- It straddles two gay-popular neighborhoods: The Castro and The Mission
- Personal service of small inn but professionalism of fine hotel
- Most romantic, upscale gay accommodation in this part of San Francisco
- Lovely gardens and patios in back as well as a steamroom
- Serves needs of biz travelers with free Wi-Fi, phones, and cable TV (there's also on-site parking).
- More expensive than other properties in neighborhood
- The two least-expensive rooms share a bath
- At 520 Church St., between 17th and 18th Sts., straddling the Castro and Mission neighborhoods.
- The 21 rooms in two buildings have Wi-Fi, cable TV, CD players, phones with voice mail, bottled water, and robes.
- Rates include a pleasant if simple Continental breakfast and a relaxing afternoon wine social (plus use of the steamroom).
- Bathrooms and showers are airy and have windows that open; they're supplied with high-end bath amenities and toiletries.
- Book online or call 415-621-3222 or 888-520-7275.
- Rates start at $129 for shared bath, and range from $169 to $219 for private bath.
- The clientele is about 70% gay male, 20% lesbian, and 10% straight; it's age-diverse and generally professional and upscale.
- Request an upstairs rooms for more sunlight, a basement unit for to avoid street noise - all have similarly charming decor.
- A Muni streetcar runs right in front of the property, and buses are steps away; BART is just a 10-minute walk.
Owner-innkeepers Bob O'Halloran (a former employeed of the excellent locally based Joie de Vivre chain) and Bill Boeddiker began this operation as a cozy five-room B&B in the mid-'90s and have steadily expanded it. There are now 10 rooms in the main house, where an afternoon wine social is held each day in the parlor (with a fireplace and piano), and a pleasant Continental breakfast spread is set up in a sunny room off of the kitchen. Among the best units in this building, consider spacious No. 24, which has a small balcony off the bathroom.
The owners added the second building, with 11 rooms, in 2002. A favorite unit here is No. 36, which has a stunning bay window looking across the street toward dramatic and historic Mission High School. Courtly patios, decks, and gardens bridge the two buildings, and there's a common streamroom for guest use.
Although the common areas hint at these buildings' lavish Edwardian detailing, including ornate plaster molding in some areas, guest rooms are happily uncluttered, tasteful, and modern. There's nothing flashy or over-the-top about this inn, and the mood is that of a small upscale hotel. If you're seeking a sexually charged retreat, this probably won't suit you. It's ideal, however, for couples in search of romance, and business travelers who appreciate a warm welcome.
