Phoenix Hotel, a Joie de Vivre Boutique Hotel - San Francisco

The ambiance of the hotel was wonderful, but above all the staff is to be commended. After suffering an injury, I was moved from the 2nd floor to the first, and a staff member even found an urgent care center and made an appointment for me.

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

We had a lovely time. We stayed here because we couldn't afford the price of a conference hotel near Union Square, but that meant walking through some rough parts of town every day. Don't do it at night, take a cab. But the hotel itself was fabulous. It is a remodeled 50s motor lodge, with a really nice courtyard with pool and cabana. Sit out there […] in the morning with the coffee and muffins provided by the hotel and look at the mural on one of the adjacent buildings. The pool is small but who cares about that? Our room was not huge, but the bathroom fittings were new, the furniture was nice (I loved the mirrors), the beds were comfortable, and there were lots of outlets for all those gadgets. And it has a great bar, very nicely styled, with a fabulous sound system. The bar is packed on a Saturday night, closed on Monday, and other nights of the week seems to be pretty quiet. And by great sound system, I don't mean it's thumping. I mean it is an extraordinarily high end sound production, so all I wanted to do was stand in the middle of the room and listen. I would definitely stay here again, so much better than a Hilton or Marriott. Read more

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

When we get out of town, we really like there to be a refrigerator in our room as we end up needing and using it. I love their tea selections in the morning, good idea :-) Also, our bathtub had a few tiny hair in it that we absolutely didn't order with the room. I like that they are green hotel though.

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Love the heated pool -- warm enough to swim in February!

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Staff was very kind and accommodating!

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I liked the style of the setup, overall. It was hip. The food at the restaurant was very good as well. I would definitely return for an overnight stay.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

We loved the actual parking lot with free parking for guests. I loved the cleanliness of the room, the beautiful pool, and the staff. It was quiet, and the rooms were very nice. The room had a flat screen, ihome, and very comfy bed.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This hotel isn't for everyone due to the location. If you'd city savvy however you'll be fine. The staff is super friendly, the rooms are clean and the beds are comfy! Take sometime and get to know the staff- they are a really nice bunch.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Hotel is nice, the staff was helpful, and the free parking and location to events and place was good. The heated pool was fun to relax in and drink a beer. But, Eddy Street has to be journeyed to complete the full experience.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The hotel was in good shape and very clean. It was very noisy in the middle of the night. It was also in a very bad neighborhood. I would not suggest this hotel for families. It was however perfect for young singles.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

A few observations- Neighborhood is sleezy- but they do warn you. Hotel room could use another chair or two-only one chair in room. Refridgerator would be nice-none in room. Problems with the cable- maintenance person tried to correct but channels kept cutting out.. On the plus side, helpful and friendly staff, clean room with comfortable bed, coffee […] and muffins in the a.m. a nice touch, free parking, reasonable rates. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

My girlfriend and I really wanted to stay somewhere downtown where we could walk to most places and just be "in the city". We found this place by searching for hotels with free parking in San Fran (a rarity). There's not too many results that will come up in this search, but The Phoenix looked to be the best one to us. We were just hesitant about it's […] location - in "The Tenderloin". As we found out though, this hood really ain't that bad. It's a little rough, and has some strip clubs, massage parlors and odd people walking around, but it's not that bad... really! If you're younger and open-minded to a little adventure then this could be a gem of a hotel for you. The rooms were pretty clean and comfortable, and it has somewhat of a "party feel" for a younger crowd. The pool area and courtyard is pretty cool, and serves as a socializing area for the attached bar and restaurant, which, by the way, is pretty packed good looking ladies and sword-fighting dudes way into the wee hours of the night. As such, it's not the quietest place for a stay, which is why I don't recommend it for older people or those just looking for some peace and quiet. All-in-all, though, this was a very satisfactory experience and we would come back again. My only real complaint about this place is that the WiFi sucks... pretty much unusable. Bring your mobile hotspot or look elsewhere if internet connectivity is a priority for you. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The Joie de Vivre chain has some great hotels. Unfortunately, this isn't one of them. It's a converted motel. The rooms are nice inside but the place is an eyesore. If you have business nearby, the location is great, but I would not advise this hotel for vacationers. The surrounding neighborhood is downright scary, with lots of vagrants milling around. […] Also, the wifi didn't work, and after a couple assurances they would get it working, I just gave up. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

large, comfortable rooms in a cool setting, plus a fantastic restaurant and bar attached. immediate area can be off-putting but still really close to union square. free parking is key, plus wifi and coffee/muffins each morning. a great place to stay

