Larkspur Hotel Union Square

This hotel is old and a little run down. I was booked in a suite and stayed there the first night. There is no air conditioning in this hotel and I had to leave a window open to cool the room. Which was unsafe considering it let out into the roof of the building next door.
The next morning I was picking pillows up off the floor that had fallen during the night when I discovered one of the decorative pillows had what appeared to be bodily fluids all over it. I mean about ¼ of it was covered. Ewwww.
So I get dressed and go to the front desk and explain. I also told them I wanted ALL of the bedding in the room replaced. I was assured that would happen and was apologized to for the problem and for them missing my wake up call.
I came back last night and find the disgusting pillow right there on the bed. I was furious so I took the pillow to the front desk and told them I was very disappointed. The only thing they offered was to move me. But they didn’t have any suites so even though my company paid for a suite I moved to a smaller room. One so small that when you sit on the toilet the sink is literally in your lap. Really. My legs are about 18 inches under the sink and my torso is about 6 inches from the side of the sink.
Avoid this place like the plague.

I booked a four night stay at the Larkspur Hotel through Expedia a month and a half before my stay. After a 5 hour flight from Charlotte, I was greeted by two gentlemen at the front desk that couldn’t locate my reservation and sho told me that I must not have booked a room. After showing them my confirmation email several times, they finally found my reservation. Apparently Expefia had sent them the info but Larkspur never processed it on their end. After about 15 minutes of hassle, the gentleman there (Edward) told me that although I booked a room with two beds through Expedia, the two beds were «special requests» and they didn’t have any available. By this time were on the phone with Expedia trying to get things resolved. According to the guy on the phone at Expedia (also named Edward ironically) this happens frequently at Larkspur. After about another ten minutes of Larkspur staff failing to do much of anything to help the situation, they told me I could stay in a standard room, even though I booked a deluxe, and provide a roll a way bed; however, they didn’t have any rooms available for four nights, not even the room I originally booked! Furthermore, I had a friend staying there and he said the rooms were super small, old, musty and lacked any sign of being sanitary.
Fortunately the gentleman on the phone at Expedia rectified the situation. After speaking with him again he told me that he no longer wanted me to stay at the hotel and that he would relocate me at no charge and provide me with a $ 125 credit for all the troubles. He booked me 4 nights at the Intercontinental, in a premium room on the 30^th floor (there are only 33 floors so I was pretty much at the top) with a city skyline view overlooking Union Square.
Long story short, it’s an old dirty hotel with a very unfriendly staff. I suppose if you like a botique style hotel and don’t care about cleanliness it may be ok, providing you can get over the staff.

Very nice quite place to stay. Will stay again close to union square.

Visited here traveling on business (a little while ago, but am a bit behind catching up my reviews). Larkspur was a place with a great location (just around the corner from my office) at a good value. The building and room are older, and the rooms are pretty small without AC or some of the more modern amenities. That being said, that wasn’t a problem when I was visiting, as the climate was mild enough, and each room was unique in it’s own way. They also left a welcome package including some popcorn and other items that were unique, and a personal touch. The staff were all quite friendly and helpful, and willing to assist with some questions about how to get around in the City and how to find things, so overall, a good value for the location.

Absolute gem for any travelers! Just 1 block from Union Square!
Bought a travelzoo voucher and stayed last night after a late concert in the city. Check in was smooth and parking was just a block away (included in the deal).
The hallways felt like those of a cramped Manhattan hotel, and so did the rooms. I actually found that kinda exciting! Everything just worked out because the room was pretty darn nice despite its size. The closet was large with bright lighting and a big dresser. The toiletries were the same as some 4-​star hotels and the towels were thick and absorbent. Hot water came fast and the tub drained very well. The bed was super soft and surprising comfy. Adding free wi-​fi and a large flat screen TV, what more could I ask for?!

I wish I could give 4.5 stars! The staff at this hotel was beyond helpful in all aspects. My friend and I stayed there in between training walks, and had to check out at 6 am. They made sure we knew that the valet parking was not available that early. They brought ice to our room when we asked where the ice machine was, watched our luggage in the lobby when we had to walk to the parking garage to get the car, and were as accomodating as any staff at a 5 star hotel.
My only problem with this hotel was the size of the rooms. The bedroom was small, but the bathroom was tiny! To quote my friend «You can brush your teeth and use the toilet at the same time». It’s an older hotel, narrow hallways, small rooms and all the character that comes along with that.
Great location, great service and I would stay there again no questions asked, just wish we had a little more elbow room!

