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    Green Tortoise Hostel

    4.1 (161 reviews)
    Open Open 24 hours

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    View from corner common room

    Great, awesome, safe hostel. It's in a vibrant area in SF and walking distance to sights, cool neighbourhoods, restaurants, parks, bars etc. There are adult entertainment places nearby so be aware, but the bouncers end up keeping the entire area safe! Staff is friendly and knowledgable and the common areas are super welcoming. Kitchen & bathrooms kept clean and orderly. Splurged and reserved a single room & didn't have to strip the bed linens like you do for the common rooms. A little noisy cuz there are people out and about but Just remember it's not a hotel it's a hostel so know what to expect!

    Common Area of the Green Tortoise, complete with Arcade machines, foosball, conversation pit, and pool table
    James B.

    Always a great stay at the Green Tortoise. If you're looking for an affordable, cozy, and cool spot to stay in San Francisco you won't find any better than the Green Tortoise hostel. It has an amazing communal vibe, clean bathrooms, hot showers, and the most chill staff you'll ever meet. Feels like going to stay at your cool uncle or cousin's place. Large industrial kitchen and fridges for guests to use, bagels, coffee, and scramble eggs for breakfast. I come to town almost every year for the Game Developer Conference, and the Green Tortoise is my hidden gem I've found, just a short walk to the convention center and right by China town. I almost didn't want to write this review because I don't want everyone to know about this place, but they deserve it because they are so awesome 10/10 wouldn't dream of staying anywhere else when visiting San Francisco!

    Coco G.

    First time staying at a hostel--check-in was smooth, got a voucher for parking offsite for $25 a day, used Goki app for Bluetooth key opening of front door and dorm door. Lots of stairs! (4 flights including entrance). The 3-person dorm room was clean with firm mattresses, down comforter, a fan in the window, sink, 2 mirrors, individual reading lamps, and 1 chair. You have to bring your own lock for the lockers underneath. Single occupancy toilets and showers in the hallways. Lots of fun activities for people staying there, and free breakfast (get there early for more selection). Walking distance from public transportation, restaurants, bookstores,etc. The staff is friendly and happy to answer questions about fun stuff to do locally. Late night noise just because of the area, but the window fan drowns out some of it if you need to get to sleep. Can't beat the price!

    Outside Shot
    Tre S.

    "Green Tortoise Hostile" Humm....It's been a while, I know, I know it's the end of the year pretty much and I must admit I been busy. But some say "Better Late than Never" and here I am bringing you just that. Now on to the "Green Tortoise Hostel" I love the whole concept of this establishment, I love the almost Europe in the Bay Area concept and feel of this establishment. If you aren't familiar with what a "Hostel" is, and no I'm not talking about that creepy movie, you're totally safe here. I'm talking about the dorm style, low priced version of a "Hotel" this place is pretty amazing. If you don't like meeting new people or sharing your space with strangers however this may not be the spot for you. So, at this point I'm going to share some pro's and con's of the "GTH" the abbreviation I'm going to use in this review.. "What's special about Green Tortoise Hostel?" Well, I will tell you, I like the fact that "Green Tortoise" is also a travel agency as well, if you're looking at planning a trip to different places in the US, they have a few locations and you could go through them for all your travel and in some cases "party" needs. So you're really getting a two for one special. In my stay I did meet plenty of people from across the US and other parts of the world. In my dorm I met a person from Texas and another one from Colorado. They have different events planned for everyday that you visit, and the atmosphere is kinda like a college one if you're into that. Another things to note is everything here for the most part is Coed, so you wouldn't want to be alarmed if you go to your room and someone of the opposite sex is roomed with you, if that isn't your type of hype, maybe you should skip the "GTH". "What you should expect...." You should expect decent service, basic amenities, everything of course self service within reason of course. Clean dorm rooms, cool people and a pretty convenient location. There is a restroom and shower on every floor (these are private) and every room can only be entered via using the provided code you get at the desk. Top or bottom bunks are assigned on a request bases so if you're particular, then you may want to make sure that you contact them prior to your visit. Also, if you live in the Bay Area and other parts of Northern California....I got lucky I was allowed to stay, but they will turn you away as they try and cater to mostly out of state guests usually and those from other countries. So bascially you can't stay here normally unless you perhaps visit one of their other locations in another state, something that wasn't stated on their website. So research ahead of time definately to avoid not being admitted. Or you could also call ahead to see what exceptions may apply. "Conclusion" Green Tortoise Hostel: The "GTH" sits off Broadway in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood. It's near all that's happening in that area and close to other areas you may want to visit in SF, especially if you're an out of towner. Soma, South Beach, Russian Hill, Pier 39 and Chinatown are also not too far away. Service: Pretty run of the mill service, wasn't over the top, but also wasn't bad either. Was made aware of the policies after I booked my room but was given the acception which I was happy about, but also disappointed about seeing that the price and location was just right for me. Price Range: The price varies, the basic dorm room is $45 dollars a night, but you also pay a difference based on if you want more privacy and or you want to be housed with just men or women. On their website you get more details on that.

