The Donatello

The hotel was absolutely beautiful and the staff were all friendly and very helpful. It’s only one block away from Union Square so location is everything! Valet parking was only $ 32 a night. Would definitely stay here again!

My husband I visited San Francisco for a conference. I utilized Expedia to book my hotel. We really enjoyed our stay at the Donatello. I was nervous at first but fear not my friends. The check-​in was painless and quick besides the front desk worker trying to push off to the timeshare representatives.
We never felt forced to hear the timeshare speak, but we did do the presentation. We just went into the presentation knowing we were going to say «no» and ended up getting $ 100 for our time.
The room was great! We had plenty room for 2 to spread out. We really enjoyed the couch and the mini kitchen. The bathroom was small and needed some updating to be on par with the room, but there was a tv in the bathroom mirror.
Also we did happy hour in the lounge/​restaurant which was nice with live music. They offer complimentary tea/​coffee on the top floor, which is a great perk. As well, we appreciate them holding our luggage after our check out.

Bad first impression… the room we checked into had not been cleaned. The bathroom was a mess and hadn’t been touched sine the previous guests left. We called the front desk and they immediately sent someone up who apologized profusely and gave us keys to a new room and offered us a bottle of wine. They really did bend over backwards to make it right, and the rest of our stay was great. We ate at the italian restaurant in the hotel (Zingari) and it was delicious. The service in the hotel and restaurant was spot on… I would definitely stay here again.

It was our first time visiting San Francisco and we stayed in this hotel April 16−19^th. The room was spacious and clean. The staff was friendly and hospitable. The price was a great bargain compared to other San Fran hotels. The price includes, fridge, microwave and internet. The location was perfect and close to everything (Union Square, bus stop, cable car stop, Chinatown etc.) We did hear the club noise next door Saturday night and felt like everyone was dancing on the streets. We almost came over (haha) but too tired from all the walking. We definitely recommend this hotel. They might sell you the Wyndham timeshare or owners deal but you don’t have to go if don’t want to. Pam was sweet and hooked us up with coupons and great places to see while in town. The front desk staff was kind and let us check in early. Thank you Donatello!

My stay here was incredible. The staff is so friendly and accommodating.
They assisted us with our bags as valet to the car. Then we proceeded to our room which let out onto a community balcony.
There’s a TV built into the mirror in the bathroom which came in handy as I watched March madness while doing my hair and my sister snoozed for a couple of hours.
The restaurant is also amazing! We were seated right away, and dined while listening to live jazz and a beautiful singer. My sister Shari also got up and sang My Funny Valentine, wowing the audience. For dinner she had a lobster and shrimp ravioli, while I enjoyed the penne con pollo. Dinner was absolutely delish! I even had leftovers, how convenient we had both a fridge, and microwave in the room.
We quickly toured the spa area and enjoyed a great cup of tea while relaxing our feet in the spa before going to our massage appointment.
We checked out the next day, and there was no problem leaving our car and luggage while we did some shopping. Great stay, comfortable beds, great food, and overall GREAT TIME!
Thank you for making my sisters 30^th birthday a special one!

Came for a week a friend gave me 7 days to spend with my wife is Valentine’s Day present we loved it, we loved it so much we came owners of the timeshare program. The service was first class everything we needed they provided everything we asked for it that facilitated highly recommended!
After 7 days I can tell you it has the worse Wi-​Fi service of any hotel and I’ve been in plenty, other than this issue I would still give it 5 stars and hope they will fix it soon!

This is a timeshare/​family-​based hotel. It isn’t very big but the location is perfect distance from the Union Square shops to Chinatown which is super convenient.
The room that my family & I got included a King size bed and sofa that turns into a pull out bed. Our room consisted of all the amenities (mini fridge, microwave, extra glasses/​wine glasses, etc). The bathroom is very basic but spacious. It also had the usual mini soap, shampoo, lotion, mouthwash, etc. What caught my eye was that they also provided disposable make up removing wipes :)
What my family & I like most about The Donatello is the very good customer service! From the gentlemen at the valet, to the men in the front desk (Jesus and Mark are AWESOME), to the house keeping staff. They were all very hospitable & helpful! These friendly people made our stay memorable :)
I would recommend to stay here especially if you will only be staying in SF for a couple of nights.

