Lodging

The Laurel Inn, San Francisco.

When my brother got married last June, I helped arrange affordable accommodations for the couple’s out-of-town guests.

Most of my family landed at the Hotel del Sol in the Marina, while my brother and the bride’s entourage stayed at the Laurel Inn, close to the ceremony site and the Presidio, where the reception was held.

A mid-century former motor lodge, the Laurel Inn has been gussied up by the Joie de Vivre folks and bears their unmistakable stamp — a fancy paint job, niceties like afternoon lemonade and cookies, attractive and efficient rooms, and a helpful and friendly staff.

Though the bridesmaids seemed underwhelmed by their lodgings, my brother’s suite was colorful and spacious with a view of downtown, a seating area, and a kitchenette.

One nice perk is access to the splashy JCC, an amazing fitness facility across the street for $10.

The location, on the edge of Pacific Heights, can go either way depending on what you’re seeking. It’s not in the middle of any real tourist area, but nearby Sacramento Street has great shopping and some standout and restaurants.

Laurel Village, two blocks a way is convenient for banking, groceries, Peet’s Coffee, Walgreens, Starbucks, a hardware store, Book’s Inc., and several clothing stores. Ella’s across the street has had hungry patrons lining up outside for brunch on the weekend for close to 20 years.

A colorful suite at the Laurel Inn, SF.

A solid option for families, many of the rooms at the LI have kitchenettes and the neighborhood has lots of retail aimed at the shorties — from The Ark, selling only wooden toys to Snippety Crickets, a children’s hair salon to Dottie Doolittle, a high-end baby boutique. The aforementioned JCC also offers childcare. And in the Presidio, a few blocks away is the mack daddy of San Francisco playgrounds.

But I wasn’t at the Laurel Inn to discuss bambinos, I dropped by to take a jittery groom out for a cocktail. Fortunately Swank, the plushy, retro lounge was just downstairs.

The elegant Victorian buildings that make up Inn 1890 in San Francisco.

They don’t advertise. There isn’t even a sign.

I must have walked by the elegant Queen Anne Victorian on the corner of Page and Shrader streets hundreds of times on my way to the Haight.

It stood out to me only because of the gynormous geranium bush, easily the largest I’ve ever seen, that completely enveloped the steps to the side entrance.

It wasn’t until a friend who lives in the ‘hood told me that his family stays at Inn 1890 when they visit from Ireland.

Turns out the stately white building is an unassuming Bed & Breakfast inn that blends seamlessly into the residential Panhandle neighborhood of Edwardian and Victorian homes, just a block from Golden Gate Park.

Innkeeper Steve gave me a tour of some of the 17 rooms, the 24-hour kitchen and the peaceful garden. Many of the guests are short-term lodgers, relatives of patients at nearby UCSF. Others have heard of the Inn from locals and through word-of-mouth.

Inn 1890 has a homey vibe, with cheerful yellow walls and lots of windows. All but two of the unique rooms have private baths, two are suites, and almost all have refrigerators and microwaves. Many have kitchenettes. Period details abound, and some rooms have working fireplaces.

I was a little put off by a old, musty smell in a couple of the rooms, but I guess that goes with the territory in a house that was built in 1890…

A relaxing garden.

Classical music played in the sunny, well-stocked kitchen where guests are invited to make meals or tea any time of day.

The owners live in an adjacent property on Shrader St. that houses a few more rooms including the “cottage” as well as a one-bedroom apartment that rents out by the month.

Prices are exceptionally reasonable — $99 to $179 per night. Parking is an additonal $10 (and worth it).

Amenities include, free Wi-Fi, computer and printer, free in-room phone service, robes and slippers, queen-sized beds and down comforters.

Steve and the staff put out a large spread of breakfast items and goodies — fresh fruit, quiche, assorted cheeses, breads, muffins, cakes, and “always pie” — throughout the day.

It really feels like coming home. If your idea of home is a beautiful Victorian in San Francisco.