    Rules and information on back of private room door.
    Michelle M.

    Stay in downtown San Fran for less than $100 a night? Yes you can! I found this hostel on Airbnb listed as a private room for $96 but after the Airbnb Service Fee of $12 and Occupancy taxes $15 it was around $125. I'm guessing you can save a few bucks by booking directly. Check in is at 4pm but we uber'd over around 7pm. Make sure you notify them if you'll be checking in past 8pm, however know the desk is open 24 hours. The front desk was busy but quick and friendly. I was given a green lanyard key for the private room which also serves as your entry pass for the front desk folks as you go in and out of the building. They mentioned if you lose the key theres a $25 fee so just keep it on your neck! The private room was about 11x11 feet and was clean with a full size bed and TV. The bathroom and shower across the hall was also clean and I never had to wait. Note that there is a no eating or drinking policy anywhere besides the community hall. Its a big ballroom across from the front desk with a kitchen attached, pool table, piano, foosball table, and lots of eating space. Some last details, towels are available for $1 rent and the vintage details all across the building make it cool. There's stained glass windows, a skylight balcony, original black and white tile, crown molding, crazy rainbow carpet, and mini chandeliers. The street corner, like many corners in SF, can hold a few homeless people. There's a great cafe up the road called Caffe Trieste and an Asian fusion place across the street.

    Priscilla B.

    It was a very wonderful place to stay in and was in great shape. I especially loved the common area the beautiful windows in the morning with some breakfast is to die for. Comes w a fan in the room and blow dryer. Also for parking we went to the north beach garage it's right next to a police station!

    Breakfast in the ballroom
    Nicole H.

    I love the Green Tortoise Hostel!! I stayed here in September 2010 for 5 days and am back this June for two nights. Not a lot has changed in this time. The staff is still very friendly, the atmosphere is fun and energetic, the breakfast is free, and the cost is low. It's amazing to be here - my roommates in this time have been from Greece, France, Australia, Texas, USA, and more! The bed is decent. Thin mattress but whatever. You can sleep okay enough. I stayed in a 4-bed dorm room. I love the storage units under the bed - I can fit one giant checked suitcase, one carry-on suitcase, and one backpack. Free breakfast includes: fruit (oranges and pineapple when I was here), toast, bagels, oatmeal, eggs, and yogurt + orange juice. The ballroom is a very large area with long tables, some booths, plus a large adjoining kitchen and pool tables. The cost is superb and slightly more than a couple other hostels and then cheaper than some others as well. But overall the value is great!! With the free breakfast and various free/inexpensive dinner and drink options - you got it made!

    Esther J.

    BED BUGS in bed 2B!!! I have never left a 1 star review before but after jumping out of bed early in the morning from itching my legs to find eight bed bug bites I definitely will not be returning here. Fyi I shower just before going to bed every night and there was absolutely nothing on either of my legs. This didn't seem to be an unusual occurrence as the front desk staff gave me a whole rundown and knew exactly how to deal with the situation, however, refused any refunds as they were "unable to locate any bugs"?! I guess the bites on my legs weren't enough evidence? It probably also doesn't help that the whole place is covered in old carpet for any bugs to travel across the entire hostel. Although staffs were friendly the itch and redness from the bites will last weeks and the whole experience is not worth saving a few dollars compared to alternative places to stay.

    Jim S.

    This place FN rocks! Wild and fun area filled with great restaurants. Short jaunt to the pier. Free breakfast and dinner... $70 per night Double Occupancy. Not for conservative people. Great for those who want to live a little and catch a great experience. Rekindle that high school flame like the days when you were broke. Highly recommended! #vino2ultimate #vinosquared

    Sturdy bunk beds, deep lockers, random sink. What more could you want
    Caylynn H.

