Building 240, Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA 94123 Bus 30, 47, 49, 90, 91 (stop: Van Ness Avenue & Bay Street); 30, 30X (stop: Chestnut Street & Franklin Street) Tel (415) 771 7277 Websitewww.sfhostels.com/locations/fishermans_wharf.php
BUG Review
HI’s Fisherman’s Wharf youth hostel is inside Fort Mason, a former US army base that is now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It has an institutional feel, which is to be expected for a former army barracks – so it is hardly the most fun place to stay, but it does have a couple of benefits. It has free parking – something you won’t find in any other San Francisco hostel – and its waterfront location leads to brilliant views of Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. This hostel has a nice lounge with internet access ($2 for 20 minutes; free wireless) and downstairs there is a kitchen, a big dining room with table football and a small courtyard/outdoor dining area.
Price Dorm bed $24-29
Price includes breakfast Prices are in US dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
Pros:
gorgeous view of sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge
Cons:
school groups can overrun the place
LibbyF
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(3)
Atmosphere
(3)
Stayed here in May 2006. Girl scout troop was there at the same time with tons of giggling, noisy girls running from room to room and floor to floor. Ah well, that's part of hostel life.
The location is terrific. You can walk to Ghirardelli Square, the trolly, views of Golden Gate bridge, and nearby bus line. It's a great location on the northern tip of SF. If you are driving into the city, this is the hostel of choice because they offer a free place to park your car. (You'd probably have to pay $20 - $25 a day to park your car near any of the downtown hostels.)
The included breakfast is just 1 mug of coffee (no refills), 1 small glass of juice (no refills), and either 1 bagel or 2 toaster waffles. If you'll be in the hostel at breakfast time, go ahead and grab your free breakfast. Then go out and buy a second something for your real energy for the day.
Fort Mason has nice walking areas. Very green. And don't miss the flock of WILD parrots that hangs out near the hostel during the day. Really. There was even a documentary about them.
