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Cable Car Hotel

e - (888) 420-1655
Cable Car Hotel, 1388 California Street, San Francisco, CA -(888) 420-1655
Area: Union Square West
(Map)
3
HOTEL RATING: 
PLEASANT
3 out of 5 (497 Ratings)
2.4 miles The Independent San Francisco
v12 mins driving
BOOK ONLINE OR CALL - (888) 420-1655
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The Spotlight on Cable Car Hotel

Historic Charm Meets Concert Convenience in Nob Hill

Modern travelers on a music mission will love the Cable Car Hotel – a no-frills, budget-friendly gem nestled in San Francisco’s iconic Nob Hill district. Housed in a classic 1907 building, the hotel puts you within walking distance of hotspots like Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, and Lombard Street. The cable car literally stops outside your door, giving you easy access to the city’s top music venues and nightlife.

Rooms range from simple shared-bath options to private accommodations, all equipped with a microwave, fridge, flat-screen TV, and free WiFi. Whether you’re here to catch a show or explore the city, this hotel makes a solid home base at the heart of San Francisco.

Why Concert-goers love it

Location is everything—the cable car stop is right out front, making late-night returns from concerts a breeze. Major venues like the Fillmore and Bill Graham Civic Auditorium are just a short ride away. Guests appreciate the quiet residential vibe of Nob Hill, which offers a peaceful place to crash after a high-energy night out. With 2:00 PM check-in and 11:00 AM check-out, it’s flexible enough for most travel schedules.

Who this Hotel is great for

  • Groups of friends looking for an affordable, central location
  • Solo travelers catching a bucket-list tour stop
  • Couples planning a romantic music-filled weekend
  • Fans who want a quiet spot to recharge post-show
  • Budget-conscious music lovers who prefer to spend on tickets, not lodging

Food and Drink Options

While there's no on-site restaurant, each room features a microwave and mini-fridge for late-night snacks. The surrounding area is filled with quick bites, cafes, and pubs within walking distance. Guests love grabbing breakfast at local diners nearby after a late night out.

Nightlife Options

Nob Hill is a short ride from San Francisco’s buzzing nightlife districts, including North Beach and the Mission. You’ll find everything from laid-back lounges to vibrant bars just a few blocks away. While the hotel doesn’t have its own bar, many guests enjoy a pre-show drink at neighborhood spots before heading to the venue.

What People Say

Reviewers on Booking.com and TripAdvisor often highlight the hotel’s unbeatable location, affordable pricing, and helpful staff. Many concert-goers mention how easy it is to get around the city thanks to the cable car stop right outside. The vintage charm of the building also gets a nod from travelers who appreciate a more authentic San Francisco experience.

Areas for Improvement

This isn’t a luxury stay—some rooms are cozy and a bit dated, and shared bathrooms may not be everyone’s cup of tea. There’s no air conditioning, though ceiling fans help keep rooms comfortable. Think of it as more of a crash pad than a resort.

The Bottom Line

If you’re here for the music and want a simple, central, and wallet-friendly place to stay, Cable Car Hotel hits the right note.
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Amenities View More
y
Free Internet
w
Non Smoking
q
Accessible
x
Free Breakfast
j
Free Parking
u
Swimming Pool
E
Fitness Center
A
Business Center
B
Airport Shuttle
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Pets Allowed
Other Amenities
` 24-Hour Front Desk
` Elevator
` Heating
` vending machine
` 24-hour security
` Free Wi-Fi
` Off-Site parking
` Daily Housekeeping
` Convenience Store
` Non-Smoking Rooms Available
` Fruits
` Key access
` Smoke alarms
` Fire extinguishers
` Guests can opt-out of daily cleaning service
` Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities
` Shared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removed
` Cashless payment available
` Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines
` Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas
` Access to health care professionals
` Audible alarm
` CCTV security in common areas
` Daily disinfection
` Facilities for disabled guests available
` Laundry services
` Luggage storage & lockers
` Physical/social distancing guidelines
` Protective screen or physical barriers in appropriate areas
` Accessible toilet

Cable Car Hotel Guest Reviews

Overall Average Score: 
Pleasant (3 out of 5)

Write a review

0.5

Poor - 0.5 out of 5

Walter Thu, 12 June 2025

Horrible

Liked: The location was easy to move.
Disliked: There were many cockroaches in the room. The staff was not friendly.

