I've been staying at the Grove Inn for 20 years! and simply wouldn't think of staying anywhere else. The touristy parts of downtown San Francisco hold no appeal to me: and what's special about the Grove, is that it is so unlike the characterless hotels where you really have no sense of their being any different from their replicas in other cities around the world.

The comfortable rooms, furnished in keeping with the building's long history (it's nearly 150 years old), have supremely comfortable beds - and free wi-fi access. Breakfast is included: a convivial occasion, as guests share communal tables and really "connect".

The Innkeeper, Klaus, is truly delightful; very knowledgeable about the city, and he presides over the Inn with a very special style.

"Bed and breakfast" in my home country of England, means somewhere cheaper than a hotel, often rather basic. In the US, it means somewhere really rather special - and the Grove is an outstanding example. Maybe you can stay at a characterless modern building for less money: but choosing the Grove will give you a memorable experience. Being in a residential neighbourhood, rather than downtown, means it's much more peaceful. The frequent bus service is reliable, and downtown is within easy walking distance, anyway: or, if you head in a different direction, the quirky delights of Haight Ashbury (populated by people who must be the children of the "flower power" people of the 60s, but the "vibe" seems so much the same.....) are nearby.
Stay in formulaic hotels if you must - but you'll miss a real treat, if you don't go to the Grove Inn!

This is exactly what we are looking for in a B&B. The building is a lovely older one, the room is very nice and comfortable, the proprietor is friendly and interesting, the neighborhood has a lot of good little restaurants, and it's very close to the lovely Alamo Square "painted ladies."

A colleague and I spent a night in San Francisco visiting friends at the end of a business trip out West. We arrived at the Grove Inn, a historic Victorian, and were met by the owner, who was friendly and helpful as we unloaded. We engaged him in conversation about the city, and he gave us advice on how to get around. He told us about the history of the inn and how he came to own and renovate it. Our room was clean, if simple, and the location was on a tree-lined side street just a stone's throw from Alamo Square Park and the Painted Ladies, yet in the heart of the city. We had a parking spot next to the inn for a nominal fee. We had to be at the airport before breakfast, and he provided coffee and pastries for us. It was just what we wanted for the money. Perfect!

I booked a room WELL in advance through Travelocity. Upon arriving at the Grove Inn, the Innkeeper answered the door, took one look at my boyfriend and I (who, might I add are both clean cut 25 year olds), and said he had no rooms and he had "bounced back" all emails from online providers telling them so. I asked why he didn't call to tell us this, he said "It's not my responsibility!" He then SLAMMED the door in our face. We immediately called Travelocity, whose first step was to call the facitlity themselves to see if they ccould clear up the issue. The Innkeeper answered the first time and then when he heard that it was Travelocity calling, told the representative to call some "other" number - which he refused to provide!! Then, after the Travelocity representative found that "other" number and called it, the Innkeeper put him on hold for 40 MINUTES!! When he finally answered he told Travelocity that he never received an email from them and knew nothing about any reservation and couldn't do anything as he was all full. It took 3 hours to find another room in the city as it was Fleet Week - we had to cancel our dinner reservation and plans with friends, and I have NEVER in my LIFE been treated so disrespectfully! The only reason I can imagine that this man was so rude was because my boyfriend and I do not fit the profile of his "usual" B&B-ers, which are probably over the age of 65. I am taking measures to ensure that the relationship of this facility and any online booking service is severed because they obviously have no problem taking money for reservations and not honoring them.