We stayed at the grant hotel for 4 nights, jan 19-22 2012. We were just blocks from union square and within a block of the cable car which we used numerous times to get around. The hotel is not a five star hotel but only because it lacks the wow factor one would expect if staying at a five star......but we were totally satisfied with the safety, cleanliness, courteous staff, and the totally awesome location of the hotel. We found no reason to spend lofty amounts of money when we spent 90 per cent of our waking hours outside the hotel. For those on a budget be sure and get a "CITY PASS" which will get you unlimited cable cars, buses, and all intra city public transportation. It also gets you into museums and a 1 hr cruise around alca traz and under the golden gate bridge. The pass pays for it self---all for 69 bucks---remember $6 per cable car ride---it paid for itself if all you did was use the transportation benefit it provided.

The location is convenient for walking to Chinatown, Union Square and Russian Hill.
The price is reasonable, but with the best will in the world, beyond sleeping there, I didn't feel that I wanted to spend any time at the hotel. I've got nothing against functional and minimalist hotels but this one did seem just a little bit too tired on the inside.
The staff were helpful and the tv is very big with in the room.
Be advised that there are no temperature controls in the room and I found it a little warm at night even with my window open (and this was during the winter).

Looking for a place in the centre of SF for a affordable price let me to the "Grant Hotel".
Our stay was to our satisfaction, the rooms where allright and equipped with everything you need for a pleasant stay.
Our room was located at the front and there are no complaines there. except for some traffic noises but that didn't bother us.
Like said before the location is great, it takes a five minute walk to market street, the cable cars and china town. If you want to visit "fishermans warf" on foot you better take your walking shoes.
a downsite is the breakfast, much more than brownies and cupcakes your not gonna get, if you are lucky you get a place to sit down but chances are every seat is taken.
Furthermore a didn't like the rather funny smell in the lobby and hallways,
Parking is just accross the street, as a visiter of the grant hotel you get a reduced fee for parking.
In short, if you not to picky "Grant hotel" is ok just don't expect to much.

I went to San Francisco for the very first time about 2 years ago and had a lovely time. The room that I initally had didn't have good cell phone reception, and when I told the woman at the front desk she immediately gave me another room which I liked even better since it overlooked the street. I don't drive so it was perfect for me re: location; China Town is around the corner, cable car across the street (although I walked to Fisherman's Wharf and Lombard Street and took the cable car back) and an easy walk to other sights/restaurants. The staff was friendly and helpful re: transportation and suggestions on things to do. Union Square is several blocks away and has lots of stores for shopping. The only reason I gave 4 'stars ' is because there are no ice machines; I solved that problem by going to a Walgreens up the street and buying a cheapie styrofoam cooler and the small (but well stocked) grocery store across the street sold bags of ice for a dollar. Also no problem getting cabs.

On my next trip to San Francisco, I will definitely stay here.