Entering the grounds of Hotel del Sol reminds you of a time when neighbors all knew each other and there were block parties. The 50s style hotel surrounds a pool/garden/gathering place where there are two hammocks and large palm trees, lounge chairs and tables for anyone who wants to soak up the sun and socialize with friends and families. You can almost forget that there is a big city beckoning outside. All of the rooms have a deck facing the interior of the hotel and there is plenty of light and window that made our room very cheerful and breezy. Our side of the hotel has the only two family suites, geared towards those traveling with young children. Though our kids are 9 and 5 in ages, they had a terrific time and the set up is great for families with wanderlust.

• Our group: We stayed one night and our kids are ages 9 and 5.
• The Room: The Kid Culture suite (all of them are named on our side of the hotel) consisted of two ample sized adjoining rooms: one with a comfortable queen size bed, desk, a welcoming fireplace (non-functioning), bathroom, and an efficient kitchenette, with microwave oven, and dishes. The second smaller room had a trundle bed and a toy/play area that reminded our daughter of her dentist’s waiting/play area for kids! The hotel is simple in design but well maintained and very clean. It had great light and was warmed by the afternoon sun. There is no need for an air conditioning since there are plenty of windows for a nice cool San Francisco summer breeze. Air conditioning and heat does exist but I don’t think you will need them in mild, San Francisco weather.

• Amenities: There was a thoughtful handwritten letter from the manager, and a gift bag for both the parents and the children. And how clever! The kids goodie bag contained old fashion toys and sweets, that really brought back memories or our road trips taken with our parents.
o Pool: Nice size pool, but no Kiddie/Wading Pool or Jacuzzi.
o Additional Play Areas Nice additional play areas and social areas.
o Child Care/Kid programs Yes, but we did not use it.
o In House Restaurant They serve lemonade and home made cookies in the afternoon (4-6) and continental breakfast with all of the nice basics.
o Laundry Facilities Don’t know
o Free Breakfast: Yes.
o WIFI: Yes
o Sitting Area: Outdoors.
o Adjoining Rooms/Suites Yes. Nice size with comfortable furnishings.
o Kitchenette Yes.
o Air Conditioning Yes.

• Service: The kids felt very welcomed and there were kids of all ages, from ages 5 to 15 seen throughout the hotel. The Staff is very nice and efficient. There were prompt, informative, and nice service touches, such as take out menus available on their shelves, a complimentary collection of DVDs and books for you to use.

• Food: Great restaurants of all kids within walking distance since the Hotel is located right near Union Street and Chestnut Streets, two major shopping/eating neighborhood thorough fare in San Francisco.

• Location: Very close to Lombard Street which is part of Highway 101. Is walking distance and easy driving distance to all major attractions and destinations. You can walk and bike to reach some of the major attractions in San Francisco.
• Money/Value: Yes, definitely worth the money.

• Kid-Friendliness: Kids really liked the hotel, and because we were so comfortable and it was so fun, we had a great time. There was nothing precious about the place, which let all of us relax.

• Best and worst Loved the courtyard and the play area; the second adjoining room with trundle bed and kids toys strewn about that really made the kids feel welcome and special.
If there were a chain of these across the United States, we would even be motivated to take long road trips with the kids!

Please note:
This review is based on a complimentary stay at Hotel del Sol, San Francisco. I received no other compensation besides the hotel stay and the hotel did not express any requirements that I express a particular point of view.