I was fortunate to have two options when I was home buying. One was a place in Hayes Valley and the other was here at the Hamilton. I chose the Hamilton. Why? First of all, it's charm. She may be almost a century old, but she's still a beaut. The floor plan for the studio I ended up buying had great flow and was charming than the cookie-cutter units that these newer developments had. I love that I have an alcove for my bed, so the studio has more of a jr. 1 bedroom feel. Plus, there's the history - it used to be a hotel and there's a frame of celebrities that stayed here, including Frida Kahlo. Second, the community spaces. Other community spaces include the gym, lobby, and ballroom. The gym is small, but has pretty good equipment. It's included in the HOA, so no need to get a gym membership. The lobby is gorgeous. Once in a while, one of the residents who plays piano will play a tune so that plus the fireplace can be a really relaxing spot. I love the art deco vibes of the lobby and the rooftop deck. Speaking of which, has an excellent view of the skyline. The ballroom is used for meetings and parties. It includes a kitchen for caterers to use. Lastly, and more importantly, the community is awesome! Everyone here is incredibly nice, especially the staff. And my direct neighbors are super quiet. One neighbor who was renovating his space was kind enough to leave a gift as a thank you for my patience. And our HOA is very communicative and transparent. I know people will think living in the Tenderloin is a big negative. And while this neighborhood is gritty, there's also so many great things about it. The food is probably the best part. There are so many cuisines represented, from Thai, Mediterranean, Ethiopian, and even Chinese-Venezuelan. And it's centrally located. A 20-min walk can take you to Japantown, Chinatown, Russian Hill, or Soma, passing other great spots along the way. I really enjoy calling The Hamilton my home. I know these newer developments look nice, but tbh they remind me of college apartments. I wanted a place that was unique, just like the City of San Francisco herself. read more

I have lived in this fabulous building for 20 years in April. It's gorgeous and has a great community. I can't say enough about how happy I am here, despite the craziness of the pandemic, the city is definitely turning around. I'm a single female and feel completely safe. The community is great, a lot of parties, bbqs, movie nights and holiday parties! read more

I've lived in The Hamilton now for over 20 years. While the neighborhood has been kind of a roller coaster with the pandemic, we are seeing improvement. With that said living in this neighborhood is so unique because you have so many different cultures and nationalities living together. Then you add a beautiful 1930 art deco building that's very well maintained with very friendly residents. It's been a fantastic place to call home this whole time and I look forward to having it for many years forward. read more

The Hamilton Condominiums - Sky deck view - Condominiums Near Me - San Francisco, California

The Hamilton is by far the best home, besides my familial home, that I have had the luck and joy to call my own. I've lived in my condo off and on since 2009. From the first visit, I fell in love, and I will always be in love with this grand building. To start: My apartment. Bright and airy, its layout is particularly smart and comfortable. Three large windows open onto an evocative downtown view (a secret plus to living in the heart of the city). The unit is incredibly quiet and feels very private. The building itself is a jewel - an impressive 1920's Art Deco hotel turned condominiums. It's an imposing figure, really, with a penthouse on the top 21st floor. The historic foyer is beautifully preserved - like out of a movie set. Every winter, they somehow fit a real and very tall Christmas tree into the lobby. The earthy pine aroma is a certain mood brightener, and just gives me the comfort feels. And every time I walk through the door, I always feel welcomed and cared for by the staff. They have truly always been a great help to me. Living on the edge of the Tenderloin, I would really like it to be cleaner and less seedy, but to compensate, we are only a stone's throw from epic hotels, Union Square and Nob Hill. We've got the real downtown energy, and trendy eateries, like Skullery (coffee), Bandit (burgers), Jane Cafe and Hookers Sweet Treats bring it higher. Classic favs, like Bourbon and Branch and the various Thai and Indian restaurants, make the evenings fun - and spicy : ) After reading some of the negative reviews, I really wanted to share my experience. To me, this is a positively special place. read more

Absolutely love this building... fell in love with it the first time I walked in about 5-6 years ago. I had the fortune of snatching up a unit about four years ago and feel it was meant to be, both to live here and the unit I purchased. I still find myself pausing to take in the beauty of the lobby when coming home and am still processing that this is HOME. We make up a great, welcoming, and diverse community who truly appreciate this Art Deco beauty! read more

