Green Tortoise Hostel San Francisco

Always a great stay at the Green Tortoise. If you're looking for an affordable, cozy, and cool spot to stay in San Francisco you won't find any better than the Green Tortoise hostel. It has an amazing communal vibe, clean bathrooms, hot showers, and the most chill staff you'll ever meet. Feels like going to stay at your cool uncle or cousin's place. Large industrial kitchen and fridges for guests to use, bagels, coffee, and scramble eggs for breakfast.
I come to town almost every year for the Game Developer Conference, and the Green Tortoise is my hidden gem I've found, just a short walk to the convention center and right by China town.
I almost didn't want to write this review because I don't want everyone to know about this place, but they deserve it because they are so awesome
10/10 wouldn't dream of staying anywhere else when visiting San Francisco!

"Green Tortoise Hostile"
Humm....It's been a while, I know, I know it's the end of the year pretty much and I must admit I been busy. But some say "Better Late than Never" and here I am bringing you just that. Now on to the "Green Tortoise Hostel" I love the whole concept of this establishment, I love the almost Europe in the Bay Area concept and feel of this establishment. If you aren't familiar with what a "Hostel" is, and no I'm not talking about that creepy movie, you're totally safe here. I'm talking about the dorm style, low priced version of a "Hotel" this place is pretty amazing. If you don't like meeting new people or sharing your space with strangers however this may not be the spot for you. So, at this point I'm going to share some pro's and con's of the "GTH" the abbreviation I'm going to use in this review..

"What's special about Green Tortoise Hostel?"
Well, I will tell you, I like the fact that "Green Tortoise" is also a travel agency as well, if you're looking at planning a trip to different places in the US, they have a few locations and you could go through them for all your travel and in some cases "party" needs. So you're really getting a two for one special. In my stay I did meet plenty of people from across the US and other parts of the world. In my dorm I met a person from Texas and another one from Colorado. They have different events planned for everyday that you visit, and the atmosphere is kinda like a college one if you're into that. Another things to note is everything here for the most part is Coed, so you wouldn't want to be alarmed if you go to your room and someone of the opposite sex is roomed with you, if that isn't your type of hype, maybe you should skip the "GTH".

"What you should expect...."
You should expect decent service, basic amenities, everything of course self service within reason of course. Clean dorm rooms, cool people and a pretty convenient location. There is a restroom and shower on every floor (these are private) and every room can only be entered via using the provided code you get at the desk. Top or bottom bunks are assigned on a request bases so if you're particular, then you may want to make sure that you contact them prior to your visit. Also, if you live in the Bay Area and other parts of Northern California....I got lucky I was allowed to stay, but they will turn you away as they try and cater to mostly out of state guests usually and those from other countries. So bascially you can't stay here normally unless you perhaps visit one of their other locations in another state, something that wasn't stated on their website. So research ahead of time definately to avoid not being admitted. Or you could also call ahead to see what exceptions may apply.

"Conclusion"
Green Tortoise Hostel:
The "GTH" sits off Broadway in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood. It's near all that's happening in that area and close to other areas you may want to visit in SF, especially if you're an out of towner. Soma, South Beach, Russian Hill, Pier 39 and Chinatown are also not too far away.

Service:
Pretty run of the mill service, wasn't over the top, but also wasn't bad either. Was made aware of the policies after I booked my room but was given the acception which I was happy about, but also disappointed about seeing that the price and location was just right for me.

Price Range:
The price varies, the basic dorm room is $45 dollars a night, but you also pay a difference based on if you want more privacy and or you want to be housed with just men or women. On their website you get more details on that.

First time staying at a hostel--check-in was smooth, got a voucher for parking offsite for $25 a day, used Goki app for Bluetooth key opening of front door and dorm door. Lots of stairs! (4 flights including entrance). The 3-person dorm room was clean with firm mattresses, down comforter, a fan in the window, sink, 2 mirrors, individual reading lamps, and 1 chair. You have to bring your own lock for the lockers underneath. Single occupancy toilets and showers in the hallways. Lots of fun activities for people staying there, and free breakfast (get there early for more selection). Walking distance from public transportation, restaurants, bookstores,etc. The staff is friendly and happy to answer questions about fun stuff to do locally. Late night noise just because of the area, but the window fan drowns out some of it if you need to get to sleep. Can't beat the price!

