Hotel Spero
Selected
Check Availability & Prices
Find the best rates for Hotel Spero.
Check Availability on Booking.comView the official listing on the MICHELIN Guide.
Hotel Details
Location
Hotel Spero · San Francisco Bay Area, United States
Expert Review: 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
Google Reviews
1,514 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Big Mike
Not my first time at this vintage hotel, but stayed at a medium size room this time. They've done a fair job of updating the rooms, nothing too fancy. The closet and drawer spaces are limited, and the table is tiny. But I love the sturdy designer chair and that the windows actually tilt open for fresh pacific night air. Bed is great, bring your USB charger though if you have several devices.
Response from the owner
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We're glad you enjoyed the comfort of the bed and found touches like the designer chair and windows added to your experience. Your comments about storage space and...
abhay kamath
had a 3 Night stay at this hotel recently. while the rooms are clean, the size is too small( I stayed in a double queen bed room). On the first day, there was no room service, even to get water we were asked to go down and take it. Breakfast has just 2-3 items and if you are a vegetarian, you won't have it. the restaurant was under renovation so we had to hunt for hotels everyday for dinner. The o...
Response from the owner
Thank you for sharing your experience, Abhay. While it is good to hear that our location worked well for your visit, we are sorry that other aspects of your stay did not provide the comfort or conveni...
Lawrence Turner
Great old building however the execution of the remodeled rooms is a bit rough. Lobby is stunningly beautiful. Staff are delightful. Rooms are small and bathrooms are shoe-horned together. You can’t stand in front of the bathroom sink because it’s so small. On the up side - walk in, tiled shower appropriate for the room decor. Location is abysmal. You’ll be OK if you walk straight down Stoc...
Response from the owner
Lawrence, thank you for sharing your thoughtful feedback. We’re sorry your stay didn’t meet expectations, though it’s great to know you enjoyed the lobby and found our team members welcoming. Your com...
Justin F
Great location right near Union Square with plenty of food and shopping nearby. Staff was nice and room was nice. 4 stars as unexpected $35 nightly resort fee for.... Access to a on-site gym? No other amenities I can see that a Best Western wouldn't have without the resort fee.
Response from the owner
Thank you for sharing your feedback, Justin. We’re glad you appreciated our convenient location and that our team and accommodations made a positive impression. We understand your concerns about the r...
Ashley
I stayed at the Hotel Spero for a couple of days while attending a conference at the Moscone Center, and it was great! The staff were super friendly, and the service was great the whole time. My room was clean and comfortable, and housekeeping always did an awesome job. The walk to the Moscone Center wasn’t bad and overall pretty safe. There are plenty of good restaurants nearby, and Union Square ...
Response from the owner
Ashley, thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed your stay at Hotel Spero and that our team made you feel welcome. It’s great to know our location worked well for you...
July Rey Noval
This was one of the worst hotel experiences my partner and I have ever had — not because of the room, but because of the hotel’s extremely incompetent and careless billing process. My partner booked Hotel Spero through Trip.com, and the reservation was fully prepaid, including the resort fee. This was clearly stated in the booking confirmation. Despite this, after we checked out, the hotel still ...
Response from the owner
July, thank you for sharing your experience. We’re sorry your stay did not meet expectations, especially regarding your billing concerns and how they were handled. Your feedback is important and will ...
Similar Hotels You Might Like
More Hotels in San Francisco Bay Area
Waters Edge Hotel
San Francisco Bay Area
Hotel Zeppelin San Francisco
San Francisco Bay Area
The Lodge at the Presidio
San Francisco Bay Area
Axiom Hotel
San Francisco Bay Area
Moxy Oakland Downtown
San Francisco Bay Area
Marriott
Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero
San Francisco Bay Area