    *No bed bugs, no gross bathrooms (I saw housekeeping people and carts around quite often) *Cheap women's dorms *Reasonably helpful staff (different types of folks working the front, each with their own disposition, but tolerating and helping me when I got panicky after losing my phone gives them a five star rating) *I never had to wait to use a bathroom (plenty of bathrooms with showers on each floor) *GT has free breakfast w/out vouchers! *Safe (Yes, it's smack dab in the middle of sex shops and strip clubs. Yes, there are homeless folk all over the city. But I was never menaced by anyone malicious despite being a lone lady late at night, and the neighborhood felt fine and was central to many local attractions) That's all I truly care about, but here are some other tidbits about the hostel. Check in and check out was a breeze, stripping your bed when you leave turned out not to be stressful at all. I had a room facing the atrium, and the noise wasn't too awful. I wound up not using the hoard of ear plugs I brought. The room could get miserably hot, though. Ask for a fan if there isn't already one in there. Every bed has its own reading light, and people come and go at all hours, so I found an eye mask essential. The industrial kitchen is great, and you gotta dig the GT three step dish washing process. I thought their system of using green key lanyards for identification/late night entry was reasonable and kinda fun. In short, I'm an introvert who just wants to use the can in peace, and even I really liked the Green Tortoise hostel.

    Working the Kitchen with Young Lady from New Zealand ---
    Andrew B.

    Green Tortoise: ! O, yes! It is the place for coming home from the wilderness, raw, cut and haggard. I do not feel to0, self-conscious here, as I adjust, nor will you. Even if your mind is still feeling the silence, and seeing images of streams, cliffs, trees and the animals. Your nose still filed with the scent of the earth...... memories of the sun's warm and the winds chill, the touch of new leaf. Here though at the Tortoise ---new scents, new ideas, new people and another glass of beer. Youth runs the scene, and the young of heart drink well of the times. From the woods to the city, is a change of magnitude. On a busy day, young eyes move about, the world still fresh, the meanings still open for debate and music still moves feelings, emotions and passions! Travelers talk, goes on, brag points travels, plans and who has shagged who or what is available Honestly, this Youth Hostel allows for a good amount of free ranging meetings and movement. **State Parks , You can easily get to from the Tortoise*** -------------------Mount Tamalpias State park via public transportation --------------------This Park is in walking Distance of Muir Woods: enroute camping 1) Golden Gate Ferry Bus: # 70 to Marin City 2) Take the Marin Stagecoach Bus # 61, the bus driver will drop you off at the trail head of Muir Woods 70 bus link--------http://goldengatetransit.org/schedules/current/route_70.php 61 bus link ----- marintransit.org/routes/... 3) Buses that will get you to the 61 Stagecoach ---70 10. buses leaving from SF more frequently ( SF Golden Gate Transit ) -------------------Samuel P Taylor State Park and Point Reyes National Park via Public transportation: 1) From Pine and Battery Streets: The 24 will take you right to Fairfax where you can pick up the 68 Stagecoach 24 bus: goldengatetransit.org/sc... 68 Shuttle bus: marintransit.org/routes/... For frequent buses take buses Golden Gate Transit: 70,, 10, 101 to San Rafael downtown bus hub. then pick up the 68 Stagecoach from there. Note in Fairfax is FROGS HOT Tub : frogshottubs.com - China Camp State Park Public transportation: 1) From SF, take Golden Gate Ferry Transit buses: 70, 101, 10 to Downtown San Rafael 2) Then Pick up Marin Transit shuttle # 233, to the end of the line. marintransit.org/routes/... 3) From here you need to walk about 1.25 miles or ride a bike. ---------------------By Sea And by Land to the National and State Parks 1) Go to the Ferry Building a 15 minute walk from the GREEN TORTES and get on the Larkspur Ferry: goldengateferry.org/sche... ----Remember Across the White Bridge at the Larkspur Ferry Landing is the Marin Brewing Company if you need food and beer. 2)- (For China Camp )or (Samuel P Taylor) take the # 29 Bus to Downtown San Rafael. marintransit.org/routes/... ( The Ferry Link below 10.50 one way) KNOWN as one of the BEST FERRRY Rides in the World ----don't mess it -- 15 minute walk from the Green Tortoise !!!! 3) Larkspur Ferry Schedule - Golden Gate Ferry goldengateferry.org 3) For (Mount Tam), From San Rafael, Take the bus # 17 to Mill Valley or just take bus numbers : 70, 80, 10, 36, 71 to Marin City and catch the stagecoach there. goldengatetransit.org/sc... Note: On the Freeway are Bus Pads, by your map you should be able to walk there fast, more buses there---all the major ones. -------------------------Santa Cruz via public transportation: 1) Take the Caltrans train from the ball park to San Jose downtown station. 2) From San Jose pick up the Highway 17 Bus: scmtd.com/routes/schedul... 3) This will take you to Downtown Santa Cruz, the Youth Hostel is a 15 minute walk from here. ---------------------------------------To Monterey Take the CalTrans Bus all the way there: 1) tickets.amtrak.com/itd/a... -----------To Big Sir, From Monterey mst.org/wp-content/media...

    hanging in the ballroom

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    2 months ago

    I love this hostel. Been staying here for over ten years when I visit San Fran and it never fails to exceed my expectations.

