GoHotelly
3-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 11:00

The Herbert Hotel

Minimalist hotel with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and a restaurant in downtown San Francisco near Union Square and SFMOMA. Rated 3.6 with 576 reviews.

161 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States View on map
7.2/10
Good Based on 584 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Paid parking Air-conditioned Kid-friendly Restaurant
What recent guests emphasize

Balanced stays with practical amenities near Union Square

Recent guests note a convenient downtown location with minimalist rooms and reliable Wi-Fi, alongside some shared facilities and modest comfort levels.

Guests often praise

  • Central location close to Union Square and major attractions
  • Dependable free Wi-Fi throughout the property
  • Kid-friendly atmosphere in a historic 1909 building
  • Minimalist, clean accommodations with air conditioning
  • Onsite restaurant offers convenient dining options

Worth knowing

  • Bathroom options include shared or en suite, which may affect comfort
  • No pool, fitness center, airport shuttle, or pet accommodations available
  • Parking is paid and not included with the stay
  • Guest ratings are mixed overall, reflecting basic amenities and some compromises
  • Smoke-free policy enforced, suitable for nonsmokers

Best for

  • Visitors seeking affordable, simple lodging in downtown San Francisco
  • Travelers prioritizing proximity to shops, museums, and public squares
  • Families looking for kid-friendly accommodations with basic amenities
  • Guests who value minimalist style over luxury services
Compare booking partners

Open this hotel on the platform you trust.

GoHotelly doesn't process bookings — we open this property on each partner so you can compare live rates, cancellation rules and loyalty perks side by side.

Some links are affiliate — if you book, GoHotelly may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure.

About this property

Welcome to The Herbert Hotel

Located at 161 Powell St in the heart of San Francisco, The Herbert Hotel offers minimalist accommodations in a historic 1909 building. The rooms feature either shared or en suite bathrooms and include air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property. Suitable for travelers seeking practical and straightforward lodging, the hotel is kid-friendly and smoke-free, though it does not allow pets.

The property is well positioned near Union Square, a lively public square surrounded by shops, restaurants, and entertainment, making it an ideal base for visitors who want to explore downtown San Francisco. Popular attractions such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Alcatraz Island are easily accessible, providing ample opportunities for cultural and historic exploration. Various transportation options connect the hotel to nearby airports, including San Francisco International Airport, about 22 minutes away by car.

The Herbert Hotel's amenities include a restaurant and paid parking, though there is no fitness center or airport shuttle. Guest reviews, which average a rating of 3.6 from over 570 comments, suggest an experience that is functional but with room for improvement. The hotel's straightforward style and central location cater to guests mainly looking for convenience over luxury.

Nearby lodging options include The Bartlett Hotel and Guesthouse as well as HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel, which offer alternative standards and atmospheres within a short distance. Check-in begins at 3:00 PM with check-out by 11:00 AM, accommodating typical city traveler schedules.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Paid parking
Air-conditioned
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pool
Pet-friendly
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find The Herbert Hotel

Union Square, San Francisco, CA, USA

Bustling public square in the heart of downtown, surrounded by shops, hotels & restaurants.

  • Powell St & O'Farrell St 1 min Walk
  • San Francisco 24 min Walk
  • Powell St 3 min Walk
  • San Francisco International Airport 22 min Car · 47 min Transit
  • San Jose Mineta International Airport 54 min Car · 1 hr 56 Transit
  • Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport 30 min Car · 44 min Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in California. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Alcatraz Island 44,411 reviews

Alcatraz Island

San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

4.7 · Historical Place
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art 16,398 reviews

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

4.6 · Modern Art Museum
Union Square 37,246 reviews

Union Square

San Francisco, CA 94108, United States

4.4 · Historical Landmark
People also viewed

Similar Hotels in California

Hand-picked alternatives with a comparable feel, size and price band.

1008 S Main St, Lone Pine, CA 93545, United States

Best Western Frontier Motel

Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, outdoor pool & fitness center at Best Western Frontier Motel, near Alabama Hills and Lone Pine attrac...

4.4 (1,611) View
6221 Willow Crk Ave, Des Moines, IA 50321, United States

Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

Relax at Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport with free breakfast, WiFi, indoor pool, and shuttle. Close to Des Moines Intl Airp...

4.5 (1,392) View
5245 S I-35 Service Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73129, United States

Super Inn Motel

Super Inn Motel offers airconditioned rooms and free parking in Oklahoma City, near Will Rogers International Airport and major a...

2.9 (35) View
729 NW Coast St, Newport, OR 97365, United States

Inn at Nye Beach

Contemporary rooms with free breakfast & wine socials at Inn at Nye Beach, Newport. Steps from arts, shops, Oregon Coast Aquarium ...

4.6 (1,188) View
622 US-1, Prospect, ME 04981, United States

Rocky Ridge Motel

Stay at Rocky Ridge Motel, a 4star motel in Prospect, ME. Enjoy nearby attractions like Fort Knox and Penobscot Narrows Observato...

4 (22) View
451 Gateway Ave, Chambersburg, PA 17201, United States

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Chambersburg

Stay at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Chambersburg, PA. Enjoy chic suites, indoor pool, gym, near Caledonia State Park & top attra...

4.5 (420) View
1450 E Touhy Ave, Des Plaines, IL 60018, United States

Wyndham Chicago O'Hare

4star Wyndham Chicago O'Hare offers free airport shuttle, steakhouse, gym, and kidfriendly rooms. Steps from Allstate Arena, 2 m...

4 (1,647) View
S Bend Rd, Alton, VA 24520, United States

Villas at Southbend

Experience countryside comfort at Villas at Southbend Resort Hotel in Alton, VA. Enjoy free WiFi, kidfriendly villas, 2 restaura...

4.9 (64) View
Share your stay

Stayed at The Herbert Hotel? Help the next traveler decide.

Short, honest notes are more useful than long ones. A few sentences about what worked, what surprised you, and who the hotel is best for will go a long way.

Your email is only used to verify the review — it won't be shown publicly.