I was suspicious of staying at hostels due to the complaints that dormmates were shady, stole belongings, low quality, etc - but the key word here is "was." The Adelaide completely changed my mind about hostels! While it is located in the dreaded Tenderloin, it's actually near the border of Union Square and the Tenderloin, and is brightly lit/populated with people/traffic so you don't have to worry about any danger. I didn't see any of the usual druggies or get harassed by homeless people that I met in the Tenderloin. There are also some crazy good restaurants and bars that are open until 3 am. The front desk is open 24/7, and while check in starts at 2 pm, you can tell them you'll come in later so they know to keep your room for you. I explored a bit and there is a common room. It's quite big and there are many couches/chairs and books to use. I really adore the decor and it's incredibly lovely. There is a doorway that leads into the patio and garden, which is even better! It's a private, secluded spot full of flowers and cushy chairs to read or map your adventure. There are five computers in the lobby for guest use and the internet is super fast. You can use Chrome, Firefox, or IE unlike the Dakota which offers slow IE only. Printing is $1.50/page and there are posters explaining how to print your stuff like tickets. I walked around the kitchen, and it's not as nice at the Dakota's, but it does appear to be bigger and have more fridges for keeping food. For people getting there via car, it is HIGHLY difficult to get in there, especially with the hills and traffic. The sign is a bit hard to see as it's not marked from the main street, and the entrance is actually in a mildly shady alley. Helpful note: book DIRECTLY on their website for the cheapest rates. You're not only helping the hostel get the most profit (thus helping them maintain it), but you also avoid handling fees from third parties. Of course, it's totally cool to use sites like hotels.com or cheaptickets.com, etc, to check prices, but you will always get the best deal and service by booking with them. This is because my Chinese dormmate and I were talking about the costs of living in SF (she was going to be here for 3 months), and she was upset I got charged $40/night ($46.50 with taxes) while her booking company charged her $50/night ($56.50 with taxes). Second helpful note: they have an agreement with an airport shuttle service and if you tell them in advance (even just a few hours), they can arrange for you to be picked up in the lobby and dropped off directly at the airport for $9. The driver was really nice even if his English wasn't too good and he helped carry my bags to the car. The BART Station nearby costs about $8.75 to get there, but it still is a hefty walk up/down hills, so I'd definitely shell out the $9 and have everything driven. The shuttle arrived about five minutes early, so it's safe to assume they are very on-time. Do listen to the posters that say you should be in the lobby ten minutes early! Third helpful note: The check out is at 10 am, but you can have your luggage safely stored (they lock the doors/have a backroom for laptops) while you explore SF before your shuttle comes. All in all, it's a really great place to stay for a low price if you're going to be in San Francisco where even the motels are around $100/night. read more

The Adelaide Hostel and Dakota Hotel in San Franciso, California. I paid money to the Adelaide Hostel and the Dakota Hotel for a bed to sleep in for a night. There were San Francisco locals there who work for the Green Tortoise. A guy named Stan who I have heard say is a lawyer working for the Green Tortoise Hostel and used to take guests to bars for the Green Tortoise Hostel in San Francisco, California and a lady who went by the name Dina, the former housekeeping manager for the Green Tortoise Hostel. When I was transferred from the Adelaide Hotel to the Dakota Hotel, Stan, who I remembered working at the Green Tortoise Hostel, was also at the Dakota Hotel. The Adelaide Hostel and the Dakota Hotel are quiet hostels at night. The USA Hostel on Post Street is a great all around facility, but had a hostels maher who seemed to be trying to be a character actor acting like the manager at the Green Tortoise Hostel in San Francisco, California. I do not know what hostels to recommend in San Francisco, California. The hostels in San Francisco, California in the year 2015 all seem like corrupt places where people try to manipulate girls to make out with them. I like fruits and vegetables. I feel hostels are important to the Earth's human societies. hostels are businesses where travelers pay money for shelter. Hostel workers interact with guests a professional way. I feel city governments know who hostel workers are because their interaction with world travelers is important. Hostels are important. I like hostels and feel if there are going to be bad workers at hostels who call other hostels and complain about guests to other hostels who have to listen to ignorant hearsay, then maybe some kind of legal actions should be made to ensure an entire cities hostel business is not corrupt. I feel character actors in society should be addressed as character actors. The average Midwestern American and average Californian seem to be around the same intelligence. The Californians have a lot of business opportunities and can use their money and Californianess to impress Midwesterners who would otherwise call them dumb. I am a musician, girls and I arouse each other all the time. When girls are interested in me sexually, their interest seems to be transferred with computer technology to other guys who might not have the experience of practicing music hours a day. I think these are girls who did not see The Grateful Dead or Phish and are not used to the jamband parking lots where people smoke marijuana and play drums and the are women's groups making sure the women are treated with respect. They get offered freebase marijuana and feel cool and act dumb to get freebase marijuana when freebase marihuana in my opinion is not cool or respectful of the cannabis plant to try before trying regular cannabis. I would rather pay money for fruit juice on paper paintings from girls with hairy armpits who like regular marijuana than girls who only freebase marijuana. I like fruits and vegetables. read more