1.5

Poor - 1.5 out of 5

Ivomne Wed, 21 May 2025

Poor

1.5

Poor - 1.5 out of 5

Hatley-owen Wed, 14 May 2025

Good room for the price,...

Liked: Staff were lovely and super helpful - recommend getting the private bathroom if you chose to stay here.
Disliked: The room was fine, you get what you pay for here, but there was a cockroach problem. The staff were helpful and apologetic allowing us to move rooms (a sunnier street facing room instead of internal) but there were still a few small roaches. The staff said this was due to the long term residents in the hotel that cooked in their rooms, but there was also trash being left in the hallways.

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

David Sat, 3 May 2025

Perfect

Liked: Clean and well equipped
Disliked: No en suite

3

Pleasant - 3.0 out of 5

Walter Fri, 2 May 2025

Pleasant

0.5

Poor - 0.5 out of 5

Nicholas Tue, 22 April 2025

Bad

Disliked: Bad location, noisy neighbors, gross facilities. Before going to bed I checked through the reviews again and realised that despite a few suspect 5 star reviews the rest were all 1 star citing bedbugs, dangerous people, etc. I left without staying.

0.5

Poor - 0.5 out of 5

Anne Tue, 8 April 2025

Masked intruder with gloves breaks...

Liked: A MASKED INTRUDER entered my hotel suite, with gloves and everything I was butt naked and he saw me and ran off, hoped the fence and was gone. I already have PTSD so I can’t stress how traumatic this seemingly to the hotel, insignificant occurrence this happen to be. I called the front desk asked him to call the police and he said he would, then he said he had but I found out later he never had. They had the entire thing on camera which they still refuse to let me see. The owner apologizes and offers me a free night, then refuses to respond to my calls, the hotel blocks my #. I go in and am told that I’m now 86’d reason being they don’t allow locals and I’ve got an sf id. No im not, no I dont. I showed him my id. No response except that I needed to leave the property. The worst part is the staff let it slip that the same exact thing happened weeks earlier. So if you’re a woman or don’t travel with security or just don’t agree with hotels silencing and punishing victims for speaking up for themselves then BOYCOTT THE NOB HILL HOTEL!

0.5

Poor - 0.5 out of 5

Wojtek Mon, 17 March 2025

Bad experience

Disliked: I recently stayed in a room in San Francisco, and unfortunately, it was a very unpleasant experience. The room itself was in poor condition, with a strong, unpleasant smell throughout. The bathroom was also a concern, as I encountered cockroaches or similar pests in the shower, which was quite disturbing. To make matters worse, during the night, someone attempted to enter my room, which made me feel unsafe and very uncomfortable.Additionally, the room was situated above a bar or nightclub, so the noise level was unbearable, with loud sounds going on until very late at night. I found it difficult to sleep at all, especially given how unhygienic and unsettling the environment was. After just one night, I decided to check out early because I couldn’t tolerate staying there any longer.I would not recommend this place to anyone looking for a comfortable and safe stay in San Francisco.

2.5

Fair - 2.5 out of 5

Victoria Sun, 9 February 2025

Decent stay for the price,...

Liked: Location was within walking distance to lots of good entertainment & food. Bed was comfy. Tv, shower, fridge, microwave, and lamps all worked well.
Disliked: Roaches :(((

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Pamela Sat, 8 February 2025

Exceptional

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Cable Car Hotel 1388 California Street, San Francisco, CA