The Parker Guest House

The Parker Guest House is an Edwardian guest house at 520 Church Street, between the Castro and Mission Dolores neighbourhoods of San Francisco, California. The building is a restored early twentieth-century townhouse set among the tree-lined residential streets of the area, and it is run in the manner of a small inn rather than a conventional hotel, with a garden and a relaxed, personal atmosphere. The location is well suited to exploring the city's neighbourhoods. Mission Dolores Park, a popular hillside park with views of the downtown skyline, is a few blocks to the east, while Mission Dolores, the oldest surviving building in the city, is close by. The Castro, with its historic theater, cafes and long association with the city's LGBTQ community, is a short walk to the west, and the Mission District's restaurants, taquerias and murals begin a few blocks to the south and east. The J Church Muni streetcar runs along Church Street and connects with Market Street and downtown, while Muni Metro and BART are accessible at Church and Market and 16th Street Mission. Rooms are offered as Queen rooms and King rooms, in a style that blends period features with contemporary comforts, and guests may use the garden and common areas. Amenities listed include a free breakfast, a garden and free Wi-Fi, and the breakfast is a significant part of the value for a small property of this kind. There is no spa, pool or on-site restaurant, but the surrounding neighbourhoods provide an exceptional range of restaurants, cafes and bars within a few blocks. The service character is welcoming and personal, with staff able to advise on local restaurants and events, and the property is popular with couples and LGBTQ travellers as well as visitors who prefer a residential neighbourhood to the downtown tourist districts. Nightly rates typically run from about $130 to $260, which is moderate for San Francisco. Booking ahead is advisable for the summer and Pride weekend in June.