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What other customers are thinking about this hotel : What a treat this was. Sometimes things look better on the internet than they do in Real Life - not so in this case. The real thing is much better than it looks on line.
This property is historic - almost 100 years old. It has an old fashioned elevator and rooms that are up to date, however with the integrity of the building's history intact. Very tastefully and elegantly decorated - all things French. The staff are friendly, but not in-your-face. The breakfast that is included is the best we had in California - and we toured the entire coast. If you have the money, don't miss out on the set menu dining experience in the resaurant - it is outstanding. Have a glass of wine - their house white is the best I've ever had.
The location can't be beat - hop a cable car a couple of doors down. Or walk down the hill to Union Square. We will not stay anywhere else now, I think we really found a gem with this place!
I stayed at the Cornell Hotel de France several years ago and enjoyed it. However, when I returned for a five-day stay from August 16th through the 21st of 2007, I was disappointed.
My daughter had booked a "cozy" room with one queen bed because that was the only room available that weekend. Our one window opened onto a ventilation shaft, which was unattractive and provided no ventilation. The overhead fan helped some, but it was too hot to sleep well. Since the room wasn't on the street, it was quiet. I never missed air conditioning in San Francisco before, but it was a problem this time.
The owners are a French couple who seem rather bored and bothered when you ask them questions. They will help you when you ask, but I found myself missing American friendliness.
While the hotel is close to public transportation (the cable car), it is on Nob Hill, so you are on very steep hills. That's not unusual for San Francisco, but it's hard going down hill as well as up when you're tired.
The upside to this hotel: The decor in the hotel is all French reproductions, which are charming. The main floor is Joan of Arc, other floors feature French artists. The paint is fresh and the rooms are very clean. The hotel is inexpensive for San Francisco. It is close to public transportation (a few blocks from Union Square) Breakfast is included -- eggs & toast or French toast, plus coffee, tea and juice. It's in the basement, but charmingly decorated and served on linen tablecloths. The Chinese employees are very friendly and helpful. Internet access is only in a computer in the lobby, but it is quite cheap--$1.00 for 15 minutes. There are restaurants and drug stores and little markets very close by. Check out the Italian restaurant across the street on the corner--I think it is Uncle Vito's. Small and crowded, but good food at reasonable prices.
Most hotels in San Francisco were sold out or $400 plus for this weekend. Th Cornell Hotel had availability at $165/night. I was prepared for a basic hotel, but was still disappointed. Joan was friendly on the phone. Arrival - man in the evening was not friendly, not hospitable, and without personality. Room - walked in and all I could smell or take in was the mildew/damp odor. We had a two night reservation - my friend left after the first night with severe allergy issues. Room has no A/C - left windows open to cool the room, which resulted in very little sleep b/c of the street noise.
We stayed at this gem of a hotel while on vacation in San Francisco for 9 days and I can't say enough good things about it. Firstly, the location is perfect, it's on the corner of the Powell St. cable car line which is really convenient and it's only 2 blocks from Union Square. Across the street is a great little Italian Restaurant - and also a car rental facility. The hotel is beautifully decorated and feels very welcoming. If you like the large modern corporate hotel rooms with lots of square footage, this hotel isn't for you! The rooms are cozy, but definitely adequate. Beds are comfortable and linens are clean. Breakfast is included with the room and is served in the beautiful hotel restaurant on the basement level. The breakfast was more than I could eat: choice of hot or cold cereal, choice of french toast or bacon, eggs, hash browns, fruit & toast, juice, tea or coffee. The people who work at the hotel are very friendly and helpful. If I return to San Francisco, I will definitely stay at this hotel again.
This was our first trip to San Francisco and we had no idea where to stay. I found this hotel listed in Frommers, and read the reviews before making reservations. After spending four nights there, I cannot understand the negative comments. The rooms are smallish, as expected in a European style older hotel, but they were quaint and very clean. Both rooms we had (we stayed three nights, and then another before returning home) had large claw foot tubs with shower enclosure. The towels were luxurious and there were actually real glasses instead of plastic! The hotel is ideally located near Union Square and steps from the Powell cable car lines, and the area abounds with eateries. The hotel itself has a very nice french restaurant and serves breakfast included in the fare. The entire staff was delightful and very helpful with questions about the area. We would not hesitate to return, or suggest the hotel to our friends.