Mixed feelings about this hotel:
1. Loved the location. It was around the corner from all the shops.
2. Front desk people weren’t helpful. We had to sign the same paperwork twice because people misplaced our information. What a great way to keep the guests’ information confidential!
3. Our room was at the end of the hallway and there was no sunlight. Spooky things happened but not going to go in details.
4. Small room with a really old bathroom. The toilet didn’t really flush and there were flies/​bugs in the bathroom. The key card never worked; one time it took us 30 seconds to open the door, the other time it took us 2 mins with a new card but it still didn’t work. We ended up having to ask the staff to open the door for us. The walls were paper thin so I could hear different conversations around our room.
5. Love the scent from their air freshener in the hobby! It was very refreshing and relaxing.

The Larkspur has a fantastic location at a somewhat reasonable price. Those, unfortunately, are this Hotel’s only real redeeming qualities.
Upon check-​in, I was surprised to find that my room had neither a air conditioner nor a mini bar (ie refrigerator). I’m here on business, so traveling alone and probably spending more time in my small room than I would otherwise. Numerous «little» problems with my room have not inspired me to complain, but will ensure that I not stay here again.
Many people will find the Larkpur charming; most of the staff (at least at the front desk) are friendly and it does have a classic San Francisco feel, but it’s «3-​star» feeling really does remind you that sometimes its just better to suck it up and stay at the Hyatt.

I love the Larkspur chain. Very small rooms and really old building but it was just my wife and I so it was fine. Got the room with a king bed so once we went to sleep, couldn’t tell that the room was so small.
No AC — just windows. Not a problem on our visit. Good staff — gave us Chinatown recommendations and overall very friendly and helpful. You don’t feel like your herded around like some of the bigger hotel chains.
Curbside parking for 10 minutes so you can check in and get your luggage in. Their parking ($ 29.00 per 24 hours + tax) is around the block. Free newspaper and free wifi. Coffee and tea service in the lobby in the AM.
For the fantastic location, I can’t complain. You are in theater district with shopping within 4 minutes walking. Chinatown is right around the corner. We will be back.

I was surprised with a pleasant greeting from the bell staff and the front desk staff. I was absolutely delighted with the ambiance of the lobby and the hotel bar.
However, the hotel did not provide parking spots for their guests.
1. Prepare to pay $ 30.00 at a near by lot. (I wasn’t to happy about that.)
2. If you understand from their website «Breakfast available for guests». WARNING, NOT AT ALL!
3. If you’re traveling with luggage, the hallways are pretty narrow. Prepare to battle with your belongings and I assure you, it will prevail :)
4. Our bathroom did not have an exhaust fan and lastly, most annoying
5. Wi-​fi was not available.
I understand, with the amount we paid for the night I shouldn’t expect royal treatment nor did we choose a five star hotel but for this price the nearest Inn or Motel 8 would have been sufficient.
I did enjoy the convenience of the hotel location, the linens were replaced, bathrooms were spotless and the hotel staff were just delightful.
If I’m in the city again, I may consider staying if management makes some changes for the benefit of their guests.

Call it a «stay-​cation» for me.
I had the opportunity to stay one night in a suite and I was pleasantly delighted for my night away from home in the city :)
The pros:
1. This hotel offers valet AND self-​parking (AAAAAHHHHH!!! The angels are singing. Sorry, but this lady don’t do valet!)
2. There’s a quaint communal area complete with couches, books, and… drumroll please… a gigantic chess board! Call me a geek, but I love to play. One of the ways to my heart :)
3. A bar awaits right as you walk into the lobby.
4. LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION. Walk or bart to anything!
The «cons» (for some, but not for me):
1. The rooms are on the smaller side. Call it European-​esque. That doesn’t bother me, but if you’re taller than 6’2…then…um…you might want to take a look before booking.
2. THis isn’t the «latest and greatest» type of place (which again doesn’t bother me). This hotel is all about authenticity and the crazy little quirks that make San Francisco the place to be.
Lucky for me, I’ve got a home not too far away. BUT If I was a tourist, I would stay here :)

*** I luv the pillows, price and location. ***
Pillows melted around my head. (Zzzzzzz)
Price was $ 150/​night with taxes. Very fair.
Location is walking distance to everything.
*** Small room and wifi is only amenity. ***

I stayed here on my most recent trip to San Francisco.
The location was great, a short walk to everything. The beds were ridiculously comfortable. The price was great. The front desk people was super nice.
There wasn’t much of a view, and the rooms were really small… but they were fine. I don’t know if I’d be back but i wouldn’t be opposed to it either.

My friend and I were transferred to the Larkspur hotel because the Abri Hotel was over booked. Fortunately our stay was comped that night.
We stayed at the a Larspur Hotel for one night in a single queen sized bedroom. It was okay and I wouldnt say it was pretty but it did the job. The room had a small flat screen TV, a small desk, a walk in closet and a bathroom. We had the street view and saw good ol’ Walgreens across the street. Not much of a view at all.
CON: There needs to be major renovations done because it looks old and doesn’t have that luxurious appeal to it.
PRO: The Larkspur Hotel is your typical small Boutique Hotel with a very professional and friendly staff.
Overall, the room was clean and our night was comped but I wouldn’t come back again.

