Many drawbacks except location

Although I knew not to expect a luxury hotel, Beck's has a number of serous drawbacks that should be considered before staying there. On my recent trip for Pride weekend it was 97 degrees in San Francisco. The room I had was unbearably hot, and the staff made no mention at all of the availablity of fans, so I went to a local store and purchased one adding $20 to the cost of the room! The cruising going on pracitcally 24 hrs. is very annoying and prevents you from ever leaving the door open, or even the drapes to the room open. If you do you are inviting a sexual advance whether you want it or not. Apparently this aspect of the hotel is desireable to some, but I found it seedy and disgusting.

Becks also seems to have an unpredictable problem with the hot water, and is very unapologetic about it. The front desk person couldn't have cared less that we had to take a cold shower, saying "The problem was corrected."On the positive side the room was clean, there is available on site parking for not extra charge, and it is very convenient to the Castro disctrict. I personally will seek another alternative on my next trip to the City.

Great value, although noisy at times

Beck's has been around for years. It's a real plus if you are driving a car since the parking lot is free. If you stay in the front rooms keep in mind that Market St. is very busy and the noise of traffic can be loud at times. Also, there are the occasional screaming queens who return from the bars after 2:00 a.m. All-in-all, Beck's is a very good value. Don't forget the underground MUNI line is a block away. Lots of restaurants and shops in the Castro. Enjoy this value in a city with very high hotel rates.

Would stay again

I stayed at Beck's recently and had a very attractive and clean room with what appeared to be a brand new bathroom. A lot better than most hotel rooms. The location can't be beat - near MUNI, Market St restaurants and shops, the Castro district. If I weren't gay I can't imagine staying here - it is a pretty gay place and from what I saw there is "cruising" going on. I like this hotel and would stay again, but it's usually a bit pricey so I end up staying at one of the hotels downtown or in South of Market.

Great Bargain

The best value in San Francisco. In a city where you can pay more and get a room that is in a very bad part of town, Beck's is a great deal. "The Castro" is the gay part of town and VERY safe. There are two parts of the Beck's. The front rooms that get some gay cruising, and the back rooms that are very private and good for those who are put off by the crusing.

Becks is what it is

Like my review says, Beck's is what it is. Its a motel centred in one of the "gayer" parts of San Francisco.In my annual visits to San Francisco, I usually find myself staying there. For the price and location, you really can't beat it. I normally get a KingSize smoking room which puts me up on 2 or usually the 3rd floors. The room size is spacious, very big bed and room to move around. There's more than ample closet space.I have had problems with them of course too, there was the time that I came back from a afternoon out to find ants in my bathroom. I informed the front desk and was moved to a higher room immediately, upgraded from my twin to a king as a matter of fact.Then on the morning I was to leave, my shuttle to the airport was late. The women at the desk went above and beyond to make sure I got another service to take me and make sure I arrived in time.Now to answer past reviewers, you talk about the first floor and "non smoking" and getting car exhaust. Well, duh. You have cars in and out of there, of course there is going to be exhaust fumes.During my recent trip I stayed at a Union Square establishment which I got a deal on Priceline for. However, Im already counting the days for my 2004 trip when it will be back to becks.

Keep an open mind.

My wife and I stayed two nights at Becks october 2002. The staff was friendly except they tied the elevator up when cleaning the rooms. Don't leave your door open if you don't want to be cruised. I didn't leave our room without my wife so I didn't get hit on! Medical necessity requires we stay in Castro district . Will probably stay again. Interesting area if you keep an open mind.

It Is What It Is! Location is Everything!

I stayed at Becks last in September 2002 and it's just what it says "a motor lodge." Similar to Roadway, etc., however, the other person commenting is correct that there is lots of cruising going on on the walkways. If you don't want to be a part, don't leave your door open. I didn't rank Becks higher only because (as most of SF) there is no air conditioning and should you get one of those infrequent hot spells in SF where it's up in the 80s or more, you will roast in the room without the door being open as there is no cross ventilation. Plus the sliding windows are set so they only open a few inches as a security measure. However, what I found out later is that you can request a fan from the desk and they may dig one up for you. Besides that, I love Becks. I lived in SF for 10 years and it's the place to stay if you want to be in the Castro, just think twice before you put mother up here. Well, I guess that depends on how with-it your mothe!

r is!

Convenient, No Frills

Beck's is what it is. It's called Becks Motor Lodge. As far as motor lodge hotels go it is above average. If it was in a category with luxury hotels I'd say it sucks. So if you want a hotel where you want a concierge, doorman, bell man and large staff to kiss your butt, Beck's is not for you stay at The Four Season and 5 times more. Don't pay attention to these people who expect Cavier and canned tuna prices. I find it also odd nobody checked and went elsewhere.

Big Fat Liars at Beck's!

We specifically asked Beck's if there was "cruising" going on at the Hotel (i.e. gay men walking around looking for sex). Beck's assured us that cruising didn't happen anymore. However, from the moment we arrived until we left - we couldn't open the door without someone peering in. Very annoying! In addition, we were placed on the first floor. The "non-smoking" room smelled of car exhaust and smoke. There was no cross ventilation (but couldn't very well open the door w/ all the cruising), no hair dryer, no air conditioner, no ironing board, no hot water and most of staff does not speak English - well except they know how to count money. If you have to stay in the Castro, I admit that the location is perfect. However, I don't recommend this Motel.

Accommodation & email

Motel was clean. Had everything I needed. Lots of nearby shops. On rail line. No need for car. Also close to cyber cafe called Chat Cafe where I could check e-mail www.sfchatcafe.com