The hotel we had tried to book was full so the Tripadvisor person recommended the Phoenix Hotel. It's not a 4 star hotel and has a more of a motel feel but it surprised us. We have two boys, 9 and 12 and they swam in the outdoor heated pool several times during our 2 day stay. We had three requirements as a family, pool for kids, free wi-fi and within walking distance of Union Square. We so enjoyed. A heads up that to walk to Union's Square, you will pass some shady characters and lines for soup kitchens. No one bothered us and it did open our eyes and that of our kids as to how really lucky we are. Really lucky. We saw the tree, enjoyed a late lunch in Jack Foleys and then took the 28 bus to Japantown. 99 cents stores are now 1.50 but we had fun. The staff at the Phoenix were awesome. Do ask about the controls for heating the room as we didn't and couldn't switch off during the night. Our mistake for not asking especially when the front desk made a call to ask if everything was okay once we got settled after half hour or so. Definitely will revisit ... we can hear the boys requesting already. More renovations in the works too so experience can only get better. Loved the free continental in the morning. Yogurt and/or cereal would add to the experience. Happy New Year and all the best in 2012 for the Phoenix! We're Irish and the biggest park in Europe is the Phoenix Park (located in Ireland) so we made a connection. Goodness, we have photos and we will try to add later.

Stayed over holiday weekend, so my experience may not be typical (hotel was pretty empty).
some really strong points:
parking is free, motor lodge style (this is a revamped 50's motor court hotel)
nice big rooms
secure entry gated with key access, nice pool area and outdoor lounging spots if SF weather ever permits, that is...
good central spot to explore on foot or bike
tres helpful front desk folks - Luke went out of his way to help suggest jogging routes and food options
one small sticking point: the cold! rooms are heated by one small wall unit, doesn't do a good job keeping up with room heating needs. BUT front desk will loan you a space heater, which warms things up and can be repositioned about the room. no heat to speak of in the bathroom 'though. think cold tile floors.
I would stay again. good value when booked via joie de vivre web site, or hotels.com if available.

yes this place takes me back a bit. this gem in the beginning of the tenderloin is a wonderful place to unwind and still be close, even IN the action. I agree with most of the positive comments posted here.

I had the Headliner Suite for almost a week, and the only issue I had was the poor lighting in that room's fridge/microwave area. I truly couldn't see what I was doing. I guess that's why a flashlight is available in that room! maybe that's some kitzy way of the hotel, but I would have preferred better lighting...just saying.

overall I will be back

Stayed at the Phoenix for my partners 50th Birthday. The response from the hotel was amazing! Great room, great food (and value): Chambers is stylish and has good atmosphere. Yes we were probably the oldest people in Chambers on the Saturday night, but WE had the best table reserved for us by the fabulous staff!!! And as we had been travelling for about 26 hours appreciated the attention from the staff. I am vegetarian and they responded with a seasonal main which was great and as we didn't have dessert and opted for cocktails, Chambers gave my partner a candle in a cocktail glass as we got to midnight and his 50th Birthday! A fantastic attention to detail!!!

The hotel is in the Tenderloin and I bet you have been reading reviews about how "edgy" the neighbourhood is. The reality is the whole of San Francisco is like that - not just the Tenderloin, there are street people but in reality they don't even speak let alone approach you.

I even went to the off licence across the street at about 2330 and it was completely fine.

The hotel is secure, very clean and the staff are great.

Buffet breakfast is good and you can either eat it by the pool or in your room.

This is a city hotel - there is some street noise but no more than anywhere else.

If you are looking for a great hotel, close to the main shopping district and central for other areas the Phoenix will NOT disappoint.

All of the staff were good, but I cannot review without giving considerable praise and gratitude to the Manager, Diana Weech who ensured that our stay was amazing. This hotel is part of a chain, but they pulled out all of the stops for our stay and it really made our holiday amazing…unlike the next two hotels that we stayed in, one was the Andaz in LA and the Ace in New York…the best hotel out of the 3? THE PHOENIX!