Location was GREAT! Union Square is just down the street. Plenty of shopping available.

Adequate, but nothing special. The gym is a let down (and has restricted hours). The rooms lack privacy, as you are on display. The location is convenient.

Demolition of adjacent hotel rooms with huge construction bin under our 5^th floor room ALL NIGHT DEMOLITION NOISE. Clerk says, «really? No one mentioned that before.» See photo. But hotel didn’t forget to call us at 8 pm for the multiple solicitation fir the time share breakfast. Pros: large rooms. Other than above they are very attentive. Good location.

Just got back from 4 nights at the Donatello. It’s hard to pick a hotel in San Francisco and I’m definitely happy we found this one.
The rooms are large, especially for San Francisco. And they seemed recently renovated — our room had a desk, small sofa, kitchen area with a coffee pot, fridge, microwave, sink, glasses, utensils and dishes. Not that we cooked, but the wine glasses (and cork screw!) came in handy!
The bathroom seemed outdated, but there was a new shower head and everything worked well enough. Just strange that they spent the money to redo the rooms, but not the bathrooms.
About the time share pitch others have mentioned… we avoided the whole thing by skipping «picking up a welcome kit from the concierge» when we checked in. No one ever harassed us at all, we just headed up to our room.
Overall we were very happy with the Donatello — the location was perfect, the staff was friendly and our room even had a small patio area. I’d definitely stay here next time I’m in San Francisco!
P. S. Bring some ear plugs if you’re a light sleeper. I heard hallway noise from other guests almost every night.

One word: Dump. Your shoes stick to the floor, there are other people’s hairs all over the bathroom, the windows may as well not even be there, they are so thin. Garbage truck will stop outside your window at 2am, as will the drug dealers who stand and argue outside. No bottled water or breakfast available. Avoid at all costs.

It took us a while, but we have finally stayed at this Shell Vacation location! Having said that, this is not my favorite location for SF (Hyde Street is way more our speed). The parking garage is very convenient and the local is near all of the city’s major shopping. Only thing is, I’m not much of a shopper. It was however within walking distance of a brewery we wanted to visit next to the ballpark. We did not have any issues with noise (stayed on a Wednesday night) and I think if I had not already stayed at Hyde Street I would have liked this place a lot more. However that other location has a better layout for our family (three kids under 5) and more to do for little ones. Would definetely come back for a night with just my husband!

L’hôtel est situé tout près de Union Square, donc non loin des bus, cablecar, Resto, Center ou boutiques (dont le grand centre commercial Westfield, très jolie, ou vous retrouverez toutes les enseignes). Malgré cet emplacement, l’hôtel n’est pas bruyant. Le personnel est sympa. Les chambres sont grandes, très bien décorées et propres, avec en plus une petite kitchenette. La salle de bain est spacieuse avec en plus la télé incrustée dans son grand miroir ! Il n’y a pas de petit déjeuner mais vous pouvez aller prendre café, thé ou chocolat dans le salon du dernier étage ou sur la terrasse avec une «petite» vue de San Francisco.