I highly enjoyed my stay and think this joint is amazing. The staff here is down to earth and helpful!

I loved this location of the Green Tortoise. So many things within walking distance. The staff was friendly and helpful. The only thing you should be aware of is if you're mobility challenged you have to climb stairs. There's no elevator. Other than that a great place to stay for someone on a budget.

It was a very wonderful place to stay in and was in great shape. I especially loved the common area the beautiful windows in the morning with some breakfast is to die for. Comes w a fan in the room and blow dryer. Also for parking we went to the north beach garage it's right next to a police station!

Stay in downtown San Fran for less than $100 a night? Yes you can! I found this hostel on Airbnb listed as a private room for $96 but after the Airbnb Service Fee of $12 and Occupancy taxes $15 it was around $125. I'm guessing you can save a few bucks by booking directly.

Check in is at 4pm but we uber'd over around 7pm. Make sure you notify them if you'll be checking in past 8pm, however know the desk is open 24 hours. The front desk was busy but quick and friendly. I was given a green lanyard key for the private room which also serves as your entry pass for the front desk folks as you go in and out of the building. They mentioned if you lose the key theres a $25 fee so just keep it on your neck!

The private room was about 11x11 feet and was clean with a full size bed and TV. The bathroom and shower across the hall was also clean and I never had to wait. Note that there is a no eating or drinking policy anywhere besides the community hall. Its a big ballroom across from the front desk with a kitchen attached, pool table, piano, foosball table, and lots of eating space.

Some last details, towels are available for $1 rent and the vintage details all across the building make it cool. There's stained glass windows, a skylight balcony, original black and white tile, crown molding, crazy rainbow carpet, and mini chandeliers. The street corner, like many corners in SF, can hold a few homeless people. There's a great cafe up the road called Caffe Trieste and an Asian fusion place across the street.

The most amazing hostel in all of San Francisco, hands down. It has a lot of history, the staff are all experienced travelers and it's the best place to be with the rates and the area of North Beach / Chinatown with lots of great restaurants close by.

You can stay at the Hostelling Internationals in the downtown area and it will be crowded, and noisy. The Green Tortoise is in a true San Francisco historical building , gives free breakfast, has plenty of space , oh and did I mention a Sauna as well?

Just stay here already. Can't beat $33 a night really.

I love the Green Tortoise Hostel!! I stayed here in September 2010 for 5 days and am back this June for two nights. Not a lot has changed in this time. The staff is still very friendly, the atmosphere is fun and energetic, the breakfast is free, and the cost is low.

It's amazing to be here - my roommates in this time have been from Greece, France, Australia, Texas, USA, and more!

The bed is decent. Thin mattress but whatever. You can sleep okay enough. I stayed in a 4-bed dorm room. I love the storage units under the bed - I can fit one giant checked suitcase, one carry-on suitcase, and one backpack.

Free breakfast includes: fruit (oranges and pineapple when I was here), toast, bagels, oatmeal, eggs, and yogurt + orange juice.

The ballroom is a very large area with long tables, some booths, plus a large adjoining kitchen and pool tables.

The cost is superb and slightly more than a couple other hostels and then cheaper than some others as well. But overall the value is great!! With the free breakfast and various free/inexpensive dinner and drink options - you got it made!

Great staff! Daniel, Ness, and the kitchen Italian chef Eldilio (spell?) made it so special!

Ness was courteous, Daniel kept me company one late night and helped give me ideas for 80's music before my event the next day, and the cook was unforgettably the epitome of the what the hostel was, old timey, good food, and just sooooo friendly. I hope the hostel appreciates him. :)