Willows Inn

Inn keeper is very nice n breakfast services are also good. Quiet n public transportation is too convenient also. Rooms are clean n satisfactory services are given.

I can’t say enough good things about Willows Inn! It’s very affordable and conveniently located to Castro, Mission, and multiple modes of public transport. Numerous restaurants and grocery stores are nearby. Our upstairs room was quaintly furnished and comfortable. Although the inn appears not to be air-​conditioned, fresh air through the open window and an in-​room fan, as well as an extra blanket and adjustable baseboard radiator kept things comfy. Our room at the back of the inn was quiet and lent itself to a good night’s sleep as well as peaceful afternoon naps. The staff are very friendly, helpful, as well as accommodating of our late arrival. The highlight of the stay is the amazing breakfast buffet that features yogurts, fresh and dried fruits, nuts, baked goods, granola, cereals, hard-​boiled eggs, a variety of loaf breads, and jams (even Vegemite!), as well as milk, juices, and coffee. The social aspect of breakfast is not to be discounted; it was a pleasure to meet and chat with other guests from across the US and other countries (Australia and Brazil during our stay). We did not attend the afternoon social hour, simply because we were otherwise engaged. A big thing to keep in mind is that the toilets and showers are shared, which might mean that this accommodation is not for everyone, but each room comes with a sink, bathrobes, and shower baskets. I found this aspect charming rather than off-​putting and it made our visit to this unique city a bit more exotic. When we return to SF, we will stay here again!

On my second visit to San Francisco my partner and myself decided to say at Willows Inn. My first impression when the door was opened for us at street level after buzzing in was the stairs! We were at the tail end of a month long vacation through Europe and finally the US before heading back to Australia so we had some luggage with us and the walk up was hard. The second impression was the old smell that was apparent as we climbed the stairs. I immediately was on guard as my partner enjoys economising. We were to discover the rooms on the second floor get very warm, so warm in fact they become like a sauna. There is no air conditioning and the fan in the room doesn’t provide much relief. I can say that our 4 day stay was not comfortable and at the drinks or cocktail hour another guest commented on the uncomfortable temperature of his room which was adjacent to ours. The staff and owner were super friendly and helpful and I think my experience would have been better if we had been allocated a room on the level below which was substantially cooler and more comfortable. I was glad to get out of the place, while it was quite fresh outside our room was stifling and very uncomfortable and unfortunately the benefits of meeting and socialising were out weighed by the torturous room I ended up in. I would not consider Willows again nor could I recommend it the any of my friends. Two words for me «Never Again»!

The hotel staff is very nice and the hotel very clean. Meet alot of people during breakfast from other town. We are enjoying our stay and recommend this place to all that is planning a trip to San Francisco.

I was new to San Fransisco, new to the bed and breakfasts, and this was an excellent way to experience the city. My father, sister, brother, and I stayed 3 nights in their connected two room suite. The staff was very helpful answering several questions about transportation and parking. The continental breakfast was absolutely perfect, a bit tiny of a room, but with hardly any other people around with it being such a small business we didn’t mind at all. Very homey.
The location of Willows Inn was what was really great for me. All public transportation was right on the corner. It was very cool that we didn’t have to take many bus rides anyway since everything from China Town and Fishermans Wharf to Haight and Ashbury were really close to begin with. I would definitely stay here again next time I visited.

Great location. Super clean with a friendly staff. I will come back.

Wow! What an amazing place this is. On my move to SF I stayed here fora couple of nights, and wow I could not have felt more at home, love, care for and welcome anywhere else. Thank you Mike, Jojo, Mark and Geary! ;)

Willows Inn was my first experience with staying at a Bed & Breakfast. I have to say this place was a good primer. The affordable price was definitely the draw. The hosts were very hospitable overall. They provided good directions for guests to get to their B&B from the airport. Train wise it was pretty easy… the hardest part figuring out where the actual entrance was since there wasn’t a clear sign.
I found most of the other guests to be standoffish with the exception of one couple and their sons visiting from the U.K., who were friendly. But that’s not the B&B’s fault of course. Just good ol’ luck of the draw.
I wasn’t crazy about the noise the room doors made each time it opened and closed. There was some kind of mechanism that was making the noise. I assume the hosts purposely have it designed that way to be able to tell who’s going in and out. I also had to get used to going in the hallway to use the restroom and shower. That took some adjusting to but once I thought of it as a home, it made the adjustment that much easier. I was also glad to be on the top floor. With the exception of the diner next door making occasional noises when folks threw stuff out in the alley, my room was pretty quiet.
Breakfast was a basic continental with yogurt, fruits, breads, and hard-​boiled eggs. They also had a wine social though both times I tried to participate, there weren’t any other guests who did. The hotel staff did everything to make my stay a great one and I would definitely come back here in a heartbeat next time I’m in the area.

