Named after local sculptor Douglas Tilden, Tilden Hotel’s airy lobby is a dedication to his legacy, filled with a curated rotation of works by local artists from in and around San Francisco. It’s a theme that extends beyond the hotel’s decor, to the Tilden Tuesdays Art Program that creates a space for San Francisco’s creative community to host exhibitions, events, performances and discussions.
The hotel’s rooms are a little less spectacular: clean, fresh and functional, with minimal decor but all the essentials (including fancy toiletries from MALIN+GOETZ), and serviced by a compact elevator that occasionally gets overwhelmed by too many guests. Elsewhere, you’ll find Tilden Café, which stocks yummy breakfast pastries from Berkley-based Starter Bakery, and The Douglas Room, which churns out excellent cocktails and has a generous happy hour that runs from 1pm-6pm, Mon-Sat.
Neighborhood:
Tilden Hotel is situated within San Francisco’s Tenderloin district, a couple of blocks from Market Street in one direction, Union Square in the other, and, just beyond that, Chinatown. It’s also a handy location for exploring the city’s key attractions thanks to the nearby cable car stop.
Nearby:
1. Mr. Holmes Bakehouse: For seeing what the hype over the cruffin is all about.
2. Mikkeller Bar: For sipping on some of the finest beers in the city.
3. Great American Music Hall: For catching a gig in a lavish setting.
Time Out tip:
Head to The Backyard to find a little bit of peace in the city (along with a fire pit and garden games).