I found the Adelaide sometime in mid-2009. I was visiting San Francisco for a concert, and followed an online tip to their doorstep. It was a very comfortable stay, and they've continued to provide top-notch service in my many short stays there. Unlike some hostels I've revisited, the low rates have stayed exactly the same for five years. Thats amazing. I've since moved to Oakland, but when the town is too quiet I go to the city to rage, knowing I'll have a warm bed (recently with outlets and little lamps right next to them) that isn't too far from where I'm acting a fool in the midst of a blackout. The people are solid and laid back. I don't know if Rico is still there but he was hilarious, Teresa is charming and always has some hidden gem of a musician playing when shes working the lobby, PJ is the seasoned manager that lets giddy drunk international hostellers be giddy drunk international hostellers without letting the scene devolve into savagery. And then there's Will. I've known Will since my earlist visits; More often than not I'll stumble outside in the morning for a cigarette and he'll be there cleaning and stuff. His chill-ness is as unparalleled as his work ethic, he leads a great bar crawl on the weekends and he always has time to talk and shoot the shit even as hes working. I guess it also helps that we're both musicians of sorts. You can find him in various joints in the Financial/Tenderloin district under the name Billy Haste. I don't mean to go off on a tangent about Will, hes just been a fixture here for as long as I can remember. Him leaving would be as big a change as the new bunks with the curtains, except it would be a shitty change because the new beds are awesome. Anyways. Thank you, Adelaide Hostel, for holding me down in my times of need, whether I had just got off tour and needed to sleep ASAP, or was homeless and you let me stay even though I didn't have $10 for the key deposit, or when I wanted to go to the city and ball out even though I had a nice place in the East Bay. Thank you for not tripping about me waking up 10 minutes after checkout, as I tend to do. Rock on, and I'll see you guys on the next round. -Alex edit: for those complaining about bedbugs, stuff laundry sheets all up in the crevices of your luggage so you don't bring them back with you when you go home. theres not much you can do about them already being in the bed. suck it up, stop being a wuss and enjoy your $27 bed with wine cheese and breakfast. read more

I arrived at 3am and receptionist Sean welcomed me in with an empty bed for an affordable price. Clean rooms all around. Friendly environment. Free breakfast from 7am-10am! There was a man by the name of William Hessler who took everyone who wanted to go out to local music shows and another night he DJed for a local wine and cheese fest around the block at a sister hostel. Very nice man and I recommend his tours and event to anyone looking for a nice time in the the amazing San Fran. Thank you Will and thank you to all the guests and employees for an eye opening, heartwarming, brand new experience. Props to Rico for holding it down in the kitchen every morning (Rico when I come back you better be dancing through the kitchen!) Word up to Raymond for working long shifts for the good of mankind and for the chocolate wine! Thanks to the receptionist who helped me make a hitch hiking sign! ( I made it! ) To the owner whom I forgot the name of for understanding my situation! Thank you to the sheet washers and bathroom cleaners who woke me up with giggles the morning of and after my birthday! ( the Italian and the Guatemalan (thank you to the guatemalan for the wonderful walk, your song, and inspiration, and your success at helping me not to worry.) You know who you are.) Mem, Paul, and Ariar (however you spell your name) thank you for the friendship. Thank you to all the skeptics who had faith in the new young blonde kid (me) who looks like the other young blonde kid who stole his way through the hostel a couple weeks prior to my arrival. Good timing I guess. Lessons to be learned for everyone! Hah! And thank you Good God for providing my life and other's lives with the blessed experiences before, during, and after the week of Halloween! Love, Nicholas Pellet Stenberg p.s. I'll be back someday... p.s.s. Elli if you see this, look for my e-mail in that notebook of yours and send me a message you sweet sweet girl!!! read more