The Hamilton Condominiums - Condominiums Near Me - San Francisco, California

YIKES! I lived in this building over 20 years ago and sold my unit at a handsome profit. The neighborhood was terrifying back then, and now I can't even imagine. I wouldn't want to drive through it. There are something like 30 parking spaces, max, and all rented for years ahead. I was on the 7th floor. There were gaps between the floor and the outside walls. (Pull up the carpet and look for yourself). Place a ball on the outside wall and watch it rapidly roll across the room. This building is not safe! Its feng shui is totally out of whack! I've been gone for over 20 years and still have nightmares about this place. Couldn't wait to get out! Retired and moved to a 2,500 sq ft home with a sweeping view of Vancouver Island and Victoria B.C. Remember, "A beautiful lobby does not a happy home make." read more

I've lived in the Hamilton for 9 years and love it here! * The building is well run with 24hr front door staff, daily maintenance + cleaning staff, and an onsite building manager. They do a great job getting your packages, letting guests in, and keeping common areas nice & clean. * There is an unusual amount of common area, including a huge lobby, outdoor patio with gas grill, a ballroom / events room, a gym with brand new (2019) equipment, and a 16th floor roof deck with killer views. * The building is very centrally located. I walk 15 min to work downtown and love being able to do that. It's also right on the 38 line and 6 blocks from Powell St. BART. * The majority of folks in the building are really friendly, often saying hi and participating in quarterly social events that the building hosts. There's even a Facebook group for all residents (renters and owners) to stay in touch. * HOWEVER, this building is in the Tenderloin, in a transitioning area between deep TL/Civic Center & Nob Hill. It can be gritty and occasionally loud at night. I don't find it to be a big nuisance or unsafe, but it isn't for everybody. If the Marina is your kind of neighborhood, you probably won't be happy here. I think the negatives are offset by the overall neighborhood vibe, cool local shops and a huge variety of cheap ethnic restaurants and some nicer restaurants as well (Liholiho, Saratoga, Resolute, Farm : Table, Jane, Mr Holmes, Le Marais, etc.) read more

I've now lived in the building for nearly 11 years. While there are many things about the building I enjoy like the decor, front desk staff, fun neighbors, (including an amazing realtor in the building), as well as social events during non-Covid lockdown (see previous reviews and other resident's reviews as well), I can say there are issues with the building, besides the Tenderloin neighborhood, which are disappointing. For example, the HOA dues have gone up quite a bit in the last several years, so much so many residents will eventually be priced out of the building, in my opinion. These increases are due to increases in electricity and water costs, as well as increases in front desk and maintenance staff etc. salaries. We hope the volunteer HOA board is doing everything it can to mitigate the increases. Another issue, reported in other reviews as well, is the time it takes to get things fixed throughout the building. The building manager does do his best to fix these items, with the help of a terrific maintenance committee chair, but again sometimes one feels as if requests fall on deaf ears. As a great place to live, we hope the interior maintenance of the building will improve knowing a building this size takes a lot of maintenance. Finally, be aware there are strict rules around remodeling, as with many condo buildings, especially around installing hardwood flooring of any kind. The building has contractors they use on a regular basis, but these contractors are often extremely difficult to get ahold of due to how busy they are. read more

I have lived in the Hamilton since 2008 and consider buying a condo here one of the best decisions I've made in my life. My unit is lovely. Small, yes, but not micro, and with windows that let in lots of light and high ceilings that make the space seem much larger. I love the Art Deco period detailing, both in my unit and in the common areas. The entryway is impressively grand, the courtyard patio (with a fountain) peaceful, and the rooftop-level deck offers spectacular views of the city. In addition to these common areas, we also have a gym and laundry room. It's the full package! In addition, the building staff is helpful and courteous, and the 24-hour front desk security staff feel like part of a community. They keep the Hamilton safe and clean, organize everyone's deliveries, and provide a personal touch. (I have no idea how they learn everybody's names so quickly, but that kind of personal attention is special.) Yes, the neighborhood can be a challenge. It's the Tenderloin. But it is also convenient, with such a delicious and diverse array of restaurants just a few blocks walk away that I often have a hard time choosing. The neighborhoods you can easily walk to include downtown and the financial district, Japantown, SOMA, and Nob Hill (OK, you do have to climb a hill, so maybe not that easily). Bart and Muni stations and a several bus lines are also nearby. I am writing this review during the stay-at-home orders, and I am grateful every day to have such a beautiful and functional place to live in. read more

Cool Art Deco building. Looks to be pretty well run. Location-wise, it's easy to get around town from here, but the area can be a little scary at night. Dodge the people lying around on the street on your way in or out and you should be ok. read more

I'm going to go ahead and give this place 5 stars before I've even moved in. I've been staring at this building for the last year in my current apartment from the 10th floor. Long story short... I'm moving into 314 and literally CANNOT WAIT to be a part of the building's community. You can't get a better place for what I'm paying for a brand new remodeled unit overlooking the courtyard. I'll update as we go! Thanks for the reassuring my excitement David G! read more

