Hotel Bijou

Hotel Bijou is a small, budget-priced hotel at 111 Mason Street in San Francisco, California, a few blocks from Union Square and close to the Powell Street transit hub. The Powell Street cable car turnaround and the Powell Street BART and Muni station are within a short walk, which makes the hotel convenient for visitors arriving from the airport by train. The Tenderloin lies immediately to the west, Union Square's department stores and boutiques are a few blocks north, and Yerba Buena Gardens, the Museum of Modern Art and Moscone Center are within a reasonable walk to the southeast. The hotel's distinguishing feature is its San Francisco-film theme: rooms are decorated around movies shot in the city, a playful touch that gives a small, older building a recognisable identity. Rooms are offered as Queen, King and Double categories, generally compact and simple in style, and the property lists free Wi-Fi among its amenities. It does not advertise a restaurant, pool or spa, so guests typically eat in the surrounding streets, where inexpensive cafes, diners, bakeries and international restaurants are plentiful, as well as more upscale choices around Union Square. Service is basic and friendly in the manner of a small independent hotel, and the property suits budget-minded travellers, solo visitors and couples who plan to spend most of their time out sightseeing. Rates are modest by Union Square standards, usually about $110 to $230 per night depending on season, and the hotel is rated roughly 3.8. Because the neighbourhood is gritty in places and busy at night, many visitors use ride-share after dark and keep valuables secured, and light sleepers may prefer a room away from Mason Street.