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    Ted B.

    James you are the best guest ever!

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    I highly enjoyed my stay and think this joint is amazing. The staff here is down to earth and helpful!

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    Ted B.

    You're the best Shawn, can't wait to see you again.

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    Green Tortoise Hostel Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Green Tortoise Hostel

    Are you wheel chair friendly?

    It's an old historical building with multiple flights of stairs, including from the front entrance to the main floor. Unfortunately, there are no elevators and the rooms/ restrooms are not wheelchair accessible.… Read more

    Do they allow skateboards in the bedroom locker? I'm planning on going and using it as my transportation lol too poor to afford Uber?

    Hi Luis, That's no problem at all! We have large individual lockers in the dorm rooms you are… Read more

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    Review Highlights - Green Tortoise Hostel

    This was the first hostel I have ever stayed in and it was quite an experience.

    Mentioned in 8 reviews

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    Absolutely horrible experience--please note that staying here comes with hidden costs!…read more I was looking forward to staying here because of the location and cheap price; $80/night in SF over the weekend is definitely a hard find. However, from the very beginning to end ranged from confusion, annoyance, to plain nightmare. The check in process was confusing and and cumbersome. I was given no check in information, and there was no front desk. The intercom at the front door did not even work, and I had to call their actual "front desk" who apparently said they did not have my information on file and made me go through these annoying steps just to find my hotel room key in a lock box. The most frustrating and nightmarish experience came the next day when I lost the hotel room key (a physical key). I called the "front desk" several times but received no answer then finally got one after about 10 minutes. When I told the man at the "front desk," he told that he would have to speak to the housekeeper. After waiting for another 10 minutes, he informed me that I would be getting fined $200 for the lost room key, which is plain ridiculous, since they didn't have a replacement key (other than the housekeeper's key). I understand a $25 or $50 fee for a lost key but $200 for a freaking key???! After waiting for about 40 minutes total, he finally walked over with my replacement key and begged me not to lose it since that would mean the housekeeper can't even get in (how laughable). What's worse was that the other guests were able to use their phone or a passcode to get in since all the room had e-locks. When I asked the man at the "front desk" why I needed a physical key, he said that not all of the e-locks were working--including the one for my room. What a load BS. A horribly dingy hotel that can't even get its most basic sh*t together. Stay at this incompetently run hotel at your own risk or better yet find much better options.

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    Samesun - San Francisco - Photo #9009

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    4.3(11 reviews)
    1.1 miMarina/Cow Hollow

    Excellent location, felt safe. Short walking distance to various destinations, like pier 39,…read moremarina, etc. The hotel is a mix of hostel and hotel. The building is old, but it's well maintained, clean and safe. I rented a room with private bathroom that happened to be on the 3rd floor. It was a spacious room, with 1 queen bed, a bunk bed (for 2), small fridge, TV, safe box. It's quiet at night, with comfortable bed mattress. The free breakfast and free parking are awesome amenities. The breakfast is simple, but better than many continental breakfasts from chain hotels (there are fresh donuts, coffee, orange juice, yogurt) until 9am. Two covered parking lot in the same building, elevator accessible. Service desk personnel was friendly and casual. The check-in desk closes at 2am (call to get updated information) Note that the hotel's website states that they don't accept guests from local address. If you leave in or near San Francisco, call to make sure you'll be accepted

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    Samesun - San Francisco - Full moon over Golden Gate Bridge from top room

    Full moon over Golden Gate Bridge from top room

    Samesun - San Francisco - Photo #9009

    Photo #9009

    Samesun - San Francisco

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    PodShare - San Francisco - Lounge area