Genuine Expedia guest review

This place is catered to a youngish crowd (20s-40s). It's near the Tenderloin, so know that, but it's also near Polk St and a bunch of fun bars and shops. The restaurant was incredible, with an impressive fusion of Japanese, French, and American styles. We also had fun jumping in the heated pool when it was cold outside.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Mid-century motor court updated to hipster party hotel. Allegedly favored by touring rock bands. Dynamic restaurant and bar frame one of the four sides surrounding the party-pool-courtyard. We stayed midweek, so relatively peaceful. Staff friendly and helpful. Free parking and wifi make it a great value. Easy access to civic center -- we stayed after […] dinner and a show at Davies. Pub crawling after much simplified with a fun bar on premises, just a short crawl to our room. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This hotel was absolutely a pleasant experience. It is quite the odd little gem to be found in San Francisco! I love the look and feel of this hotel- the happy sea green, teal and yellow accent colors around were a welcome visual relief from the drab browns and grays seen outside of the hotel. The service was excellent, prompt, and there was no loud […] noise activity to deal with from other guests. I will definitely come back here again. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

For one night stay it was okay. Staff is friendly. Beds are comfortable. Area not so great. The slat windows I think keep the room too cold and the heater didn't put out much. Would I stay there again? In the summertime perhaps

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

My wife and I were staying at the Phoenix because it was close to the venue we were attending a rock concert at. This hotel looked like a the type of place I would stay if I was a touring rock musician. Very stylistic and fun. While we had no problems at all, the location is in the Tenderloin. Not a neighborhood for the faint of heart. We eat dinner […] at the on location restaurant which had great food too. For the entire stay I felt that everyone was very friendly and helpful. If your looking for luxury or conservative type of stay this is not it. If your looking for a location close to all the downtown SF action, friendly environment and do not want to spend an arm and a leg while being surrounded by eye candy style this is the place for you. There is a pool area which I did not use but the area lights up at night like something you would see in a movie. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I would not recommend this hotel. The area is unsafe to walk about at night.

Genuine Expedia guest review

If you want to plan on sleeping bring your plugs and only stay Sunday Monday or Tuesday nights. the restaurant/bar is the hippest place in town a lot of musicians will stay here but don't expect to get quiet night sleep. Also the surrounding area is called the loin, just be careful not to get shanked by a crackhead. Might be better to visit the bar […] than actually stay here but if you do stay, you maybe considered "cool". Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Comfortable Beds, beautiful heated pool, funky Rock n Roll decor & Music...Very Noisy at nights with no policing of noisy guests, good front desk guy Luke...very helpful...Rooms very expensive for what they are...position good for Alcatraz Tour & Wharf experience...smelly Homeless dudes outside hotel put our children right off San Fran....Human excrement […] the size of a small baton right on pavement Sunday Morning!!! Disgusting Cretins!!! Read more

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Everything about the hotel itself was actually fine. Beds were comfy, nice tv, bathroom was fine. The only problem was the constant smell of bum urine when walking around the area. But oh well, they have a pool, bar and parking on site, that in itself is pretty cool for being a smaller place. I rarely get my room serviced if i only stay for 2-3 days, […] so i can't comment on that. Read more

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Front desk personnel were friendly, outgoing, and couldn't do enough to accomodate us. Hotel is retro 1970's with an really cool courtyard and pool. Rooms are spotless, very spacious and comfortable. Be sure to bring your swimsuit, pool is crystal clean. Great restaurant on site with craft brews and tons of record albums to make up the dividing walls. […] If you have some old ones, they would probably appreciate the addition to their collection. If you are a light sleeper, outside noise may pose a problem, but front desk is very clear to let them know if there is any noise after 10:30 p.m. Hotel is located about 6 blocks north of Market street. There are a lot of homeless people on this block, but they do not bother you, and some were actually complementary and pleasant. Hotel is within walking distance to BART, and trolleys into Fishermans Wharf and all Piers for only $2 per person. We would definately stay here again and recommend. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

First, the staff and the hotel are very nice and we DID enjoy our stay, however, we were disappointed to find homeless persons sleeping/living just outside the hotel. The location was close to our transportation needs for Outside Lands but as it turns out, is in Little Saigon and in Little Saigon the streets smell like urine. Again, the hotel was very […] nice, the staff were friendly and we felt secure. The attached restaurant/bar was also awesome, if you don't mind staying in a seedy neighborhood this is the place for you? Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