I’ve been coming to the Donatello for over 7 years now and this last year I’ve been very disappointed with the service and initial interaction with the front desk personnel. The only people that even say Hi and smile anymore are the bell personnel– Carlos is always friendly and helpful.
When I got there the room wasn’t ready– I get that… I got there early… when I asked for a water I was told no we don’t have any waters anymore? Go upstairs and get some from there– no customer service. Next day– get back to my room around 6 pm– room was never made up– called downstairs– asked to speak to the manager– got the assistant manager who didn’t really seem to care and asked if I actually wanted towels and my room made up tonight (like I was asking for him to do it personally). I need to say that if this is the level of attention Wyndham is giving their resorts– I may reconsider adding the signature to my package… I have 5 days to rescend… asked to have the manager call me tomorrow– let’s see if I get any response from him/​her.
I get things happen– it’s life, it’s how it’s handled that separates the quality people and companies from the S&%*)(*% ITY ones…
I will think twice about staying here next year– I hope the other Wyndham resorts and Shell resorts have not gone to this level of service.
When you walked into the resort you used to be greated with a hello and welcome, not anymore– and when you come downstairs the front desk personnel are too busy talking to each other to look up smile and say Hi– very sad… it used to be better– this is not progress in my opinion.
BTW– I spoke with a couple other people that work in other departments and they actually shared my frustration and told me I’m not the only one they’ve heard this from– unfortunately probable the only one that took the time to share this… I hope Wyndham and Shell Vacations are hearing this…

Stayed here July 17 – 19 2015. Loved the hotel, the room was nice, staff was friendly, location was great.
Close to Union Square, lots to do. The room was spacious, the décor was nice. They need another mirror over the «kitchenette» area because no one really uses that as a kitchen. Or another mirror in the living room area or something. The kitchenette is not well-​appointed, I have stayed in time-​shares with Shell Vacations many times and this was a very simple kitchen set up… there is no possible way you could prepare a meal in that kitchenette. FYI. We did not plan on that anyway as we were going to enjoy the fine dining SF has to offer, but beware if you wanted to use the kitchen. Room #806
The top floor has a «club level» gym and jacuzzi… it’s obviously an indoor jacuzzi, so it was tight, and very chlorinated. Not my favorite jacuzzi experience ever but that’s not why we were there. We had a little wine and cheese hosted by the hotel on Fri upon check in. Chris, the concierge, was very personable and helpful.
If you are booking here, there are strong odds you own a timeshare, and know the drill. And I have to say, we’re all adults… so if you don’t want to go to a timeshare presentation, DON’T. Grow up. It’s not required, we’re in a free country. If you really want a $ 100 Amex Gift Card or some free weekend somewhere or a free cruise, then you have to sit through the 90 minute presentation. And no matter how many times they say it’s «no pressure» realize that it is. You can leave after 60 minutes at this one, (which was fantastic), no matter what they say. I am well acquainted with the Timeshare Presentation and the Owner’s Updates. I was told I was booked for 8:15 — 9:15 and at 9:18 I said I was out. He tried, it’s his job, I am in sales as well so I totally get it. But I was not planning to buy any more points, I can’t even use the points I have yearly, so it won’t work on me. I told him that I was wasting HIS time. When I drove that home, he was happy to let me be on my way.
So just grow up and either GO, and stand your ground and leave when the time is up and collect your gifts, or DON’T GO to the presentation. I get tired of hearing complaints about it… they can’t make you go and they can’t make you stay longer than you agreed to. You’re the one that want’s the gifts they promise, so you gotta do the time!
There’s a TV in the bathroom screen. That’s was pretty cool. I’d stay here again.

Car was damaged at hotel valet parking today (6−13−15). Attendant claimed it was old damage and had already been there. Damage was easily viewable on drivers side door (white scuff marks and dent). Small white particles/​remnants still on damaged area. Filled out form and submitted it immediately. I will add to this post as the claim is processed.

The location is perfect but beware, if you are not a timeshare owner you will get their least desirable rooms. If you’ve book and prepaid like I did, insist on the room you booked. Also, if you’re not a timeshare owner — get ready to do your own housekeeping. I had to fight with the front desk to get clean towels.
It was my first time in San Francisco (had a blast) and not my last. It is however the LAST time I stay at The Donatello. The Hilton, the Marriott, the Nikko and even Parc 55 were all recommended to me and I’m sorry I didn’t book with them. I sure will next time.
Note to management — it would be wise for you to WARN your guests at check in that we have to recycle towels. It’s disgusting but at least it won’t be a surprise.
GO TO THE HILTON DON’T STAY HERE!!!

