Review: The Hotel Castro

Why book?

Bringing San Francisco’s iconic Castro neighborhood to life, Hotel Castro is an intimate boutique filled with fun vibes and loud interiors. With just 12 rooms, each inspired by an LGBTQ+ hero, past and present, the minimalist furniture is contrasted with the bespoke artwork and colorful feature walls displaying portraits of local heroes. Powerfully connected to the surrounding neighborhood, you’ll feel transported to the technicolor world of Castro and yet feel completely at home at the same time. Utilizing nearby amenities and businesses to amplify guests’ experience, if you want a deep dive into the creative and lively part of Eureka Valley, then Hotel Castro is for you.

Set the scene

While the exterior appears dark and modern, you’ll step into the vibrant world of the 1970s. Playing with clashing prints, neon lights, vivid artwork and rich jewel tones, Hotel Castro embodies the neighborhood unlike any other. Centrally located within walking distance to the best bars, restaurants and events in the area, it’s the perfect place to rest your head after a night out on the town. But you don’t have to go anywhere to be transported to a world of fun. Each of the 12 rooms is fitted with a private terrace so you can admire the vibrant street energy from afar, or head down to the retroglam Lobby Bar with craft cocktails and elevated bites. Take your drink up to the rooftop to listen to the beats of the talented musicians.

The backstory

A noticeably modern building amid the mostly Victorian era structures of the community, Hotel Castro aims to be a new vibrant base for exploring San Francisco's LGBTQ community. Built during the pandemic, the hotel was designed to utilize digital technology for increased efficiency. With almost no on-site staff, the hotel is operated through a smartphone web app for most services, including check-in, food ordering and cleaning, through Kasa Living, an operator that specializes in using technology to reduce staffing needs.

The rooms

With just 12 rooms, each space is designed to be a contemporary, minimalist haven. Fitted with sleek furnishings aimed to amplify the small spaces, it’s an intimate place to unwind and relax. Each of the rooms is decorated with a featured wall mosaic of LGBTQ community heroes bringing splashes of color to the otherwise minimalist rooms. The Deluxe King offers the right amount of space, with a comfortable king size bed next to floor to ceiling windows offering street views and a large walk-in shower. And with a touchless hospitality experience featuring app-driven communication with your own private concierge, your stay will be effortless and worry-free.

Food and drink

Transforming the idea of a dull hotel lobby into a fun cocktail lounge, The Lobby Bar is a retro glam 70s den serving craft cocktails, perfectly paired wines, elevated bar bites, and plenty of style. With a marble-top bar and plush booths, it’s the perfect gathering spot in Castro before hitting the clubs. With happy hour specials on weekdays, don’t miss out on cocktail concoctions like Lobby Bird and Seedy Business, utilizing fresh fruit with gin and aged rum.

The neighborhood/area

The Castro District is a colorful LGBTQ neighborhood that is rich in history and culture, and famous for its vibrant and inclusive community. This popular area is home to a diverse range of shops, restaurants, theaters, and historic landmarks. The streets are lined with Victorian and Edwardian homes that add to its unique charm.

The service

One of the unique parts of Hotel Castro is that it utilizes seamless and contactless hospitality. With keyless check-in, app driven communication and private concierge, everything is done at your fingertips. However, an onsite manager is present and the bar is staffed by friendly waiters happy to make your stay as social and interactive as you want it.