another area of SF, this could be a winner, but its not.

Will not come again.

To be completely fair, I will start with the negatives:
The the hotel is in the area described by Orbitz as 'Union Square/Knob Hill' and better described as 'Tenderloin' - a more deprived area. The hotel gardens could do with a slight make-over so the art sculptures don't look like discarded scrap. Some guests can be a little inconsiderate and despite the best efforts of the staff, can be noisy (well) after midnight. Now the better bits:
Friendly, informal and helpful check-in. Good-sized rooms; very clean and comfortable. The pool and patio area are clean.
Breakfast of fruitjuice, bread, butter, jam (jelly), sweet pastries/cake, fresh fruit and acceptable coffee. The restaurant attached to the hotel is the Bambuddah Lounge which has a happy (2) hour(s) for cocktails which are competently mixed by the barstaff at half price - excellent value, and good even at full price. The menu is an asian-mediterranean fusion and quite interesting, enjoyable, tasty and well-presented. If going out at night, reception are happy to call you a cab.
In summary, we enjoyed our two nights at the Phoenix and would recommend it as a city break 3 Star hotel.