I came here on recommendation from a friend. I recently worked over the summer at a kids camp and wanted to spend my last week in the states traveling. I ended up here after a friend from home stayed last year and told me how cool it was. I was not disappointed! I arrived with a boat load of luggage as I had a whole summers worth (and id accumulated a lot of junk and souvenirs too) and i was worried about fitting it with me. However! the guy on the desk was lovely, and not only allowed me to store 5 large cases, but also helped me carry them to the storage room across from the hostel. The staff really were great, especially when i accidentally broke the lock on my locker. I thought i would be in trouble or at least have to pay to have it replaced but they made no issue and had it fixed the same night :) The hostel itself was clean, very spacious (a large lounge with lots of comfy seats, and a large dining area with kitchen). The place in which its located was hard to find at first as its located on a small street off of the main streets. This was a plus though as I didn't hear any road traffic at all. I stayed in an all female dorm but seeing how each bed has its own little privacy curtain and stuff i wouldn't have minded being in a mixed dorm after all. The wifi was fast enough to stream netflix (a huge factor lol) They have laundry facilities on site, i think it was around $2 to wash and 2 more to dry, and you need quarters but the same guy at the front desk helped me with that and gave me some change. Other than the hostel, i have to say san francisco was just magical. Theres no place like it that ive ever been too and i wish i was there more than the couple of says id booked. Me and some friends have planned to come back and make a real vacation out of it, and we will definitely be staying at the adelaide hostel! read more

I have been a guest at every Hostel in San Francisco CA., and the Adelaide Hostel has got to be the best in my humble opinion. Not only is the Adelaide just a block from Union Square, but it's just down the hill from Nob Hill~I mean every popular spot in San Francisco that visitors love are within walking distance of the Adelaide, or close to the cities very good public transit system~for real! The mix of international guests staying at the Adelaide is awesome, for if having worthwhile conversations with people from different cultures is your forte~then the Adelaide Hostel is for you! Personally I love this spot, and following are even more reasons why: The common areas are always very clean, and this includes the plethora of restrooms and shower closets available for guests. They staff at the Adelaide work very hard to assure you are very comfortable and safe, but you have nothing to worry about because the Adelaide is in an affluent area of SF, so if you want to spend three or four hundred dollars, or even more on a room that you actually spend very little time in~I mean in actuality you basically just shower and sleep in your chosen hotel~well you have that right, but if you're a frugal and wise traveler such as myself~save your money for the important things that encompass travel and book a stay at the Adelaide for your future visit to San Francisco! You'll be pleasantly surprised by this diamond in the rough... read more

Don't go to a hostel expecting a hotel. With that in mind, the Adelaide is a 5 star hostel. The staff is friendly and helpful in a human way, not the forces friendly of "customer service." The bed is great because you have a berth with lighting, curtain, outlets, and locker. Much more comfortable and relatively private than other hostels I've stayed at with metal bunk beds. The location is safe. The hostel is clean and Well maintained. Their claim to the best free breakfast in SF is not an understatement. One caveat, I found the locker to be too small in height for any of my luggage: neither the standard checked bag or the standard carry-aboard fit. I just put my valuables on the locker and left the clothes and such in the bag and tucked it out of the way. Next time I'll bring a bike lock to secure them better. Mostly people just left their valuables lying around and I didn't hear of anything being stolen. Several reviews mention bed bugs. I have stayed here twice, once in the 12 bed Golden Gate room (top bunk) a year ago, and this time I was in bottom bunk # 10 in the Alcatraz room, and neither time did I experience any such thing or hear of any other guest being bitten. I call shenanigans on this claim, unless it was a past problem that has been rectified. The fact is that any place could have a outbreak, including $300 hotels. If it was ever a problem here, I sincerely believe they corrected the problem. read more

Best hostel in San Francisco! Amazing common room with fun decorations, cozy beds that allow you privacy (with curtains to pull closed) and your own shelf and reading light, so you feel like you're getting your own mini-room! The staff were really friendly and helpful in pointing out the best places to go in San Francisco and the best days for discounts at certain museums. Everything was clean, and on top of everything else you get a free, huge breakfast, that blows away breakfast served in any other hostel I've been to, or hotel for that matter. Forget a few pieces of bread with packets of jam and butter; they had baskets of every different kind of bread and bagel, with full jars of fruit preserves (blueberry, strawberry, apricot, etc.), as well as cream cheese and butter AND Nutella. Not only that, but there was fresh orange juice, fresh fruit, and someone cooking awesome homemade oatmeal. And you can eat outside on a garden patio! I was duly impressed. And stuffed. Breakfast held me over until dinner, when the hostel served homemade pasta and salad... FREE! They feed you well, they give you a comfy bed to get a good night's sleep.... it's practically a home, except one without nagging parents and filled with tons of cool travelers instead. So, I'm sold-- and I'll definitely be staying again. Thanks for the great times, Adelaide! read more

