This nice hotel is very centrally located, and an easy walk to Union Square, various cable car lines, even a long but happy walk to Russian Hill!

I'm a pretty picky hotel user, and I liked the Carlton. I liked that the windows opened; the room was adequately sized; housekeeping very good.

When we checked in, we asked for lunch ideas and were given a not-great response about one place on the corner. Later, I heard a different desk clerk give a great response, which was to go to Polk and turn right, where you'll find lots of restaurants. All other interactions with desk staff were great.

PROS: Location, price (I called the hotel directly and got a better rate than on their website), friendliness and helpfulness of staff, great restaurant--have the fuul for breakfast! Did I mention location? Rooms very nice and very clean! Comfy beds. Windows open for fresh air.

CONS: Hospital Emergency room one block behind, rooms in the back can be very noisy. The area west and south (Tenderloin) can be sketchy for a woman alone at night. Couples (of any gender) will be fine, and it's interesting to see the different neighborhoods.

I don't think these outweigh the PROS.

Once again, the Hotel Carlton catered to everything we needed! This is the fourth time I have stayed at the hotel and everytime, it has been better than before! Don't forget the free wine hour and the master Theo entertaining with his keyboard! If you need room service, just contact the front desk and within seconds, Johnny will arrive at your door with your request. The rest of the staff is always willing and very helpful for any directions or suggestions if you tell them what you would like to do. Stay at SFO's best kept secret and you too will feel like you are at your home away from home!

Thanks again guys!

Having read the reviews on TripAdvisor we booked a three night stay at the Hotel Carlton as part of our US trip. The hotel is nicely situated on Sutter, around 10-15 mins walk from Union Square. We liked the location as it has a neighbourhood feel. Hotel staff were very friendly and helpful throughout our stay and even called the room to make sure we were happy following check in. The rooms were nicely decorated, with some personal touches thrown in which made us feel right at home. For the price this hotel is a bargain and we would recommend to friends. By the way, try Brick restaurant next door. We arrived without a booking and sat at the bench looking straight into the working kitchen. It was a little unusual at first, but really fun and one of the dining highlights of our trip to SF - food was exceptional also. Try Hotel Carlton - you won't regret it.

Booked a room at this hotel for a great price after reading some good reviews on TA. Staff were very pleasant, rooms were clean and modern, location was great, although one wrong turn and you could end up near the tenderloin, although to their credit, the staff at the hotel tell you this immediately. When you check in, they give you a map, and tell you exactly where not to go, so you really have no excuses. However, as said before, the location is great and you're close (walking distance) to some great places. Recommended!