San Francisco Proper Hotel

The San Francisco Proper Hotel, a Michelin Key selected property, offers a distinctive luxury experience in the heart of San Francisco's Mid-Market district. While lauded for its exquisite design and exceptional interior, the hotel's immediate surroundings frequently draw criticism from guests.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for San Francisco Proper Hotel is generally positive, often described as an "oasis" of comfort and style. Guests appreciate the hotel's luxurious and unique ambiance, frequently giving it high marks for design and service. However, a significant recurring concern is the "shabby, dangerous atmosphere" and presence of unhoused individuals and drug activity directly outside the hotel, which detracts from the overall experience for many. Despite these external challenges, the internal experience often garners ratings of "Wonderful" or "Very enjoyable & friendly Staff."

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise the San Francisco Proper Hotel for several key highlights:

• Design: The hotel's interiors, crafted by renowned designer Kelly Wearstler, are a major draw. The "wildly colorful feast for the senses" combines European design movements like Victorian, Art Deco, Cubism, and Bauhaus, with bold patterns and vibrant illustrations.
• Rooftop Bar (Charmaine's): Charmaine's, the indoor/outdoor rooftop bar and lounge, is a significant highlight, offering "extraordinary panoramic view of the city" and a "cool without being overly self-conscious" vibe. It's described as a "little oasis of calm and culinary delight."
• Service & Staff: Many guests commend the "friendly and helpful" staff and "impeccable service."
• Amenities: Notable amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, free bike rentals, and a "Proper App" for concierge services. Pet-friendly policies, including amenities like feed bowls and cozy beds, are also appreciated.

3. Room Quality

The hotel's 131 rooms and suites are designed with "impeccable taste" and focus on "high-touch comfort."

• Comfort: Rooms feature handmade Aireloom mattresses, Italian bed linens, and hypoallergenic pillows, contributing to a "supremely comfortable" sleep experience.
• Design: Kelly Wearstler's design extends to the rooms, with "playful patterns of wallpaper" and a mix of prints and colors. Each room includes a 50-inch HDTV with Google Chromecast, a Bluetooth custom speaker, and a locally curated mini-bar with bottled cocktails.
• Bathrooms: Bathrooms are equipped with walk-in rain showers and Aesop bath amenities.
• Size: While described as "unquestionably comfortable," some guests note that the rooms can be "small and cramped," with the exception of corner suites. There are also unique "Bunk Rooms" with sophisticated stacked beds.

4. Dining Experience

San Francisco Proper Hotel offers a diverse dining experience overseen by a Michelin-starred chef.

• Villon: The signature restaurant on the ground floor, Villon, serves "modern contemporary menu featuring elevated American fare" with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. It offers breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner, along with expertly crafted cocktails.
• Charmaine's: The rooftop bar and lounge, Charmaine's, provides "bold cocktails and distinctly California flavors" in an energetic, chic setting with panoramic city views.
• La Bande: A more casual café and market on the ground floor.
• Breakfast: Villon offers a variety of breakfast options, including a "Buttermilk Waffle," "Savory Rice Porridge," "Huevos Rancheros," and "The Proper Breakfast." In-room dining is also available.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback on hospitality is largely positive, with staff frequently described as "very friendly and helpful," "accommodating," and providing "exceptional customer service." The concierge service is noted for being able to meet various requests, from health-boosting IV shots to personal trainers and massages. However, some guests have reported minor miscommunications, particularly regarding valet parking and breakfast service.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel is situated in San Francisco's Mid-Market district, at the corner of Market and McAllister Streets, in a historic flatiron building.

• Centrality: The location is described as "extremely central" and convenient for accessing attractions like Union Square, City Hall, and museums. Public transportation, including the Civic Center BART Station, is a short walk away.
• Neighborhood Concerns: Despite its central location, the immediate neighborhood is a frequent point of criticism. Guests often describe it as "sketchy," "shabby," "dangerous," and an area with a visible presence of unhoused people and drug activity. This has led some guests to feel unsafe walking outside, particularly at night. The hotel acknowledges these concerns and states they are working with the City of San Francisco to improve the area.

7. Value & Pricing

The San Francisco Proper Hotel is positioned as a luxury, high-end property. With an average room price around $406, it offers a "truly luxurious experience at a competitive price" compared to the city's average. However, some guests perceive it as "overpriced," especially considering the small room sizes and high cost of valet parking, which can be as much as $100 overnight. Valet parking is also noted for potential delays, as the parking structure is off-site.

8. Common Complaints

The most significant and recurring complaints revolve around:

• Neighborhood Safety: The immediate surrounding area's "shabby, dangerous atmosphere" with visible homelessness and drug use is the most common and serious criticism, causing some guests to feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
• Valet Parking Cost and Delays: The high cost of valet parking (ranging from $65 to $100 per night) and potential waiting times for vehicle retrieval due to off-site parking are frequent points of dissatisfaction.
• Room Size: While beautifully designed, some guests find the standard rooms to be small.
• Minor Service Issues: While staff are generally praised, isolated incidents of miscommunication, particularly regarding valet and breakfast, have been noted.

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