I knew this place when it was run by different management back in the 1970's... and believe me, this is an AMAZING improvement. PJ has done such an excellent job making this the most comfortable, smooth running hostel in all of San Francisco. I have stayed in all of them! I am older than the usual traveler but have traveled the world and stayed in many, many hostels..the Adelaide is far and above what one needs for comfort, privacy and security. The bunk-rooms are built with privacy in mind.. curtains and a shelf with a light and plugs for phones/computer... below the bunks are secure storage (large) that also comes with a plug so you can securely charge up your laptop or whatever and lock it up at the same time... while going out to enjoy the varied pleasures of San Francisco. You will not find a friendlier staff, a more comfortable and affordable place anywhere near San Francisco. If there are any problems at all, the staff is right on it!... If you need a room change, they do their best to get you into a room to relax. They have a strict no-smoking rule (outside patio for that) and you would never know this jewel exists at the very end of Isadora Duncan Ln., just off one-way Taylor and Post streets. ENJOY SF without spending hundreds of $$ on hotel rooms! read more

The Adelaide Hostel, is a reasonably priced hidden gem of the "hostel" world right in the heart of San Francisco's hotel and tourism district. The property is conveniently located within walking distance of all of the city's most popular shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. It is a haven for International tourists from all countries and a melting pot of beautiful congregated experience all rolled into a very homey and comfortable setting place. Bar Crawls, Trivia Nights, Free Wine and Cheese and a variety of walking tours and convenient services are provided by an incredibly knowledgeable and hard working staff. The true local legend and most knowledgable and HOPEFULLY respected staff member at the hostel is William Hester. The man knows the Bay Area inside and out, is a talented DJ, party host, and well connected for drink and food specials all over the local area. He knows horoscopes, astrology, and reads signs from the Universe quite well. He made our weekend in the city with amazing kindness, respect and work ethic. The man deserves everyone's respect. Thanks Will and the Adelaide for an incredible vacation. We will be back for YOU someday! read more

The Adelaide Hostel is definitely on of San Francisco's "Hidden Gems". the dorm bunks start at about $30/night and the private rooms start at $77 plus tax. the dorms have bathrooms right across the hall and the rooms have private baths. there is a make it yourself complimentary lacto/ovo breakfast that has lots of fresh fruit. i suppose if you want meat you could bring it yourself. There is a small patio that has an abundance of flowering plants and is a nice place to sit and converse with you fellow hostelers. the lobby is well furnished and has lots of books. i saw what appeared to be a couple of internet connected computers, but having no need; didn't try them. i just stayed there two night last week and am going back for five more this weekend. it is a short walk to the Powell street cable car line. all cable cars are free from tomorrow until the end of the month. their address is 5 Isadora Duncan Ln(a narrow cul-de-sac on the west side of Taylor) up from Geary and down from Post. the phone # is (415) 359-1915 read more

I stayed at Adelaide while exploring SF for the first time. I was a little nervous about being a solo traveler and not knowing were to go and what to see. I'm from Pennsylvania and it was my first time in California, but the Hostel is a location close to all the fun things to do downtown. The staff was helpful in answering questions and giving recommendations on what to do. It's also great place to meet people who are staying in San Francisco from all over the world. I met a group of travelers from Sweden while chowing down the awesome breakfast at the hostel and we explored the city together one of the days I was there. One of the best parts Hostel stay was the pub crawl with one of the staff, Justin, he led a group of us through the city night life to some great bars and he made sure everyone was having a good experience. I would definitely stay at Adelaide again and recommend it to someone for the first visit in SF. read more

