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8.7

833 reviews

Green Tortoise Hostel

Green Tortoise Hostel

494 Broadway Street, San Francisco, 94133, California, United States

Reservations:

+1-833-728-2041

Choose dates to view prices

Adults only

Free wifi

Sauna

24-hour front desk

Non-smoking rooms

Live music/Performance

Landmark view

Green Tortoise Hostel

Welcome to the Green Tortoise Hostel, where adventure and comfort collide in the heart of San Francisco! With prices starting at just $50, you can kick back in style at 494 Broadway Street, only 1.8mi from the bustling city center. This quirky, one-star gem is the perfect base for travelers seeking a unique experience without breaking the bank.

At Green Tortoise, we've got the essentials for you to unwind after a day exploring the Golden Gate City. Enjoy a cozy atmosphere with free Wi-Fi, relax in our sauna, and groove to live music performances that will make your stay unforgettable. Our friendly 24-hour front desk is always on standby to help you navigate the vibrant neighborhood, and don’t forget to fuel up with our complimentary breakfast to kickstart your San Francisco adventures.

Curious about what others think? You’ll join a community of satisfied guests who have shared glowing reviews—833 of them! Whether you're here for a romantic getaway, a solo adventure, or a fun trip with friends, our adults-only policy creates the perfect setting for connection and relaxation. Embrace the charm of San Francisco from a place that's as lively as the city itself!

Are you ready to dive into the vibrant culture of San Francisco while resting your head on a cozy pillow? At Green Tortoise Hostel, we offer a variety of lodging options tailored to fit your travel style. Whether you choose a single bed in our mixed dormitory, the inviting atmosphere of our female dormitory, or opt for a snug standard room, you can rest assured that comfort and camaraderie await. Each dormitory room boasts a generous 301 square feet, allowing you plenty of space to lounge around after an exhilarating day of city explorations.

Let's not forget about the unbeatable sense of community that pervades the hostel! With a lively blend of fellow travelers from all corners of the globe, you’re bound to make friends whether you're chatting over breakfast or sharing stories of your adventures in the communal lounge. Share travel tips, plan your next exploration, or simply bond over the live music that fills the air on select nights. The Green Tortoise enriches your travel experience, fueling your wanderlust and adding a delightful camaraderie to your stay.

As you settle in, take a moment to explore the bustling surroundings or retreat to our sauna for some well-deserved relaxation. With so many options for adventure just steps away, the Green Tortoise serves as your launching pad for discovering iconic sights like Fisherman’s Wharf and Alcatraz Island. Whether you're seeking unique experiences or just a place to recharge, the inviting atmosphere of our hostel is designed to make your San Francisco trip memorable. Embark on your adventure with us, and let the Green Tortoise be your home away from home!

Closest airports

Oakland International Airport

11.2mi

San Francisco International Airport

12.5mi

Buchanan Field Airport

23.1mi

Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport

39.9mi

Sonoma County Airport

53.9mi

Most popular amenities

Adults only

Free wifi

Sauna

24-hour front desk

Non-smoking rooms

Live music/Performance

Landmark view

Rooms

Single Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom  in Green Tortoise Hostel

Show 4 photos

Single Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom

1 Twin Bed

300 sqft

Landmark view

Shower

More details

Sleep soundly in a cozy twin bed in our mixed dormitory room, with a stunning landmark view, perfect for solo travelers.

Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom in Green Tortoise Hostel

Show 4 photos

Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom

1 Twin Bed

300 sqft

Landmark view

Shower

More details

Rest and relax in a cozy single bed with a stunning landmark view in our female dormitory room with a shared bathroom. Ideal for solo travelers seeking a comfortable stay.

Standard Room with Shared Bathroom in Green Tortoise Hostel

Show 4 photos

Standard Room with Shared Bathroom

1 Double Bed

95 sqft

Flat-screen TV

Shower

More details

Cozy Standard Room for two with a comfortable Double bed and shared bathroom. Perfect for a relaxing stay without the hassle of smoking.

Guest reviews

8.7

833 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Breakfast

Featured reviews:

🇨🇦

Bernadine

9.1

February 2024

The location of the hostel is brilliant. About a block away from Chinatown and 10 minutes from the pier and ferry plaza. There are so many food places within walking distance. I was travelling by myself and I never felt unsafe at the hostel. The rooms are decently sized. You do get a personal light in your bunk and access to at least two switches. There is a space at the bottom of each bunk bed for you to store and lock your personal bags. I especially appreciate the bathroom stalls at Green Tortoise. Although it is a common bathroom (this is a hostel after all), it is single stalled. Love the privacy. There was always a bathroom available when I needed one. The hostel has a big and open dining hall. Breakfast is served here. There is coffee and tea, breads, spreads, cereals, and fruits. There are also eggs and you are free to cook them in whatever style you enjoy. I often buy meals and snacks from around the area and bring them back to eat at the dining hall. Loads of tables and comfortable chairs available.

As mentioned by previous reviewers, the walls and windows are not particularly soundproof. Depending on where your room faces, it does get noisy on weekends from the music from the streets. But that is what you get when you're living in the city. You can either request and pay more for rooms that do not face the main streets or get ear plugs.

🇺🇸

Eve

10

March 2024

i was recommended green tortoise by a classmate & i’m really glad i went with his recommendation because this was a great experience! as a young female travelling solo for the first time i felt really safe & well looked after by the staff. the location was super central and also felt really safe. the complementary breakfasts were a bonus, i loved the bagels and the orange juice, and the dispensers for shampoo and conditioner were very handy. loved it, very cool place with lots of character

would’ve loved for there to be more vegan options for breakfast

🇬🇧

Frankie

10

September 2023

The room was cozy and the bed comfortable. The view from the shared balcony was lovely and looked amazing at night. They had fun activities available every night and the fridge, kitchen and shower facilities were great. The hot water ran a little too hot if you didn't adjust it right and the coffee machine didn't seem to work (or we couldn't work it out), but that's about it for constructive criticism. Liked the annex building and the breakfast area was so good for free breakfast facilities too. Would definitely stay there again. Great value for money and all the staff were lovely and very accomodating.

