Hotel Europa Hostel (San Francisco, USA)

Once you realize that this is a hostel ... not a hotel ... you'll appreciate the plus points more. Top of the list is the cost; designed for those on a strict budget. To find an economical place to stay, so close to Union Square, is a huge advantage. There's a host of other attractions within walking distance, including- two blocks away- the Moscone Center.

On hand to offer every assistance and advice on places to visit, the staff are exceptional. The owner too is very friendly. Rooms and bedding are clean and if the shared bathroom is along the corridor ... who cares!

Wow! It's only a 10 minute cab ride to Fisherman's Wharf and the Ferry Building Market Place.

There are no parking spaces here, plus there's a complete lack of communal areas to meet other guests and relax. There isn't even a kitchen in which to prepare snacks.

The nights are pretty dire here too. The surrounding area is frequented by huge numbers of homeless people and it's sad to say that all sorts of things, normally restricted to the bathroom, are done in the street. The area can feel quite menacing and is a real 'turn off'. The hostel itself does little to add to the neighborhood's profile.

The hostel isn't attractive and not very clean. Rooms aren't cleaned regularly, decorating is long overdue and there is that smell about the place that you find in properties that have been neglected. The lack of storage space makes the place look even worse than it would have done, otherwise.