What a great surprise! This hidden gem near the Castro is a delightful place to stay
Extremely close to local muni, f train
Safeway across street, friendly staff,
Coffee, breakfast and lots of books to read
I will be back

Willows Inn is a great place to stay in the heart of SF. You need to be OK with a collective experience, bathrooms and showers in the hall. Everything is very clean and the team running the Inn are very nice. Its a homie experience, street noise on the front rooms but nothing that ear plugs didnt fix. The bed was comfortable and the morning breakfast offering has a vast selection of items carefully placed out. I plan to stay at The Willows again.

My first trip to San Fran I really wanted to stay in the Castro for the experience. My biggest issue was finding a place in my price range for myself and a friend and her husband. Most hotels were out of my range and no where close to the Castro. After emailing a few different BNB’s Mike from the Williow’s Inn mailed me back and was able to offer rooms in my price range.
Ignore reviews about it being shabby and outdated! It was charming! If I wanted or NEEDED a flat screen tv and a memory foam mattress I would have booked the Hilton! And the bathrooms? Big deal. You get a kimono to use for the showers in the hall. My friend’s straight husband had no big issue with it. But then again very little gets to Ron. Anyway, never a line for a shower or facilities. And the sink issue? There is a sink in each room.
The breakfast provided every morning was more than a perfect start to each day. Yogurt, coffee, hard boiled eggs, fruit, and more… Loved sitting in the kitchen and talking to the other guest from around the country in the morning. (Btw, I fell in love with the toaster! Seriously!)
Can’t wait to go back, book a longer stay and enjoy the city more.
Mike and staff were amazing as well. Thanks guys for giving me an incredible trip!

The willows inn is a hidden little place in the heart of the Castro. Very similar to a guest house in ptown, this inn has old homey charm, and European type baths. It is quiet, has staple amenities like a mini fridge, continental breakfast and of course shower robes.
The price was good, 2 nights with one night parking was 340. Make sure if you need parking (they only have 4 spots and it’s 15 bucks a night) tell them early. We were lucky we have a friend with a garage.
So why 4 stars??? Well the staff was a little less customer service based and more, well, stale and slightly snarky. Never asked how are things or anything they could improve. Would I stay again, yes, and would suggest it to anyone who wants to be in the think of the gay Mecca known as San Fran

We loved this hotel. It’s a little tricky to find. It’s just a doorway between two businesses. You walk upstairs and are greeted by the friendliest and most accommodating staff.
They have a lounge area and plenty of books and magazines to read. There is a well stocked kitchen with free water, snacks, and coffee. There is also an included spread of continental breakfast in the mornings.
There are private but shared water closets (toilets) and separate showers. The sinks are in your room.
They do their best to bring in natural light and have plants wherever possible.
I found our room to be very nice, spacious, private and quiet.

I wish I had read THIS review before staying here. I really didn’t enjoy the Willows Inn, although I tried!
The staff are friendly and helpful and the accommodations are clean enough, but there are several issues that trump these pleasantries that cannot be overlooked:
1. The noise factor. True, this B&B is in the heart of San Francisco, so you are going to expect some degree of street noise. Unfortunately, the noise is pretty unbearable, however. I actually went out and bought ear plugs to try and drown out the music from the bar/​restaurant below and the patrons from above. The walls are too thin, the structure too creaky and the businesses too close for comfort. I didn’t sleep at all for the two nights I was here.
2. The bathrooms. They are in the hallway and this, no matter how you slice it, is inconvenient. Additionally (and more importantly), they don’t have sinks in them! EEEEEWWWWWWWWW. I am not a «germ» person, but this is hard to overlook.
3. The rooms are really outdated. I get it that this is a Victorian residence that has been converted to a B&B, which is part of the charm. Unfortunately, nothing else has been updated much either. The bed I slept in (room 24, I think) was very uncomfortable and I could feel the springs in the mattress. The furniture in the «sitting» room was very shabby as well, which was less than inviting.
I have never left a negative review on Unilocal,but I was compelled to get this up because I wish I had had a better sense of this location before I decided to stay here. I see that most people who have reviewed this place, feel favorably about it, so I may have differing priorities than the average traveler??? I considered a two-​star rating, but sleep is an absolute requirement and was elusive here.

I do believe that this is the first time I’ve been hesitant to write a Unilocal review.
I’m not all that sure that I want the world to know about this cozy little Victorian hotel tucked away into the center of the City. The Willows Inn is quintessentially San Francisco *and* affordable.
But what the hay…
Our friend, D. came into town for the third time in as many years. The first year he stayed at a perfectly acceptable hotel across the street from Union Square. (No names here.) Pure San Fran… bellhops whistling for cabs… the Tonga Room across the street. Cable cars clanking by, their bells ringing out festive little tunes… hard to beat for the SF experience.
D. is an explorer…
On his second trip to the City, he found a mysterious little hotel in the Castro… Loved it…
Returned yesterday for another week in town… stayed at the Inn again… We met him there.
The Willows Inn…
Oh, my gosh, by golly…
The Willows Inn *is* San Francisco in its finest form!
A brass plaque on the door tells you that you’ve arrived at the right address on 14^th Street.
Michael-​the-​concierge answers the speaker phone.
Tells you that D. will be right down.
D. arrives, invites you up to see his room.
You climb a narrow set of stairs, heavily carpeted… are reminded of that wonderful Victorian you lived in when still a student at SFSU… and are transported back in time to a gentler, kinder age… when the world was full of hope, promise, expectation…
The place is immaculate. Tastefully furnished. Friendly. Quilts on the bed. Not a smidgen of plastic to be found anywhere. Cozy. Perfect.
From the bay window of D.‘s room, historical trolleys glide past, the neon sign of Aardvark books beckons you to an afternoon of browsing. Restaurants vie for your
attention. Muni-​metro whisks you to the Asian Art Museum, the Main library, the Castro theatre. Adventure awaits!
And you know that D. was right to return to this place.
He’s found the San Francisco that you’d forgotten.
And so have you. Found the City.
Once again.