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    4.4(8 reviews)
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    This is the Pod Share in Marina District in San Francisco. I stayed here for 1 night and it's one…read moreof the nicer neighborhoods in SF. Let's go through pros and cons and why the 1 star off. If you're a low budget traveler, bring your own power bank and don't need to plug in a laptop or work from cafes, then this will work for you. It's about $35 a night here on a weekday. Pros: 1. Great location at Marina District. Walkable to many northern parks and Marina District shopping/dining area. Walkable to many coffee shops and Body Temp Yoga...there were several yoga studios nearby. 2. Clean, cool, fresh vibe. It was spacious and had lots of light. 3. Outdoor garden - to relax, smoke. There is a pond and the sound of running water is so relaxing. Looks like some cruiser bikes were there either for you to borrow...not sure. 4. The common dresser area had alot of amenities such as sunblock, hair spray, aloe if you get sunburned, deodorant, hair gel, lotion, face lotion, etc. 5. Safe - the neighborhood and the tenants/guests seemed nice 6. TV at each pod - don't know if it works, I didn't use 7. Upstairs conference room for working, taking calls, I saw someone gaming in there. Also there is a TV couch lounge to work or take calls. Cons: 1. Can't really work here unless you bring your own power. Most of the POWER OUTLETS and USB OUTLETS DO NOT WORK. I tried all in the common downstairs work area, and plugged into a few empty pods that were not mine. Tried the sofa/tv room upstairs as well. One USB outlet worked in common downstairs area. 2. There are 17 pods (beds) and 2 bathrooms. If you are waking up from 5:45a to 9:30a, you will have to wait. When I stayed, only 10 or 11 pods were occupied, and the bathroom was not accessible. I booked a yoga class nearby at Body Temp Yoga (ashtanga style). It's a 3 minute walk, just use restroom there, or figure something else out. 3. Only 1 shower inside the gender neutral restroom. There were perhaps one person who smelled of BO, like they didn't shower for a long time, and you can smell them 15 feet away. Not the fault of the Sharepod. 4. If you check in after 10p, all the lights are out. If you check in after 11pm, there are additional procedures. Just keep it in mind. 5. Parking - didn't see a parking lot. I took BART and rideshares, so not a problem for me. 6. You're in a big open room with 17 people. I rather have a place like Orange Hostel, where its 4 females to a room and 4 persons share 1 restroom. They wake up at 5:45a. If you're a light sleeper, this will not work for you. I'm a heavy sleeper and I woke up. 7. Last thing, the blanket was so small it covered only half my body. Use your coat to cover the other half. lol. At least they ran the heat in the beginning of the night and the place ran warm (even for me who likes hot yoga). It may get chilly in winter, so bring you wool layers and socks. Will I stay here again? For the location maybe. If I can figure a better power outlet situation to charge laptop and cell phone, and access to restroom. Also, I like being closer and walkable to Financial District and Chinatown.

    Photos
    PodShare - San Francisco - Outside door before check in.

    Outside door before check in.

    PodShare - San Francisco
    PodShare - San Francisco

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    1.8(46 reviews)
    1.6 miSoMa

    Hostel offers shared bedrooms ..means traveling students no kids ..called "European hostel" for…read morewhat reasons ..travel dorm ...San Francisco sunny and easy to access ..old fashioned ..not called a hotel ..same purpose extra: there is a rooftop view and terrace...ragged but spectacular rooftop...homey house kitchen and cabin wood...cabin sized hostel...rooftop has an abandoned bedroom to see..404 haha

    Unprofessional Manager / Horrible Customer Service…read more I stayed at European Hostel in San Francisco (SoMa area) and had a very disappointing experience because of the customer service and management. After working a 9-hour overnight shift, I received a phone call from the manager at around 10. Instead of speaking respectfully, he insisted yelling at me over the phone about their policies and claim I broke policy and threaten me Regardless of their rules, calling a guest at 9am and speaking to them aggressively is completely unacceptable and unprofessional. If there was an issue with my stay, it could have been handled calmly. I then arrived to check out after staying there already for 2 nights he proceeds to inform me that I broke the policy rules overstaying my visit. To which I asked him why not address me about when I checked in two days previously. He then proceeded to yell at me aggressively not have a respectful tone and give me the respect to have a conversation man to man. But instead act like a child and yell and cut me off while I was talking thinking I was trying to argue with him. He Then added he had proof so when I asked him for his proof that I knew I was wrong and intentionally over stayed my visit he kept telling me why should I show you and kept ordering me to leave instead of doubling down. The way the manager handled the situation was disrespectful and made me feel uncomfortable. I would not recommend this hostel to anyone looking for a peaceful stay or respectful staff. The customer service here was one of the worst I've experienced.

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    European Hostel - Filthy stairs

    Filthy stairs

    European Hostel
    European Hostel - View from our window. See the meth pipe?

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    View from our window. See the meth pipe?

    Green Tortoise Hostel - hostels - Updated May 2026

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