I recently stayed at the Central YMCA ( June 29-July 5, 2007). I had stayed there before, but it was a while ago, so I wasn't sure what to expect. First the neighbourhood. The hotel is located in "The Tenderloin", which is a tough part of town. Like another reviewer states, you need to keep your wits about you. However,... More

Although I have stayed in the Waldorf Astoria, the Plaza Athenee and dozens of Hiltons and Marriotts I found that I prefer staying in budget accommodation such as youth hostels and bed and breakfasts. People are generally friendlier and service is usually very personalised. You usually get the best information from the locals who live and work in budget accommodation.... More

not a very clean establishment at all. The student rate is cheap but I would never eat and found it hard to sleep in a hotel with so many cockroaches. I moved to a nearby hotel the next week. The men's steam room and sauna area was not nice and felt more like a pick up bar.

While the Y is located in the seedy Tenderloin area and probably not suitable for single women it is clean and they provide a great continential breakfast. The rooms, while small, albeit tiny, are very clean! And while not air conditioned are usually pleasant. Good choice and you can't beat the price!