Hotel Des Arts

Phil B Aug 2026

Obviously this isn't a 5 star hotel but for the cost it earns 5 stars. Clean, great location close to China Town, Union Square and public transit. Some reviews here compared it to a hostel. Its been a while since I've stayed at a hostel but this property is nothing like ones I've stay in the past. Its more like an old bording house and exactly like the typical hotel in the early 1900s. Most rooms do not have a bathroom but all are private with a sink and tv. Communal bathrooms and showers are on every floor, they were tight but clean and well supplied. Its true there is no one working a desk but the cleaning staff is there all day and my experience was that they were friendly and attentive. Typically we stay at higher end hotels in the city but the marketing pictures made me take a chance and we are glad we did. There is a wide variety of food choices, a few cafes and coffee shops as well as a few bars all within walking distance. The area felt safe to walk around at any hour. The only hang up you might encounter is learning the check in but once you are in you are in, just follow the instructions in the email after booking and all is well. If you encounter other issues call for help on the phone in the lobby. I also used the city parking lot just a block west of the property with no issues aside from the 25% city tax placed on the cost displayed. Anywhere thay hangs a picture of Frank Zapa on the wall is a place I would definitely stay again. ✌️

Melissa Baker Mar 2026

I don’t think I have ever written a negative review in my life, but I feel obligated to share this so future guests know exactly what they’re booking. I’m giving this hotel two stars — one for the excellent location and one because the room itself was clean. Beyond that, my experience raised several concerns that ultimately led me to leave without staying the night. The first issue, which I did not realize when booking, is that there are no bathrooms inside the rooms. The toilet was a few doors down, but the shower was located all the way around the corner and down the hall. In hindsight, I now realize this was likely listed somewhere in the amenities, but it’s not something I would have thought to double-check when booking what appeared to be a standard hotel room - not a hostel. The second major concern, and ultimately the reason I didn’t stay was security. The property operates entirely through an app with no on-site staff. While I understand the convenience of digital keys, once inside the room there was no interior deadbolt, chain, or secondary lock. That meant anyone with digital access could potentially enter the room, and there was no way to secure it from the inside!! As a solo female traveler, this made me feel very uneasy. I have traveled extensively, including internationally and in very remote locations, and I have never left a hotel after check-in — until this one. I simply did not feel safe or comfortable enough to stay overnight. As a business traveler, I also didn’t arrive prepared for shared facilities (such as bringing shower shoes or additional security devices), because I did not expect that type of setup. This hotel may be suitable for travelers who are comfortable with shared bathrooms and fully automated lodging, but if you value privacy, security, or traditional hotel amenities, it’s important to understand exactly what you’re booking before you arrive.