I’m a hotel person… some would call me a hotel snob. But damn San Francisco hotels are expensive. I went with the local boutique Larkspur instead of the Hilton Union Square which was the same price. The reviews were mostly positive… but as soon as I stepped in the room I started thinking of how much nicer the Hilton would have been.
I’ll start with the positives (there were some). The location was great, close to everything in Union Square and centered enough to be a cheapish cabfare to most of the city. The front desk people were very nice, and there were no issues with billing, service, etc.
I read that the rooms were small, but a four-​star overall Unilocal rating made me feel comfortable with this place. Small doesn’t begin to describe it. It felt like a closet. I can’t fathom how they had TVs in these rooms before flat panels came around. The room is too small for a dresser so that was in a closet.
The hotel is very old, the bathroom almost felt like it was part of the American History Museum. I have never seen anything like it outside of old movies. Our window overlooked concrete, pipes, and the general bleakness of urban living.
Everything was clean and the bedding/​linens were high quality. However, this place is in need of a major renovation.
Two people getting ready to go out for the day? It’s an art here. A lot of moving chairs, stepping to the side, or just waiting for your significant other to finish getting pretty because it’s a TIGHT squeeze.
I think next time I’ll go with the big corporate hotel, hard to relax on a getaway when you can’t breathe in your hotel room.

We stayed here on Sunday, 1÷22÷12… The night the SF 49ers got knocked out of the playoffs. Without tickets, I had planned on watching the game at a local sports bar, so we got to SF a few hours before the game. We decided to try and check in several hours early, and were pleasantly surprised that we could get our room (on the top floor, at that!) at noon even though check in was at four. The staff were indeed super friendly and helpful, even giving bar suggestions once it turned out our first option (Union Square Sports Bar) was completely packed.
The room was a standard sized downtown hotel room from my personal experience. This means it is small, very small. The bathroom was comically small, as it was possible to hit your knees on the sink when sitting on the toilet. What made up for this was how clean and maintained the room was. With the little space available for arraigning the room, the bed and desk and whatnot were well laid out. The windows opened completely (which is a welcome but rare amenity in any hotel) and the bed was comfortable.
The price was low for the location, and I would definitely stay here again!

Stayed 4 nights recently and the staff was amazing. Helpful, gracious, and impeccable professionals. The amenities are very nice but the room we had was lacking a little. We mentioned that we would prefer a corner room due to out 4 month old and us not wanting to disturb other guests if she was crying at night.
The room was extremely small and the bathroom was a joke. As a 6′ 5 man, it was impossible to sit on the toilet if need be. I ended up going down to the lobby bathroom for such activity. Maybe other rooms are larger but we were disappointed in the one we got.
The only other issue, which has no bering on the hotel, was the homeless panhandling are out of control all over the city.

Stayed here one night while in SF. Its pretty nice for the price, ask about the AAA discount. Valet is $ 40 per night, but the self parking is around the corner on Bush St. for $ 27 which isn’t terrible for the city.
The rooms are small and the bathroom is even smaller, but the shower is amazing. They don’t use that cheap hotel soap that drys out your skin, its smooth. The king bed is great and soft. Despite the room size its very welcoming. This is okay for a weekend trip but not for a serious vacation.
Friendly helpful staff and a nice location to things around the city.
³⁄₅

I stayed in the Larkpur for a few days. The location was within walking distance of pretty much everything that we needed on the trip. This included restaurants for many of our meals, a department store for a raincoat and a drug store for snacks and toiletries we forgot. For everything beyond, taxis were easily available less than two blocks to the south and east.
The hotel is compact. There were maybe ten rooms per floor. This place doesn’t have many modern amenities. There’s only one elevator to service hotel and I quickly figured that it was much faster to walk up and down the stairs. The spiral staircase’s steps are shallow and tall, providing a great workout. At the time I checked out their website, it touted free continental breakfast but this is no longer available unless you pay for a breakfast package. The lobby and wine bar had comfortable and ‘warm’ feeling sitting areas. The most important amenity to me that is available though was the free internet.
The queen room that we stayed in felt like the displays in Restoration Hardware, especially the bathroom. If you like multi-​tasking, the cozy setup made it easy to shower, brush your teeth and check out the scene down on the street at the same time. There wasn’t much open space in the room. If you need a quiet place to stay at all hours, ask for a room high off of the street and away from the cable car line.
I really liked the hotel how it is. It was conveniently located, had character, was cozy, had a great cleaning staff and the pricing was alright. Apparently European tourists like this place too. Every night there were plenty European revelers hanging out in the lobby and filing in and out.

I’ll start by saying this was the best bed ever. Small room. Strange bathroom?
I’ll end by saying… 8 floor hotel + 1 ancient elevator + Oracle conference weekend = NOT a happy 8^th floor staying Unilocaler.