Fresh Budget Stay in SF: The Americania Hotel

Story by Jenni Olson
Photos: Courtesy JDV Hotels

San Francisco's gay-owned boutique hoteliers, Joie de Vivre have done it again. Like their equally creative Best Western makeover in Japantown (The Hotel Tomo), their latest lodging facelift job spiffs up a 143-room South of Market motel into a playful, creative and fun property for grown-ups and kids alike, The Americania Hotel (121 7th St, San Francisco, CA 94103; 415.626.0200).

Joie de Vivre's signature qualities of modern, up-scale design are wonderfully executed in a scheme that includes vintage board games like Stratego and Chutes and Ladders against a backdrop of light-turquoise tones throughout the property (picture a contempo riff on that classic Howard Johnson’s  hue). Joie de Vivre’s other signature quality? Cleanliness -- thank you very much! This is a nice clean, modern hotel (though it’s 7th and Mission Street location does have its dodgy qualities and travelers should be warned not to wander over to 6th Street, one of the worst blocks in the city).

That said, the Americania is very centrally located and offers up solid and safe budget accommodations for smart travelers. All rooms have free Internet access, flat screen TVs with free cable and ample full pay per view movie menu, plus bedstand iPod docking stations. The property also boasts an outdoor heated pool with sun deck, a fitness center, pair of free computer terminals in the lobby, on-site coin-op laundry, on-site parking and a great bar/restaurant space called Custom Burger and Lounge featuring classic American diner fare (you can get room service from the burger place or from the pizza joint at Joie de Vivre’s other hotel just across the street, The Good Hotel).

Rooms start at $109 (weekdays) and $119 (weekends) for queen, king and double rooms. On up to $149 (weekdays) and $159 (weekends) for 2-room suites. New San Francisco visitors: Be sure to explore the JDVHotels.com website and make use of the trip planner which showcases all kinds of great activities and destinations in the city.

Story by Jenni Olson
Photos: Courtesy JDV Hotels

San Francisco's gay-owned boutique hoteliers, Joie de Vivre have done it again. Like their equally creative Best Western makeover in Japantown (The Hotel Tomo), their latest lodging facelift job spiffs up a 143-room South of Market motel into a playful, creative and fun property for grown-ups and kids alike, The Americania Hotel (121 7th St, San Francisco, CA 94103; 415.626.0200).

Joie de Vivre's signature qualities of modern, up-scale design are wonderfully executed in a scheme that includes vintage board games like Stratego and Chutes and Ladders against a backdrop of light-turquoise tones throughout the property (picture a contempo riff on that classic Howard Johnson’s  hue). Joie de Vivre’s other signature quality? Cleanliness -- thank you very much! This is a nice clean, modern hotel (though it’s 7th and Mission Street location does have its dodgy qualities and travelers should be warned not to wander over to 6th Street, one of the worst blocks in the city).

That said, the Americania is very centrally located and offers up solid and safe budget accommodations for smart travelers. All rooms have free Internet access, flat screen TVs with free cable and ample full pay per view movie menu, plus bedstand iPod docking stations. The property also boasts an outdoor heated pool with sun deck, a fitness center, pair of free computer terminals in the lobby, on-site coin-op laundry, on-site parking and a great bar/restaurant space called Custom Burger and Lounge featuring classic American diner fare (you can get room service from the burger place or from the pizza joint at Joie de Vivre’s other hotel just across the street, The Good Hotel).

Rooms start at $109 (weekdays) and $119 (weekends) for queen, king and double rooms. On up to $149 (weekdays) and $159 (weekends) for 2-room suites. New San Francisco visitors: Be sure to explore the JDVHotels.com website and make use of the trip planner which showcases all kinds of great activities and destinations in the city.