Stayed at the Willows in for an overnight with my daughter. It’s one of those experiences that continues to surprise. Starting with the single door entrance at street level, you enter and climb the first flight to a wonderful warm ambience with friendly and helpful staff. With the cozy furnishing and books and dark inviting sitting rooms the place is just awesome. You feel as if your staying at your best friends place and she/​he has perfect taste. The bedrooms are inviting and nicely decorated. The inn is impeccably clean and tidy. Breakfast was a delight. toast, bagels, fresh fruit, oatmeal, jams (vegamite anyone?), muffins, all fresh, all nicely set up for your gustatory pleasure. Sadly I had only one night to experience the rich hospitality of the Inn but I will return, and when I do I will stay and enjoy even more!
Come to the Willows Inn, you will be so happy you did!

Excellent location!!! Very good attention, clean and relaxing… I would definately come back there… :)

Willows Inn is a true treasure in San Francisco. Amazing location with convenient access to the MUNI buses, streetcars, light rail, and metro, not to mention the plethora of restaurants, cafes, bars, etc. that the Castro has to offer.
The inn itself is ultra cute and homey and the perks include free wi-​fi, a continental breakfast (with a sweet selection of breakfast items), yogurt and juice in the kitchen fridge whenever you want, and an evening cocktail between 6−7pm.
The ridiculously friendly staff of four (Mike, Mark, JoJo, and Jessie) are incredibly attentive and ensure that your stay is absolutely wonderful. Oh, and since my boyfriend and I drove up from LA, the $ 15/​night parking pass was a HUGE benefit.
We’ll definitely be coming back here in the future!

The guys at Willows are always friendly and accommodating. They are very knowledgable about things to do in the Castro and San Francisco.
I’ve been to Willows many times over the last 10 years. The rooms are always clean and quiet considering being in the heart of a busy neighborhood.
Free breakfast in the morning and happy hour in the evening. Both are a great time to meet other guests, many coming from all of the the world.

My first gay-​friendly bed and breakfast!
The staff were super nice and welcoming. I know it’s not common to have elevators in San Francisco but the stairs were huuuuuuuuuge! Not really what I wanted to see after a tiring flight, but one of the friendly staff helped us with our luggage so it was okay.
The place is pretty clean and really cozy. Shared bathrooms and showers were always kept clean, even with a bunch of guests around. Amenities were all in order and the beds were comfortable enough.
My only complaint was that it could be a little noisy on the 3^rd floor because of the communal kitchen. We were admittedly night-​owls and late-​risers so being woken up at 830 am by chatty guests in the hallway was a little annoying, but that’s just personal preference.
The location is one of the best assets as it is right next to the MUNI station. We were even able to stumble back from the Castro in the early morning without it seeming like too much of a hike; definitely walking distance to any ground transportation you might need.
PS. the Vietnamese restaurant that is underneath WIllows Inn is excellent as well!

Absolutely loved staying at Willows Inn. My travel plans had gone haywire with plane delays and the like, so I was frazzled heading in to SF, and as soon as I arrived I felt calm and welcome.
The staff are divine, and always happy to help with directions, or even just a chat.
My room was lovely, and the bed was the comfiest hotel bed I’ve ever slept in. Loved the buffet breakfast in the kitchen, and made some great new friends at cocktail hour in the sitting room.
If you’re a non-​driver like me, the Willows is perfectly situated with a number of trolley and bus lines no more than a block’s walk in any direction. (In particular, for tourists, it’s a minute’s walk to the F line where you can ride historic trolley cars — including, to my delight and sense of hometown pride, a Melbourne «rattler» tram!)
The only bad thing about staying at Willows Inn? Not staying longer than two nights!
Will definitely be back, and can highly recommend Willows Inn to anyone looking for a little sanctuary in the Castro.

Empfehlenswerte Pension mit günstigen Preisen, sehr zentral an der Market Street unweit des Castro-​Viertels gelegen. Einfach aber vernüftig ausgestatte Zimmer, aber die Toiletten und Badezimmer befinden sich auf dem Flur und werden von allen benutzt. Für uns war es okay, aber wer sich daran stört, der sollte woanders buchen. Die Sauberkeit war okay, und das Personal ist sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit. Vor allem für schwul-​lesbische Gäste ist das Willows Inn eine gute Wahl!