Mission Street: It sure looks fun, but what do I know? (San Francisco: hotel, home)

[niffyat]

I'm going to SF in May, and I am planning to stay at The Elements Hotel (well actually, its a hostel... but whatever). The website is here: Elements Hotel, Misson Street, San Francisco The address is 2516 Mission St., San Francisco, CA

I already booked a bed (I suppose it's not booking a room, heh) for the first night of my trip. But after reading this site, I've seen some... less than stellar descriptions of Mission Street! But I am assuming from my trusty Google Map that Mission Street is hella loooong so I don't think this part is the bad part. So, would anyone be able to share their opinion of the Hotel's location?
It is located at:
[2516 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110]


Anyone familiar with this section? It looks fun.. the reviews from various hostel sites were fairly positive... but I'm pretty interested in couch surfing too... anyway, if you have any comments to share, please do! Thanks!

[gizmo980]

That's the heart of the Mission district, which really is a fun place! The "bad" part of Mission street is closer to Civic Center, in the lower numbered streets (approx 5th-13th streets). I don't think the part you're staying in is bad, but definitely be careful anyway. It's mostly a party area, with lots of bars & great restaurants, so things can get a bit rowdy... they actually had a shooting right around there recently, which got me stuck in traffic for quite a while. But those don't happen every day, so you should be fine! Just try not to get tooooo drunk, or stupid stuff can happen. Oh, and try Cha Cha Cha's at 23rd & Mission, which is a great Cuban tapas restaurant and bar - just two blocks from your hostel.

[sonarrat]

Really one of my favorite parts of San Francisco. The spirit is infectious, like you missed your stop and got off in downtown Guadalupe instead. By all means, go and have fun!

[artemis78]

I have friends who stayed at Elements last spring, and loved it. It was reasonably priced and (at the time--though it had just opened!) extremely clean. Their only issue was that it was pretty loud--it's above a restaurant/nightclub called Medjool. (We've eaten there and it's tasty--a bit schmancy but that's probably the side you'd want to err on for a downstairs "neighbor"!) Mission Street between 16th and 24th (the two BART stations) is so busy at all hours that it's really not too sketchy--but it *is* urban and gritty, so expect street vendors and shops that spill out onto the sidewalks and people sitting and talking on curbs or biking by you and cars honking and the occasional stench of urine. If you're out late on a weekend, you'll encounter some folks weaving their ways home on the sidewalk or sleeping off a hangover in a corner.

In general, though, it's a lot of fun--and if it gets overwhelming, you can always walk up 24th Street to Noe Valley, where you'll be surrounded by babies and puppies and people eating brunch.

[bigdave01]

Here is a photo thread of the Mission District:

San Francisco's Mission District - SkyscraperPage Forum