Phoenix Hotel, San Francisco

Phoenix Hotel - A 1950s rock n' roll motor lodge with a heated pool and music heritage

Located in the Tenderloin district between downtown's Civic Center, this historic San Francisco hotel features 44 rooms arranged around a palm-fringed courtyard pool. The Phoenix Hotel's 1950s motor lodge structure has hosted legendary musicians from David Bowie to Neil Young and Kurt Cobain. Each standard room includes floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the pool, 42-inch flat-screen TVs with DirecTV, and features white bedding with electric blue headboards and original pop art prints. Chambers Eat + Drink restaurant serves dinner and weekend brunch, displaying rare vinyl LPs on its walls and offering both indoor and poolside patio dining. Weekend activities include poolside DJ sets and dancing. The property provides free parking and weekday passes to a nearby Japanese spa. Key landmarks within 1 mile include the Asian Art Museum, Cable Car Museum, Chinatown, and Lombard Street.

Pros

Long-standing staff members offer expert local knowledge about music venues and dining spots

The secluded courtyard pool hosts regular events and parties

The on-site restaurant features an extensive vinyl record collection

Room rates include complimentary parking, unusual for central locations

Cons

The courtyard can be noisy during events and parties

Located in a gritty neighborhood area