Columbus Motor Inn Review

North Beach Neighborhood

Fisherman's Wharf is a touristy area to visit and a centrally located place to stay. Hotels here tend to charge premium prices and the area contains many tourist attractions. Parking is atrocious and rarely included in the hotel price. For budget-class hotels, I would recommend instead staying in the Lombard Street area which is very safe near a high-end residential area and offers many discount hotels.

Rates range typically from $82-$165/night.

1075 Columbus Avenue
The Columbus Motor Inn is actually located in a cool semi-residential part of North Beach on the edge of Fisherman's Wharf. The inn is close enough to easily walk to the Wharf, but even more conveniently walkable to North Beach's Italian area where parking is next to impossible.

Dean writes, "We had a great stay at the Columbus Motor Inn. We stayed there for 6 nights and were impressed. The rooms were clean and spacious. The desk people were friendly and helpful. The access to the Wharf was great. Just a short walking distance. The room prices were real reasonable for the location. We selected the motel because of the reviews on this web site. I would recommend the Columbus Motor Inn to anyone going to visit San Francisco and will stay there the next time we go to San Francisco. Thank you for your info on your web site, it made our trip complete."

O'Flynn writes, "Hi, we have stayed at the Columbus Inn on Columbus St. two different times and loved it...the rooms are affordable, close to Fisherman's Wharf, underground free parking, the rooms are lovely...especially loved the rooms facing the street with the balconies...we will stay there again this month on our annual Hwy 1 trip from LA to San Fran...loved your web site, thank you."

Jill writes, "We stayed in the Columbus Inn on Columbus street. It was a perfect location for visiting many parts of the city, especially the wharf area. We could see much higher priced hotels from the front of this hotel. The room was very comfortable. We had a room with a view of the wall of the building but were so impressed with the accommodations and the central location we didn't even mind. We paid $114. per night and that included parking!"

M. writes, "I would say the Columbus Motor Inn is one of the City's best kept secrets. We had a two bedroom suite, on the third floor, with a wonderful view of Alcatraz and Coit Tower, for $122, parking included. Given the location, that's a great price. Everything is within walking distance. We even walked to Pac Bell Park, although that may be more ambitious than most will want to undertake. However, the 31 bus stops outside the hotel door and goes to the park. Some things nearby, other than the Wharf and North Beach: Washington Park and Mama's Restaurant (on Filbert, I believe? It overlooks the park) for breakfast and an Istrian restaurant (Albano's, as I recall) a block down Francisco Street from the hotel. The weird bar across the street (a combination Irish Pub and Indian Curry House, of all things is good for cheap pints too. In any event, I would certainly stay here again."

B.C. sums it up, "The under $100/night (tax included) for this location AND COVERED PARKING was a bargain. The newly renovated interior was spotless, and the staff very helpful. Great location, parking, clean, good staff--what else could you want?"

JL writes, "Of all the places I've stayed in San Francisco, The Columbus Motor Inn has by far the best view, sweeping from Alcatraz to the Coit Tower to the towers of the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul, at Washington Square. When I had to spend a night in the ultra-expensive Hyatt Regency Embarcadero Center, I barely had a view of the Ferry Building, and had to stand in the corner of the room to see anything out the window but concrete. Also, when I stayed at the Hotel Milano (also far more expensive than the Columbus), I ended up in a tiny room with a marvelous view of air conditioning machinery. So yes, I find the view from the Columbus to be rather nice. At any rate, the prices are excellent, the people are nice, the MUNI access is superb, and you can walk out the door at any hour of the day or night."

S.K. writes, "The Columbus Motor Inn is centrally located. The rooms are large with a double bed, television, phone, and a large bathroom. While the rooms have a balcony, there isn't much of a view. Closet space is small. There is no restaurant on the premises but numerous restaurants in the area. Fisherman's Wharf and Ghirardelli Square are three blocks North. Four blocks south is North Beach. The staff is very helpful and friendly. The Columbus Motor Inn is one block from the Cable Car line and there is a MUNI bus stop right outside the door. We were very pleased with this location and felt safe walking day or night."

B.M. concurs, "Nice place to stay! Excellent value for the money. Owner/manager could not have been more helpful. Minutes walking to Fisherman's Wharf. Great Cable Car access to Union Square etc. Very convenient auto access to the Golden Gate Bridge. One of SF best kept secrets!"

T.G. had a great time, "Just got back from a 4 night stay at the Columbus Motor Inn, between Fisherman's Wharf and North Beach. The rooms were spacious and clean with cable t.v., telephones, free parking and if you stay on the 3rd floor you get a great view of Alcatraz and Coit Tower, closets are small. The staff was friendly and very helpful. Public transportation is literally at your doorstep. We will be staying there again. Only drawback.... this is only if you need absolute quiet, the rooms on the Columbus Street side get a lot of traffic noise."