Town House Motel San Francisco was our final stay during a three week road trip across the United States in 2023, and in many ways, it felt like a fitting ending. After leaving Sacramento, including a visit to the California State Capitol, we drove toward San Francisco and decided to book a classic American motel again. We had stayed in a traditional roadside motel in Arco earlier during the trip, and for our last nights we wanted something similar, but closer to the heart of the city.
Town House Motel San Francisco immediately stood out because of its location on Lombard Street. Staying relatively central, while still being able to park for free, made this motel an interesting choice for a city that is known for high hotel prices and expensive parking.
Arriving from Sacramento to San Francisco
Driving into San Francisco after weeks of national parks, desert highways, and smaller towns always feels intense. Traffic, density, and the urban energy hit fast. That is exactly why choosing Town House Motel San Francisco made sense. We could arrive by car, park it, and then fully switch to city mode without touching the vehicle again.
We checked in with a friendly and genuinely helpful gentleman at the front desk. Online reviews often mention staff being distant or unfriendly, but that was absolutely not our experience. The interaction felt different from the stereotypical American service style, more reserved and calm, but in a positive way. It felt respectful, efficient, and welcoming without being forced, which we personally appreciated.
Check In Experience and First Impressions
We received two key cards and were assigned room 117 on the first floor. Parking was included in the price, which is a major advantage in San Francisco. During our entire stay, we did not use the car once. Parking in the city is expensive and stressful, so we relied entirely on Uber to get around.
The motel layout is classic. Exterior corridors, rooms facing the parking lot, and a very straightforward setup. No unnecessary luxury, just functional lodging in a prime location. Right away, it felt like one of those places that knows exactly what it is.
Room Size, Cleanliness, and Comfort
The room at Town House Motel San Francisco was a good size, especially for city standards. Yes, it is dated, but that is not a negative by default. In fact, a well maintained older motel often has more character than a modern budget hotel, and this was a good example.
Everything looked clean and taken care of. The beds were comfortable, the linens were fresh, and the room was quiet. Outside city noise was minimal, which honestly surprised us given the location. The mini fridge worked perfectly, the room temperature was easy to manage, and overall the space felt reliable and calm after long days in the city.
From a visual standpoint, nothing looked worn out or neglected. You could clearly see that the property is older, but also that effort is made to keep things presentable.
The Bathroom, Where Age Really Shows
The bathroom was the only real disappointment during our stay at Town House Motel San Francisco. The toilet itself was fine, and there was enough space, but the experience was not great.
The sink had a harsh fluorescent light mounted directly above it, which felt outdated and uncomfortable. The shower cabin was slightly elevated, likely due to drainage construction, and immediately gave off a camping shower vibe. The water pressure was strong, the water was hot, but the overall feeling was not pleasant.
Hard water, an old enclosure, and a general lack of comfort made showering feel more like something you just get through, rather than enjoy. Compared to the rest of the room, the bathroom clearly lagged behind in maintenance and updates.
Eating Options and Food Experiences
Food options around Town House Motel San Francisco are plentiful. We leaned heavily on Uber Eats during our stay and decided to finally try MrBeast Burger, mostly out of curiosity after seeing it all over YouTube and Instagram. Unfortunately, it was underwhelming and did not live up to the hype.
For breakfast, we ordered groceries from Target, which worked perfectly. We even had beer delivered, fully embracing the convenience of city life. One evening, we walked to Shake Shack Cow Hollow, which is within walking distance and highly recommended. That meal was genuinely good and worth the short walk.
Key Card Issues and Reception Support
One recurring issue at Town House Motel San Francisco was the key card system. You receive two cards, but it seemed that once you used one card, you had to keep using that exact card. If you switched, the other card often got deactivated.
This resulted in us being locked out multiple times, easily five or six times over two nights. While the reception staff was always helpful and friendly, repeatedly having to return to the desk became frustrating. Luckily, the reception appears to be staffed around the clock, which prevented real problems, but this is something that definitely needs attention.
Parking Situation and Accessibility
Parking is free and included, which is a huge plus. There is no ticket system, and everything operates on trust. However, the parking lot itself is quite tight. With a larger vehicle like an SUV or pickup, maneuvering can be challenging, especially during busy moments. Reversing out carefully is sometimes the only option.
Still, considering the location, free parking alone makes Town House Motel San Francisco stand out.
Reviews and the Shift After Our Stay
Older reviews focus on affordability, location, and basic comfort. Many guests described it as a solid option for travelers who value location over luxury.
However, after our stay, review trends changed. More recent feedback points toward declining maintenance, structural concerns, and a noticeable increase in negative experiences. There are even mentions of the property being at risk of collapse, which is concerning. While this was not something we noticed during our stay, it is important context for anyone considering booking now.
Based on what we experienced in 2023, Town House Motel San Francisco worked well for us. Based on more recent reports, the situation appears to be shifting, and caution is advised.
Practical Information
Town House Motel San Francisco
1650 Lombard St
San Francisco, California 94123 USA
Phone and Reservations: (415) 885 5163
Fax: (415) 885 5163
Property Email: Sftownhousemotel1@gmail.com
This are contact informations from January 2026.
Final Thoughts on Town House Motel San Francisco
For us, Town House Motel San Francisco was a practical, character filled, and well located final stop of our American road trip. The room was clean, the staff was friendly, and the free parking made exploring San Francisco easy. The bathroom and key card system were clear downsides, and recent review trends suggest the property may be struggling more now than it did during our stay.
If you value location, simplicity, and classic motel vibes, this place once made sense. Today, checking recent reviews carefully is essential before booking.
