Hotel Bijou - San Francisco
San Francisco
Reseñas
Hotel Bijou is one of those properties that stays with you. I visited recently and left genuinely recommending this place to everyone I know. This isn't a chain. It's a family-owned property that has been carefully shaped with real intention. You feel that the moment you walk through the peacock doors. The rooms are clean, the staff are warm and attentive, and the Art Deco character of the building is something no new-build can manufacture. No AC - but the cool San Francisco breeze at night is honestly better. And if you haven't eaten at Ciaorigato yet - the Italian-Japanese restaurant - do yourself a favor. The food was exceptional. The dessert even more so. The area around Union Square has had its challenges, but this property stands on its own. 110 years on the same corner, and it hasn't lost a step. If you're visiting San Francisco, this is where I'd send you without hesitation.
Bijou is different. Putna (if that's how you spell his name) was very helpful and friendly in the lobby. The bar was inviting. The king bedroom was clean. Noise is above average all through the night which is why they put ear plugs in your room. There was only 1 towel of each size. Body wash was empty. Shower head is to my chin and I'm 6ft. Toilet doesn't always flush even with no toilet paper. Bed felt stiffer than normal hotel beds. No AC only heater and Fan. I'm okay with very minimal and make the most of it so it was decent and could be corrected. Best thing was service whenever I asked for anything. Location is in a loud area with junkies, sick and homeless people so we did not walk at night. It was right next to the St. Patrick's Parade, Car Rental, and a restaurant called El Mariachis that was great. Probably wouldn't book again.
Honestly this hotel was nicer than some 4-star hotels I have stayed at in San Francisco. The rooms are clean and well taken care of. No dust in the upper shelves of the closet, which is a common problem I have encountered, and no sign of bed bugs or other pests. There's no air conditioning, but there is a big box fan that you can turn on, which I found to be more than enough cooling in Mid-March. The rooms do have central heating if you are traveling in the winter. As far as San Francisco goes, the neighborhood is pretty nice and relatively safe. There are no encompantments of homeless people around or anything like that. It's only a fifteen minute walk to the Moscone Convention center if you are here for a conference, and there are plenty of upscale shops like Sephora just around the block. Since it's downtown, there is some noise, but nothing a pair of ear plugs can't handle. There's a Japanese / Italian fusion restaurant on site. I didn't go myself because I was too busy, but my friends who did praised it highly. Above all, the staff are extremely gracious and genuinely happy to help, more so than any other hotel I have been too. I plan to stay here again the next time I am in town.
The accommodation itself was okay, the location in the city center was good, and the room was clean. The windows were poorly insulated, making it relatively noisy. However, earplugs were provided. So far, so good, and the rating would actually be good. BUT: Despite full payment in advance via Airbnb, the hotel charged an additional $100 "security deposit" per night, including a $25 "service fee." Only after repeated inquiries and a complaint to Airbnb did the hotel return the security deposit. Despite the hotel's assurances to the contrary, the additional "service fee" was not refunded. The hotel offered no apology, and in my opinion, this was not an accident. Therefore, I cannot recommend this hotel, which is a real shame considering the nice rooms and good location.