I'm an SF local and have been to this hotel often for events, parties, etc. We booked the room just for an overnight stay after a concert in the city, and it was perfect. It's fantastic to have a free parking space -- almost unheard of in SF. I love the funky character of this hotel & the pool/patio space. The rooms are not high-end, swanky hotel, but […] they're nicely appointed, clean and comfortable. The staff is nice and helpful. The area isn't great if you're unfamiliar with SF, but it wasn't an issue for us. My only complaint was that the room we were in had windows right next to a service door, and first thing in the morning all I heard was the staff coming & going, hotel radio chatter, key cards being swiped, etc. A bit of a bummer after a late night, but what are you gonna do? I'll be back regardless. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The Good: The hotel is definitely a funky, cool and relaxed kind of place. The hotel staff was courteous and helped with all my questions.The rooms were nicely decorated and the beds were comfortable. The restaurant attached to the hotel had amazing food and it had an entrance from the hotel's courtyard. The pool was heated which was nice since I didn't […] realize San Francisco would be in the low 60's in July. While staying within the hotel complex I felt totally safe. The Bad: The room, while very nice, was not air conditioned. There was basically one huge window and on either side they had the glass shutters that you cranked open or closed and that, along with a ceiling fan, was how you cooled your room. Not a bad concept except the shutters opened on to the courtyard and it just felt awkward leaving your windows open to the courtyard. While the hotel complex itself was safe (mainly because the gates required a key entry at all times) the surrounding area was very sketchy. It's in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco. Every single tour we took and person we talked to advices us to avoid that district. At first I didn't see what they were so worried about, until we walked a few blocks through the heart of the Tenderloin. The street smells, there were cops everywhere and homeless people on every street corner. We basically didn't walk around the area after dark. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The hotel has a nice retro vibe...a sort of 50s and 70s inspired design. So if you like that style, you'll like this hotel. It has an attached restaurant and lounge which might be great for some people. It is also within walking distance to tons of restaurants and shops. My son absolutely loved the turquoise tiled outdoor pool (which was heated to 85). […] The staff was extremely helpful and friendly. Good place to stay....plus free parking!!! Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

NO AIR ... Very noisey music on Fri & Sat nites around the pool until 12:00.. Scary neighborhood w/ lots of homeless

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Great concierge/front desk service - first time in San Francisco and the folks at the front desk were very helpful in directing us to where we wanted to go, helping us get a lay of the land. Went on a hike in Muir Woods and they were happy to print out trail maps for us. If you're renting a car, the free and secure parking is a plus since street parking […] is at a premium and I wouldn't leave a car out overnight. At first glance, the neighborhood leaves a little to be desired but it's centrally located to some great attractions (GG Bridge, Muir Woods, Sausalito, Lombard St.) and there's a fantastic Banh Mi sandwich shop just across the street. There was a private event while we were staying so we didn't get to check out the bar/restaurant, but from what we could see if looked like a fun scene. Definitely recommend this for a couple/friends looking for a home base but probably not the best spot for families/kids. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Hotel was close to public transportation (cable cars, buses, train). After we figured out the schedules and location we only had to walk about 4 blocks. The first night we arrived the hotel was a little noisy. On the weekends the restaurant and bar scene get a little loud. We didn't arrive until late Friday evening and were told upon arrive the noise […] would so down momentarily and it did. We didn't have a chance to eat at the hotel restaurant however the menu looks very good. I wouldn't recommend this hotel if you have children or want peace and quiet. My son (who wasn't with us) would never have slept with the music playing. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

I thought this hotel was terrific. A wonderful ambiance with the courtyard outside one's room, providing exactly what the hotel says: an oasis in the city. We sat outside after dinner at the excellent restaurant affiliated with the hotel (Chambers) and watched a spectacular sunset. There was, indeed, "noise" of sorts -- people conversing and music playing. […] It was not a problem for me and I found it rather enjoyable, even as I sat in bed reading. There was quiet after the times noted by the hotel management, and I slept well. The staff were all extremely friendly and helpful. I look forward to a return stay. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

in the tenderloin, condition of the hotel ok.. homeless on the streets, but the hotel is ok , clean and safe...good location

Genuine Expedia guest review

It was a reasonable room and very clean. The front desk staff was very helpful in recommending nearby restaurants and driving directions.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Noisy! Not recommended for a family with children. Parties on week ends which prevent to take rest.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Both my fiance and i were very impressed with the Phoenix Hotel. The grounds are beautifully kept up, the rooms were clean (great shampoo and conditioner as well) and as mentioned by many other reviewers the staff are very friendly and helpful. As we were coming from just an hour and a half south the free parking is a fantastic perk. They set out coffee/tea […] and mini muffins (which were delicious) in the morning. We didn't eat at chambers but had a few cocktails which were pricey but definitely high end. The only downside, would be the neighborhood. The tenderloin is a little dicey, but we never had any problems and my car survived in tact over the weekend. Otherwise, its just a few blocks from BART and a 5-10 minute walk to Union Square. I would definitely recommend as well as visit again. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The front desk staff & security were very nice. The bar restaurant staff seemed annoyed with our asking for their personal recommendations. Not very friendly for a bartender. Food was great, service less than desirable. Pool was literally 85, rooms were freezing. It covered the bases for a one night spur of the moment stay. We give it a 3.5

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

despite the paper thin walls and construction and rooms getting painting (which ruined vibe for swimming at the pool) it was ok- I'll return just for the bar

Genuine Hotels.com guest review