Perfect if you are under 5 feet tall?

I can't really recommend this hotel, but for the price, I suppose it's adequate. While the lobby is impressive and the Starbucks is very convenient (meaning you don't have to walk 5 feet outside the hotel to find the next one), the room was average and the bathroom felt like a coat closet. Getting my hair wet required some fantastic acrobatic manoeuvres, even though I'm only 5'9. Another odd and unimpressive feature of our room was the fact that both of our beds had flat bottom sheets on the bed that didn't even reach the end, which ended up all over the place after a night's sleep. Is that what they call "short sheeting"?

I'm sure the hotel was something in it's day, and the rates are low and reasonable. The staff were fine and the cleaners were always very friendly.

A Good Deal and A Great Location

I got a good rate on Expedia. Check-in was easy and friendly. Lots of security in the lobby, which is a plus given the location close to Civic Center. I got a quiet inner room, which is the best bet for a quiet night. Room was cosy and more than sufficient for one or two people. Not really luxurious but fine for the money. And a bargain for SF. Hotel is steps away from Civic Center MUNI underground train station, providing easy access to Financial District, Union Square, and the Castro. I'd stay there again. Don't let the neighborhood scare you into an over-priced Union Square hotel. Union Square is noisy and right next to the dangerous Tenderloin district. And don't stay at the Wharf, which is far away from real SF. Stay at the Ramada, save some bucks, get on MUNI and explore the real SF.

Got more than I paid for

A lot has been said about the "dicey" neighborhood around this hotel-- but that describes all of San Francisco. Most of Market St. is rough around the edges--so if you're not comfortable with that, maybe you should re-think whether you really want to visit San Francisco?This hotel is more than adequate. It's a nice, old hotel and has been nicely restored. My bed was comfortable, the room was decent, the location was great. The phone worked, the bathroom was fine. No, it's not 5-star luxury. But I got it from Priceline and only paid about $65 a night for it! Know what you usually get for $65 a night? The YMCA!! (and I've stayed there, too--you wanna talk about a dicey neighborhood??) Or a cheesy Ramada Ltd. South of Market.It's all about what you get for what you pay. For what I paid, it was great, and perfectly safe. If your budget is rock bottom, try this out--if theyu're not too full, you might get a great deal. Also check out the Mosser Victorian, who has a mix of rooms from very cheap to more expensive.

Great deal for central location

A very typical older hotel: Large room with high ceilings, grand lobby... We were quite pleased. Forget all the nonsense you read in these reviews about the "scary" neighborhood. Sure, some homeless people. So? It's downtown after all. We felt quite comfortable. Very good central location. Right on MUNI subway line and trolley and bus.

I'd feel more at ease right there on Market Street rather than off-Market at Union Square. At least here you step off transit and you're right at the front door of the hotel. One word of advise: housekeeping comes around just after 8AM - be sure to put the "Do Not Disturb" sign out if you want to sleep in!!

Fair Hotel, Horrible Neighborhood

We stayed at the Ramada Plaza after booking it from an on-line company.

Since it was my wife and my first trip to San Francisco in more than 15 years, we were not familiar with the area. The hotel itself is fair.

The staff was generally helpful, but it took a few calls to the management staff to get things right. Security in the hotel is adequate, but the surrounding area demands it. Since the hotel is very old (about 1906) the rooms are surprisingly small. The bathroom had no cover on the window, and the hallway was very loud. The price seemed fair upon booking, but later research while in the area uprooted some similar prices in better parts of town. There is an abundant homeless problem throughout SF, but nowhere as predominant as on Market St.

around this hotel. We had to take the Muni (bus) several blocks before feeling comfortable enough to walk around. The hotel is not as centrally located as the average tourist would require. Many blocks of walking or waiting for public transportation is necessary to do anything typically "San Franciscoan". The highlight of the hotel is the in-house restaurant and the convenient lobby Starbucks. On our next trip, we will definately stay in Fisherman's Wharf or Nob Hill. I suggest you do the same unless all others are booked or out of your price range.

Roof over my head

I recently stayed at the Ramada. It is exactly what you pay for. The lobby is pretty and there is a Starbucks in the building. Beyond that, everything is just functional. Our sink had a large, ducktapped crack and the shower took about ten minutes to warm up. Location was fine. Public transport is great in San Francisco and being on Market Street provides guest the opportunity to jump on every 5 minutes. If you want a roof over your head, this is your place. If you want something a little more upscale, move 3-5 blocks down the street. It will, however, cost you more and there will still be homeless people everywhere.

Did not like the Ramada Plaza

The reception staff at this hotel were the rudest, most unprofessional people I encountered whilst in the US for 4 weeks.The hotel is situated in a very seedy part of San Francisco. Unfortunately we were on a coach tour and could not change our booking.When we arrived there was only one lift out of four in service. The rooms are dingy and small and the bathrooms are tiny and once in the shower it is pitch dark.I would not recommend this hotel to anyone.

Good Staff, Dusty Bedrooms

The public rooms at the Ramada Plaza are great, as are the staff, but the bedrooms are terribly dusty. Beware if you are asthmatic.

Good older hotel

Stayed for over a week at the Ramada Civic Center Hotel on Market Street. The building was post 1906 earthquake, has a large lobby, and over 400 rooms on 8 floors. My room was nicely decorated, clean, reasonably sized for an older urban hotel, and had hairdryer, iron, ironing board, data port, & voicemail. On the negative side, there were few electric outlets, the tub/shower did not have grip bars, and the bathroom was small. This section of Market Street is a bit dicey -- but so is most of downtown -- and may not be the best place for those who are not comfortable with walking through the urban mix. On the other hand, there was a BART station at the door, busses and trolleys stopped right in front of the hotel, a Starbucks in the lobby, a Subway sandwich shop, a small lunch counter restaurant and a Burger King right across the street. Convenience was a plus. Staff was friendly and helpful and cheerful, except for one person who really shouldn't be working the front desk. The hotel seemed to attract a mix of young and middle aged couples, families, some business people, and others in town for its night life.

Nice hotel

This isn't your every-day Ramada. One gets the feel of being in a more prestigious hotel. The lobby is very nice, and the rooms are well furnished and comfortable. Being on Market Street, the hotel is a 10-15 minute walk to the trolleys and a 20 minute walk to Chinatown. Buses run by the front door frequently, making this an option if one doesn't feel like walking. The restaurant is also very good. When I return to San Francisco, I definitely plan to stay here again.