Hotel Spero

Hotel Spero, a Michelin Key Selected property nestled in the heart of San Francisco's vibrant Union Square, offers a distinctive blend of historic charm and modern elegance. This restored landmark, originally built in 1923, has undergone a significant renovation in 2018, transforming it into a chic boutique experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Hotel Spero is highly positive, with guests frequently describing it as an "Excellent Hotel" with "fantastic staff" and a "beautiful" and "clean" environment. Many express satisfaction with their stay, indicating they "would definitely stay again." Its Michelin Key selection further underscores its commitment to quality and a notable guest experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of Hotel Spero. The hotel's design, which thoughtfully merges its Spanish Colonial Revival heritage with contemporary touches, is a significant draw. The staff's exceptional hospitality is frequently highlighted. Amenities such as choosing your own room scent and a convenient coffee station in the mornings add a personalized touch. The hotel also boasts a well-equipped 24-hour fitness center, a co-working space, and is pet-friendly, offering treats and beds for furry companions. Hotel Spero also emphasizes sustainability through initiatives like water conservation and eco-friendly cleaning products.

3. Room Quality

Hotel Spero offers contemporary rooms and spacious suites designed as serene retreats from the city's hustle. Rooms feature warm ambient lighting, plush textiles, and stylish accents, with some showcasing hardwood or classic Spanish tiles and spa-inspired glass-enclosed showers. While some guests note that standard rooms can be on the smaller side, they are described as sizable enough, and suites offer a proper living room. In-room amenities include a 50-inch flat-panel TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, luxury mattresses, fine linens, plush pillows, bathrobes, an iron/ironing board, an in-room safe, and a mini-refrigerator. However, some older rooms may have uneven floors or appear less renovated.

4. Dining Experience

The on-site restaurant, Jasper's Corner Tap & Kitchen, is a vibrant sports gastropub serving American cuisine with a selection of local craft beers on tap. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offers happy hour specials. Many guests enjoy the delicious breakfasts at Jasper's. While the hotel does not offer traditional room service, guests can enjoy take-out from Jasper's. Complimentary coffee and tea are available in the lobby in the mornings.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Hotel Spero is consistently praised, with numerous guests commending the "fantastic staff" for their attentiveness, friendliness, and helpfulness. From the front desk to maintenance, the team contributes to a welcoming experience. Guests have appreciated staff going above and beyond, such as upgrading rooms or assisting with package deliveries.

6. Location & Accessibility

Hotel Spero boasts a convenient location in downtown San Francisco, just a few blocks from Union Square and a five-minute walk from its shopping opportunities. It's also within a six-minute walk to a BART station, offering excellent connectivity to various parts of the city and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Nearby attractions include Yerba Buena Gardens, and the Moscone Convention Center and Oracle Park are just a 5-minute drive away. Public transportation, including various bus lines, BART, Light Rail, and Cable Car, is easily accessible with multiple stops just a minute's walk away. However, some guests have noted that the immediate neighborhood can be "less desirable" with visible homelessness, though the hotel itself remains clean and provides a convenient base for exploring.

7. Value & Pricing

Many guests consider Hotel Spero to offer "good value accommodation" and "great value" particularly for its suites. However, it's important to note the mandatory "Guest Amenities Fee" (resort fee) which is approximately USD 35.31 per night and covers amenities such as Wi-Fi, fitness center access, a welcome gift, morning coffee/tea, and a voucher for the on-site restaurant. Valet parking is available but can be pricey, typically around USD 49 per night. Breakfast at Jasper's is also an additional cost, estimated at around USD 25 for adults.

8. Common Complaints

While generally well-received, some recurring criticisms include the mandatory and "hefty" resort fee. The size of some standard rooms and bathrooms can be perceived as small. Guests have also noted the absence of in-room amenities like tea kettles or coffeemakers, and the lack of traditional room service. The expensive valet parking is another point of contention. Lastly, while the hotel itself is well-maintained, the immediate surrounding neighborhood has been mentioned as "less desirable" due to the presence of homeless individuals, which can be a concern for some guests, especially when walking to public transport. A minor complaint also mentioned a filtered water dispenser in the gym providing hot water.

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. oyster.com
3. booking.com
4. hotelspero.com
5. expedia.com
6. booking.com
7. kayak.com
8. hotelspero.com
9. hotelspero.com
10. ihg.com
11. youtube.com
12. rome2rio.com
13. hotels.com
14. moovitapp.com
15. rome2rio.com
16. reservationdesk.com