Couldn't be happier to live in this building. Centrally located, well managed and great neighbors :)

Beautiful building! Though I do not live here, I would like to (any for sale postings on the bulletin board?) This is my favorite building in one of my favorite neighborhoods in San Francisco; I make a point to walk by whenever I'm in town. Though it may not have been a concept conceived when this building was transitioned from a hotel to condos, the idea of having a well situated building that offers good quality affordable studio condos is really interesting. If developed today, it is unlikely that 520sf condos would ever be offered, but I think there is a growing group on consumers that find 520sf to be perfect. In a day of flat screen televisions, Ipods, and notebook computers... how much space does a person really need? read more

This building is amazing and all the residents are professional artistic and kind. Built in 1927 the Hamilton used to be a grand hotel that defied segregation. Open to all creeds and colors at a time when that wasn't cool. Frida Kahlo lived here when she remarried Diego Rivera. Also, jazz greats like Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong all stayed here. The building is incredibly well-managed with happy helpful staff in all areas of security, maintenance and management read more

The building has a wonderful lobby and a guardsman on duty at all hours. I love that. However, as you take the elevator up, you notice that the building is on the older side and has a distinct odor throughout the hallway. The trash chute on each floor is the size of a 6'' mailbox, so you have take your recycling/trash down to the basement each time. The laundry machines are pretty new and use cash cards instead of coins, but this doesn't stop the machine from eating your money every once in awhile. You have to call the manufacturer to report the machine to get your money back. The Hamilton also has a small standard gym with a few machines. The area outside the building seems okay during the day, but as soon as the sun sets, women and children should be especially cautious. I always call a cab and wait inside the lobby. At odd hours of 1 or 2am, you'll hear homeless people yelling outside or people park out in front blasting rap music a couple times a month. Also, the HOA arranges for the sidewalks to be cleaned often, but you still can't help but smell urine on a day to day basis. If this building was in another area, it would be a gem. read more

I bought my place a year and a half ago, and I still LOVE it. GREAT building, extremely well run. I even love the hood! Yay Hamilton!

When I moved into the Hamilton about three months ago, my friends said I was crazy because it was in the Tenderloin. Bottom line - I couldn't be happier. Main points: The building - exceptionally clean, well maintained, managed, and the people in the building are very welcoming. There is a fitness center, 70 inch (+/-) new Sharp TV in the lounge, AMAZING roof deck and a gorgeous lounge with a grand piano. The area - this block is okay, venture down near Jones - just be aware. I go running in the morning at 7am and at 7pm but start up one block up on Geary. All and all, it's not bad. The team - I can't say this enough - customer service is KEY and WOW - they have it!! Example: I was parked out front the other day and had a lot of things to carry into the building. Before I approached the front door the concierge had it open for me and asked if I needed help. Move in if there is availability! This building would get bonus points if they were available! 3.20.12 read more

If you have a chance to live in this place, it's great!! They have 24/7 front desk security. There are social events every few months to meet your neighbors and hangout in the common areas. Everyone is super friendly, and welcoming. There is a gym on the 2nd floor that overlooks the street and I've never been there with more than two people at a time. Not to mention that you have all the great places to eat just a few minutes away: Elephant Sushi, Los Hermanos, Tycoon etc. Been here with my boyfriend for two months and we LOVE it! read more

One of the best residential buildings on O'Farrell Street! Not to mention pet-friendly. I hope to see lots of the residents at my new pet supply store, down the street :) read more

Love the photo Shantangi! I bought my place a little over two years ago & love it more & more every day. It's fun living in the centre of San Francisco within your very own art deco oasis! This building is truly the shining gem of the TL. read more

The building is great but I decided to move out because of the poor management and rude staff. I am a quiet person and didn't have any issues but I see the staff every day having an argument with other people. They're very impolite and turn every discussion or a question into an argument which makes it unsafe environment to be in. There is one or two nice security people that I get excited when I see but the rest is horrible. It's kinda sad that people run away from this nice building because of hiring the wrong people. Once you live there, you will hear people gossiping and complaining about that old lady in the front desk. Thank god I am not gonna see her face again! read more

Awesome building with great staff. The rooftop deck and outdoor terrace with BBQs are amazing! The building is safe and secure and beautifully maintained. The gym is also a nice perk, and of course the residents are a huge plus. Everyone who lives here loves the building and it really shows in how well people take care of the place! The studios are also way bigger than what you'll see in other buildings! read more

I don't live there but have stayed in a friends unit. Do any of you know if there are any units there for rent, either short or long-term?