To be fair to the staff, we didn't try out the coffee machine until the last day and mentioned neither the shower being a little challenging to cool down or the coffee machine being tricky and I'm sure they'll look into it.

🇦🇺

Elise

8.2

March 2024

Really fun party hostel with events on every night of the week to join. Great free dinner on Sundays too and there common area was like a lounge area which was massive and a huge kitchen. Was really well set up and also free breakfast with bagels, eggs cook your own and fruit and coffee was pretty good compared to prices of other hostel. I would definitely stay here again if I come back to san Fran.

It is on a bit of a dodgy street there is a few strip clubs right by the hostel but seemed fine in the day.

🇮🇱

Liron

8.2

August 2023

The stuff were really nice and helpful. The place really tries to keep the cleanibg standart high, which they do and it's not so easy when all bathrooms are shared. Breakfast was fresh and all vegetarian. The bed was surprisingly comfortable!

Our room was really small, but we saw there are a bit bigger ones. It was noisy at nights during the weekend, but we could still sleep. No ac, but we didnt reallt needed it since open window provided enough fresh air.

🇮🇪

Jia

8.2

July 2023

I really liked the location of it which was very central and right next to Chinatown. The breakfast had a nice selection and I liked the way they let you cook your own eggs with a kitchen that was opened 24/7. They had a letter box facility and sold stamps and also had free branded postcards which was very cute. The staff were all very polite and accommodating. They had a different themed social every night (that I didn’t go to but I’m sure it was fun). The common room always had people in it which was very lively and the hotel decor was on theme with the green tortoise.

It is based on broadway street and the nightclub across the road was fairly loud in the middle of the night. Extend breakfast to 10:30 instead of 10 pls.

🇺🇸

Adrian

9.1

June 2023

Excellent location, more than walkable to/from the piers and any BART station and lots of buses radiate out to other parts of SF. Lots of good restaurants and amazing views nearby. Staff was ultra-friendly and super helpful/accommodating. Breakfast was excellent and the lounge is REALLY big and spacious. I didn't go to any but the group events appear to be quite frequent and well-organized as well.

The Monroe nightclub across the street--heavy bass and a huge lineup of partygoers talking loudly outside, this persisted until as late as 6 AM the following day. Might not have been as bad if I wasn't in the room that faced the street on the lower level. The lockers are hard to use--it's a couple cages under each bunk and is hard to use without bothering the person in the lower bunk. The only source of drinkable water is the vending machine and the water is expensive there, $2.50 for a small bottle that would cost ~1.75 at a store outside, would recommend buying a large water or case of water during the day and stashing it in your locker for the duration of the trip.

🇨🇴

Rina

8.2

March 2023

Nice and comfortable bed and comforter. Pillow was ok. The bedroom was clean and also the bathrooms and common areas. The staff was very friendly and the recommended several restaurants nearby to eat. I try the Mexican restaurant, the food was very nice (a bit spicy for me) During the week there wasn’t noise, on my last day (Friday) you could hear the music from the clubs but it was not that loud. The breakfast was nice, do it yourself :), eggs (if you want ti prepare them) and bagels/bread, coffee and juice. Overall it was a very nice experience, I would recommend it.

The dinner night out, it would be nice if you specified the whole price with a drink, so it wouldn’t be a surprise from $6 to $10 plus taxes.

🇫🇷

Monika

8.2

May 2023

The huge lounge with the stage is great. However, there is quite a draft in this room. I loved the guacamole with the free beer one night. The codes for the rooms are practical, so you can already not lose any cards. The multible individual bathrooms with their own toilet on the floor. Breakfast ok.

The steep stairs at the lower entrance are difficult to take for large suitcases. Curtains for the beds for more privacy would be very desirable. I have then helped myself with an extrra sheet. That the towels are not included in the price. Ok 1 dollar is not much, but I had this. never had to pay extra in any hostel.

🇳🇿

Kaacee

9.1

May 2023

A beautiful spacious building with spacious dormers and solidly constructed dormer beds. Prime location to reach most attractions on foot. Including choice breakfast. Big lounge to find a quiet corner if needed. No keys or swipe cards. They use Goki, opening your door through bluetooth. Plenty of single showers.

Be careful with breakfast utensils. Despite a good 3 step system of cleaning your own dishes and cups after breakfast, not everyone seems to adhere to this. Tip clean your cup/ utensils before use one more time. In some of the single showers the sink is absolutely tiny and awkward.

Points of Interest Around Green Tortoise Hostel

Attractions

Saints Peter and Paul Church

0.4mi

Barbary Coast Trail

1mi

San Francisco Japantown

1.5mi

Fillmore District

1.7mi

Pacific Heights

1.7mi

Grateful Dead House

3mi

Conservatory of Flowers

3.9mi

San Francisco Botanical Garden

4mi

Baker Beach

4.1mi

16th Avenue Tiled Steps

4.7mi

Sea Cliff

4.9mi

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

6mi

Berkeley

9.4mi

Marin County

12mi

Half Moon Bay

22.8mi

Amenities of Green Tortoise Hostel

Adults only

Free wifi

Sauna

24-hour front desk

Non-smoking rooms

Live music/Performance

Landmark view

Stay rules - Green Tortoise Hostel

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Parking

  • Reservations

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property