I went to the Adelaide hostel not knowing what to expect, but when I walked through the door it was a pleasant surprise. The place was clean, great location and has a very friendly staff(Thanks Tony). The shmoozing area was big and everyone seemed like they were young and hip, and there's a lot to do when your their like Trivia night, bar crawls, museum tours, and wine tasting, you may have to go to the Dakota hotel but that's a stones throw away from the hostel and prices are comparable. The staff is what really makes this place; reasonable people to help you get anywhere in the city with ease and even the people who clean your rooms are nice and do a really good job. Thank you to Amber and Matt for the clean rooms, my mother would have been proud. So if your ever in the Bay area and need a young,friendly,clean and informative hostel to crash...Save the time and go to the Adelaide hostel read more

From Bobby and William to PJ (one of the owners), to all of the staff, this is one awesomely run hostel. Clean and comfortable and designed "just right"... comfortable, roomy, bunks with lockable storage underneath, including a plug so you can charge your electronics while they are locked up! The bunks have privacy curtains, are a bit larger that twin XL and have a shelf with a light and a plug. You can snuggle away in your own little bunk world or get out and enjoy the crowd of travelers who mingle between the downstairs kitchen and the upstairs common area with couches and chairs and plenty of free computer use if you don't have your own... free WiFi too! It is the way I would design a hostel. The amenities are right in front of you at the Adelaide.. all the info you need to get to the many great spots in SF and around SF... I wouldn't gamble on any hostel in SF except the Adelaide! read more

What can I say. An amazing location literally minutes from the heart of San Francisco and within spitting distance of all the coolest restaurants, bars and shopping. The staff are really helpful and friendly and I felt like i was really welcome during my stay. They offer free breakfast every morning, and it's not what you'd expect from a free breakfast, it's BETTER! Nutella and a million different flavoured bagels? Yes please! I'd definitely recommend this to anyone on a budget looking for a safe clean and nice place for the night, (or in my case a week!) and I just want to address the review below from HS, are you really complaining and giving a bad review because a hotel wouldn't allow you to "crash" on there sofa for half the price of a room? To be honest I'd be worried if they did, your crazy! Anyway! I'll be back here for sure :) read more

Having stayed at other SF hostels over the last 3 years during my SF culture trips to attend performances (SF Ballet, Opera, theater, guitar, dance), I was thrilled to discover the Adelaide! And I hesitate to write just how great it is for fear it will be fully booked when I wish to stay there again. I could write a short novella and not cover all its good elements: location, price, large common areas, staff friendliness, cleanliness, great breakfasts, evening social events, rooms with lights over the bed, curtains closing off your space & a vanity sink, huge lockers, to name the main attractions. The only small downside is toilets & showers are shared, but there are plenty on each floor, always CLEAN! So rush, don't run to the Adelaide if you want a superb experience. I feel like I'm in Europe. read more

Adelaide Hostel San francisco was really great and had totally free internet computers and also free wifi. Adelaide had free computer internet workstations for all guests to use not like other hostels that have just internet access where when you go to log on you are then asked to give a credit card number. This alone impressed me but my room was exceptional with free Satelite TV microwave and fridge. Each morning a full free breakfast was provided and the choices of breakfast foods exceeded what most hotels have to offer. Each evening an optional evening dinner was provided and was really tasty and well worth checking out.(only $7) Thie Adelaide Hostel San Francisco is clearly run by people who know what the modern traveler needs and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting San Francisco. read more

I have travelled around the world, and have stayed in 100s of hostels. The Adelaide Hostel on Isadora Duncan Lane in San Francisco is one of the very best. First, the staff is professional, knowledgeable, and very friendly. The look and feel is early contemporary, clean, and quite the comfy lounging environment. Bathrooms are private- no group showering facilities (I hate that). 4 floors with WiFi an bathrooms on all floors. Laundry on site, food shopping center just 3 blocks away. The location is just three city blocks from Union Square, dead-center in the San Francisco art and shopping district, walk to everything. Great breakfast, walking tours, brand new kitchen with ample eating area, very private dorm beds, with bed & breakfast quality private rooms. A bit expensive, but well worth it. read more

This hostel is like a home from home for me. I was a bit nervous about staying in hostels for some of the reasons others have posted but then I realised it was a great way to discover the city, make friends and relax when I was tired. Such friendly people who work at the Adelaide and such a great building too, full of charm and comfort. It is in the heart of the city as well and I feel a very special connection to the place. Some days, I just don't want to leave as the best fun seems to be there. You'll meet great people and the rooms are super; clean and secure. I don't visit San Francisco as much as I'd like to do but certainly for me staying at the Adelaide is one reason to look forward to my next visit. read more