Great location in union square short walk to trolley, shops & China town. The staff was very friendly & helpful. The hotel décor was very beautiful. The room was very comfortable with a king bed with lots of pillows. (FYI I did NOT experience any staff attempting to sell timeshare’s I was concerned when I read other reviews).

This hotel was a lot nicer than I expected. I stayed here for a business trip and was initially bummed that I couldn’t get a room at a Hilton or Hyatt. When I first arrived I was kind of put off by the location (on the border of Union Square and the Tenderloin, right across from Ruby Skye) and the building itself looked rather old. Even the lobby and the hallways have an old look to them but the rooms themselves were HUGE! You can tell that each of the rooms was remodeled somewhat recently since the furniture and TV are very modern. As someone who travels a lot and tries to eat relatively healthy/​cheaply, I liked that the room had a mini fridge, microwave, and wet bar with extra plates/​wine glasses/​etc (not all hotels even have a mini fridge). Something mildly interesting was that there was a TV built into the mirror in the bathroom.
Although it is super close to Union Square and about a 5 minute walk from Powell St Bart station, my biggest complaint about this hotel would probably just be the location. I went out to dinner a few times in the city and felt a bit uncomfortable walking around here at night, but I think as long as you’re back before 9 there’s still a lot of people walking around and it’s not super sketchy yet.
Bottom line, I wouldn’t mind staying here again. Although a tad rough, the location is very convenient and the price is very reasonable for SF and how close you actually are to Union Square.

Yet another excellent timeshare stay from start to finish! Easily found it on Post and Mason St. Pulled up to the valet. Checked in and was greeted immediately by the front desk. I forgot the guy’s name, but he was very helpful. Picked up the keys, was given more information about our stay, and I was on my way!
We had a room on the 7^th floor, and the only complaint was the street noise and thin walls. But we were warned of it, and not to mention that the only other available room was facing Ruby Skye nightclub. Also, its downtown SF, so high noise level expected.
Okay, so back to the room description. I was very impressed. A fairly high ceiling, larger than your average room, and more space than anticipated. Upon entering, you’re provided with a closet (and clean white robes), dresser drawers, and a shoe bench. The bathroom was clean and had a remote. Remote for what you ask? Well, the built in LCD monitor in the mirror of course. See pic! Only basic television though, so kinda useless. At least the shower head was detachable and flexible.
We also had a microwave, a modern mini-​sink, and fridge. Almost a kitchenette, only without a stove. So I guess it’s considered a wet-​bar if anything. There was a 50′ LCD flat-​screen with cable. An office workstation, and free wi-​fi. A comfortable king-​sized bed with clean sheets and soft pillows. A cool leather sofa-​sleeper with extra bedding in the closet. Man, I tell ya, this place was so worth it!
Outside our room, we’re provided access to the Club Lounge on the top floor. Up here they brew Peet’s coffee for free. More couches and tables for you to just lounge and relax, read, or watch TV. Patio chairs out on the balcony to enjoy your coffee, and enjoy the weather. As far as the balcony view, it was OK. Nothing scenic or spectacular, just a lot of buildings. The concierge desk was helpful; The guy there was informative about restaurants and touristy spots.
The Fitness Center was kinda small, but good enough. It provided: Two treadmills, two exercise bikes, a few dumbbells, and weight machines. The locker room seemed pretty clean as well. The sink area even had items for shaving, now that’s a plus! And with plenty of clean towels provided, I spent my last morning relaxing in the spa and then in the sauna. Score!
On a side note, I also had issues with my key card. Again, I was given excellent service from the front desk, as they re-​keyed my card with no issue. What a perfect staycation in the city! Loved it, and won’t hesitate booking here again!