Attreyee
December 18, 2023
First the pros: clean and quiet room, nice location, very close to Union Square.
The cons: 1) There is no physical key to the room. You have to download a phone app. So, non-smartphone users, this place is not for you.
2) Extremely uncooperative staff: There are no human beings at the reception to help you. Everything is done over the phone. I had already paid $100 to reserve the room. However, when I reached the hotel after a 24 hour long flight, I was told that I will only be issued a key if I make a full amount. When I tried using the website link to pay, both my credit cards were declined. The person on the phone was adamant that I would not be allowed in unless the full amount is paid immediately. Finally, I had to call a friend overseas to make the payment.
3) It was cold in December in San Francisco. The heater in the room didn't work. The additional lock on the door didn't work. To top it all, the shower did not work. When I requested a room change, it was declined. I then requested an option to take a shower in one of the empty rooms. That too was declined. I was understandably upset. In response, I was accused of being rude and that I was "yelling", none of which was true. There was a common shower right next to my room, the existence of which was never revealed to me.
4) Tiny room
The maintenance staff, however, were a blessing. They provided me with portable heaters, extra blankets and told me of the shower next door. Without them I would have been lost.