European Hostel

Evil manager, disgusting hostel

Disliked: The manager Nick is a pretty awful character. He threatened to throw me out because I lay down on the sofa and berated me for trying to check in without a credit card. On both occasions, I found myself forced to try and placate him or else risk having to book somewhere else to stay. The kitchen is infested with cockroaches, and the whole place is generally filthy. The beds are also comically squeaky, and I tend to turn in my sleep, so I would like to apologise to my roommates for that. The area also has a lot of drug addicts on the street so I didn't feel safe leaving alone at night. All in all, this is the worst hostel experience I've ever had, and I've stayed in some very sketchy places.

Bad

Liked: Worst place in San Francisco. Run away from here.
Disliked: Smelly room and bloody bed. Couldn't stay and I had to move on.

Exceptional

Dirty, grimy, filth. & those...

Liked: I stayed in this Hostel 10 years ago and the front said "things have changed", I was placed in a room where it was obviouse that some people lived there.The clients that seemed ro live there were over run with long term stay lugage, food, trash etc.Let's be honest, it was a shelter for cheap long term stay people. Even the other guests traveling rebooked their stay to another place. This place is a shelter for those who stay for cheap. I was told there was an age limit but met/seen so many others that were older. The front desk person was not into hospitality. The night time person as well. The common eareas were stained & dirty, when the cleaning came they never announced themselves, it was a fly by "cleaning" . Some restrooms were out of order & no amenties like toliet tissie, sope etc.This place is not for the traveler it is now a long cheap stay for those next step homeless.
Disliked: See above responce.

Very poor

A welcoming, clean, and budget-friendly...

Liked: An Amazing Stay – Thanks to Nick and the Team!My experience at The European Hostel San Francisco was fantastic from start to finish!From the moment I arrived, Nick at the front desk made me feel welcome and taken care of. He’s incredibly friendly, helpful, and professional—always ready to assist with directions, local tips, or even just a warm smile after a long day. He truly goes above and beyond to ensure guests are comfortable, and his positive energy made a real difference during my stay. Thank you, Nick!The cleanliness of the hostel was also impressive. The bathrooms and kitchen were well-maintained throughout the day, the common areas felt fresh and organized, and my room was tidy with clean sheets and towels. You can tell the housekeeping team takes their job seriously—everything felt safe and sanitary.The facilities exceeded my expectations for a budget-friendly hostel. The communal kitchen is fully equipped, the lounge area is perfect for relaxing or meeting fellow travelers, and there's even a rooftop space to enjoy the view. Wi-Fi was strong and reliable, and lockers provided peace of mind for securing personal items.The location is super convenient—walking distance to public transit, major attractions, and restaurants. While the neighborhood has its rough spots, the hostel itself felt secure and welcoming.Overall, I highly recommend The European Hostel, especially for solo travelers or groups looking for affordability without sacrificing hospitality. Big shoutout again to Nick—you made this trip even better!

A comfortable and convenient stay...

Liked: I recently stayed at the European Hostel and had a great experience overall. The location is perfect—centrally located in San Francisco, with easy access to public transportation and popular spots like Union Square, SoMa, and downtown. It’s a convenient base for exploring the city.The room was basic but comfortable for a hostel stay. It included the essentials I needed, and the shared spaces like the kitchen and lounge were a nice bonus. The hostel offers both dorms and private rooms, depending on your preference and budget.As for cleanliness, I was impressed. The staff did a great job maintaining cleanliness in the common areas and bathrooms. My room was clean when I arrived, and I saw staff regularly disinfecting high-touch surfaces.It’s a solid option for budget travelers or backpackers looking for a social, affordable stay in the heart of the city.
Disliked: N/A

Bad

Exceptional