You’ve seen the photos of the Salesforce Tower. It’s shiny, massive, and defines the new San Francisco skyline. But if you walk just a few blocks away from the glass and steel of the Financial District and head toward the theater district, the city starts to feel different. It feels older. It feels like wood paneling and wrought iron. That’s where you find The Andrews Hotel San Francisco, tucked away on Post Street like a quiet memory of a city that hasn't totally disappeared yet.
Honestly, it’s easy to miss.
Most people booking a trip to the Bay Area end up in one of those massive, 40-story towers in Union Square where the lobby smells like expensive perfume and corporate ambition. There’s nothing wrong with that, I guess. But if you want to understand why people actually fall in love with this city—the "Old Baghdad by the Bay" vibe that Herb Caen used to write about—you have to go smaller. You have to go to places like The Andrews Hotel. It’s a boutique spot that basically functions as a time capsule, and while it isn't perfect for everyone, it’s exactly what a certain type of traveler is looking for.
The History Living in the Walls
This isn't a "modern" hotel in the sense that everything is brand new and controlled by an iPad. The building dates back to 1905. Think about that for a second. It survived the 1906 earthquake because it was nearly finished when the fires broke out, standing as a testament to the resilient brickwork of that era. When you walk through the doors of The Andrews Hotel San Francisco, you aren't just checking into a room; you’re stepping into a piece of Edwardian architecture that has watched the city change from horse-drawn carriages to self-driving Waymo cars.
The elevator is a trip. It’s one of those old-school models with the brass gate. It’s slow. It creaks a little. Some people hate that—they want high-speed efficiency. But there’s something weirdly meditative about that slow climb to your floor. It forces you to slow down. You can’t be in a rush here.
The rooms are small. Let's just be real about that. If you're expecting a sprawling suite where you can do cartwheels, you're going to be disappointed. These are European-style rooms. They have high ceilings, large windows that actually open to let in the cool Pacific breeze, and white lace curtains that flutter when the fog rolls in. It’s charming, but it’s tight. That’s the trade-off for staying in a historical landmark in one of the most expensive zip codes in America.
Location: Why Post Street Matters
Location is everything in SF. If you stay too far south, you're in the middle of a tech campus. Too far north, and you're fighting tourists for a sourdough bowl at Pier 39. The Andrews Hotel San Francisco sits in a sweet spot. You are two blocks from Union Square, which means world-class shopping is right there, but you’re also on the edge of Lower Nob Hill.
This means you can walk to the Curran Theatre or the San Francisco Playhouse in about five minutes. It’s the "Theatre District" for a reason.
- The Cable Car Factor: The Powell Street cable car line is just a few blocks away. It’s loud, it’s iconic, and yes, it’s expensive, but you have to do it once.
- The Dining Scene: You aren't stuck eating at a hotel chain. You’re near places like Liholiho Yacht Club (if you can get a reservation) or tiny, nameless dim sum spots.
- The Walkability: San Francisco is a city of hills, but the walk from The Andrews to the heart of the shopping district is relatively flat by local standards.
What’s interesting is how the neighborhood changes at night. It gets quieter. The light from the streetlamps hits the brick facades, and for a moment, you could be in 1920s Paris or London. It’s a vibe that the big Marriotts and Hiltons just can’t replicate because they’re too busy being "standardized."
Fino Ristorante: The Secret Weapon
Most hotel restaurants are an afterthought. You eat there because you're tired and don't want to look at Yelp. But Fino, which is located right inside The Andrews Hotel, is actually a destination for locals. It’s an Italian spot that feels incredibly cozy.
The bar is small and intimate. They make a serious martini.
The menu doesn't try to reinvent the wheel. It’s classic Northern Italian. You get the Veal Scaloppine or the homemade tortellini, and you eat it in a room with warm lighting and white tablecloths. It feels like the kind of place where a private investigator in a noir novel would meet a mysterious client. There’s a level of "old world" service here that is becoming increasingly rare. The staff often knows the regulars by name.
One thing most people don't realize is that guests of The Andrews Hotel San Francisco often get a complimentary glass of wine at Fino in the evening. It’s a small touch, but in a city where a glass of decent Pinot can run you $18, it’s a nice way to start the night before heading out to a show.
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Addressing the "Old Building" Elephant in the Room
Let’s talk about the downsides, because an "expert" who says everything is perfect isn't being honest.
Old buildings have quirks. The walls aren't soundproof like a modern bunker. If there’s a loud group in the hallway, you’re probably going to hear them. The plumbing has character—sometimes the pipes clank a bit when the heat kicks in. And as I mentioned before, the rooms are cozy. If you have four suitcases and three kids, you’re going to feel cramped.
Also, parking. Parking in San Francisco is a nightmare designed by a committee that hates cars. The hotel offers valet, but it’s pricey. Honestly? Don't bring a car. You don't need it. Between Uber, the cable cars, and your own two feet, a car is just a $60-a-day liability in this part of town.
But for the solo traveler, the couple on a romantic weekend, or the business person who is tired of "beige" hotel rooms, these quirks are features, not bugs. They are part of the story.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Stay
If you’re going to book a room at The Andrews Hotel San Francisco, ask for a room on a higher floor. You get better light and it’s a bit quieter from the street noise. The street-level sounds of San Francisco—the sirens, the occasional shouting, the hum of buses—is part of the urban symphony, but it’s better filtered through five floors of brick.
Don't skip the continental breakfast. It’s not a massive buffet with a waffle maker, but they bring fresh pastries, fruit, and coffee to each floor. It’s very European. You can grab your tray, go back to your room, open the window, and watch the city wake up while you eat a croissant.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you're planning a stay, keep these specific tips in mind to navigate the area like someone who actually lives here:
- Skip the Airport Rental: Take BART from SFO to the Powell Street station. It’s a 10-minute walk from there to the hotel, and you'll save hundreds on parking and rental fees.
- The "Secret" Coffee Spot: While the hotel coffee is fine, walk two blocks to Sutter Pub & Restaurant for a more "local" morning vibe, or hit one of the tiny espresso bars tucked into the alleys nearby.
- Dress in Layers: This is a San Francisco cliché because it's true. The Andrews is near the "fog line" where the weather can change by 10 degrees just by walking three blocks toward the water.
- Book the Theatre Early: If you're staying at The Andrews specifically for the theatre district access, check the schedules at the SF Playhouse across the street. They often have incredible, intimate productions that are much cheaper than the big touring Broadway shows at the Orpheum.
- Ask the Staff: The people working the front desk at The Andrews have usually been there for years. They aren't reading from a corporate script. Ask them where they eat lunch. That’s how you find the best sourdough or the cheapest (but best) Mission-style burrito within walking distance.
The Andrews Hotel San Francisco represents a version of the city that is stubbornly holding on. It's a place where the brass is polished, the service is personal, and the windows still have cranks. It’s not for the traveler who wants a high-tech "smart room" with neon lights. It’s for the person who wants to wake up and remember exactly what city they’re in.
To make the most of your trip, check the current production schedule at the nearby Curran Theatre and book your dinner at Fino at least 48 hours in advance, especially on weekends. Once you've secured your room, download the MUNI Mobile app to handle all your transit needs without fumbling for cash or paper tickets. This allows you to step out of the hotel's historic charm and right into the flow of the modern city with zero friction.