Review of Beresford Arms 3*

We stayed at The Beresford Arms for six nights in mid November. We were fortunate to be assigned a suite at the back end so that the traffic noise was muted. The space with bird prints on the walls was huge and comfortable for the price we were paying. We had the option of changing linens every day or not. The bathroom was clean and provided a bidet as well as toilet. The cleaning service was excellent. The fittings were gold (new) and the older faucets were brass. There were two sinks which proved convenient since both my wife and I could clean up and dress without competition for mirror or sink. The two beds were comfortable although one was too soft. A full length mirror was provided. We did not use the television at any time and so were not bothered about lack of cable TV. We were on holiday and had voluntarily divorced all need of Wifi. We never found out if either was provided. The kitchen was very convenient — with a stove; refrigerator; little dining table; microwave; coffee machine; dishes and cutlery, and of course a sink. The hotel did not provide in-room coffee but we bought our own ground coffee and brewed it ourselves. Guests may bring up coffee from the foyer if they do not brew their own. We were very comfortable. There were some interesting touches in the foyer. The post Victorian gold trimmings and layout of the space there was accommodating. On the first day we attended the Tea session (4pm to 6pm I think) with complementary wine. In one corner, a grandfather clock frozen at half past four, reminded me that there may have been once a time when great expectations were rife in this room. Except for the traffic outside on Post Street, time also appeared to have slowed down and I for one felt transported back to a previous more genteel era. Breakfast was also pleasant. The pastries were plentiful but quality-wise not much to write home about. The cut-up fresh fruit (melons and watermelon) was similarly plentiful, and from the third day, for breakfast we simply brought up some of it from the breakfast spread to supplement some fine cheese and breads we had bought at an organic farmer's market (Sundays only) on Clement Street in Richmond. We found the Hotel staff friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about trips around the city; nearby shopping; and restaurants. The Hotel is well positioned for easy access to all areas of our interest. If you have a car, parking requires uncalled-for patience and is very expensive. We were glad we did not rent one. Overall, It was a pleasant experience and we will certainly return. My wife thought that without air conditioning, it might be different in the summer but if what Mark Twain is reputed to have said about the San Francisco weather is true, then there may be no need of air-conditioning at all.