This hotel is horrible. First of all, they charge you the price at the beggining, but you have also to pay $250 for deposit. It was not specified in the booking terms and conditions.

The staff is not friendly, they didn't allow us to print out a page, or give us another pastry.

The breakfast is awful, just one process pastry, and no choose. Water coffee and horrible orange juice in a small table in the lobby.

Last thing is the room, it was completely creepy. Old, one TV with just 2 channels, dirty (blood in the sink), mirrors useless because of they are from 50 years ago. The radiator was completely noisy without turn it on. There were cracks on the walls and ceiling.

Over priced...terrible customer service, definately doesn't deserve the hotel title. I've travelled all over the world and this has to be worst hotel I have EVER stayed in. Please book elsewhere as you will be disappointed

I had an awful experience with someone at the desk front. At the check out, he refused to give me a receipt for the luggage storage and started to yield.
Moreover, the price is quite high for the quality of the room. The breakfast is also very disappointing.

Positive points: the 50's atmosphere of the hotel and the ladies at the desk front who are very nice and helpful, in contrary to the men.

This was not my first choice, but I booked this place last minute through another travel website, and it was within budget (under $130/night) and location (Civic Center). I read other reviews and it was a mix between good and bad, so I was prepared for the worst. My list of Pros and Cons:

Pros:
+ Location - walking distance to Union Square and Chinatown and steps from small Mom & Pop restaurants with excellent food and lines out the door, Walgreens on the next block, and paid parking lot was next to the hotel.
+ Room was organized clean with private bathroom, ironing board, mini fridge, and I can't remember if it was a safe or microwave (haha I didn't use it obviously).
+ 24 hour front desk staff buzzing in the door to let you in the lobby and feels safe
+ Price was OK compared to the other hotels in the area

Cons:
-- Checking in took about 10 minutes, had to fill out an info card with pen and sign this and that.
-- Attention to detail by the housekeeping staff needs work - found a used razor and used soap in the shower from previous guests, bedside lamp wasn't working, curtains were ripped from old age and usage (but we laughed and took funny photos), ALL the towels were taken out of our room and not replaced until we came back later
-- Neighborhood is considered sketchy (close to Tenderloin), but no one bothered us or made us feel unsafe. Just keep walking and don't make eye contact!!
-- Continental breakfast is packaged danishes on a table (no eating area)

My lessons learned:
Book a nicer hotel within budget ahead of time. I wouldn't mind staying at the Layne if I was desperate again, but the price should be lower.
The Civic Center/Tenderloin neighborhood is not that bad.
Places to eat within one block: Shalamar Indian, Dottie's True Blue Diner, Farm:Table cafe.