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San Francisco is expensive. Ridiculously so. If you’ve spent more than five minutes looking at hotel prices in the Bay Area, you’ve probably felt that specific type of sticker shock that makes you consider sleeping in your car. It’s exactly why people start hunting for alternatives like the Top of the Mark Motel. But here is the thing: there is a massive amount of confusion surrounding this name because of a very famous, very upscale bar sitting atop the InterContinental Mark Hopkins.
Let’s get the record straight immediately.
The Top of the Mark Motel is a classic, no-frills motor lodge located on Lombard Street. It is not the penthouse lounge with the 360-degree views of the Golden Gate Bridge, though you can certainly drive there in about six minutes. It’s a place for people who want to save their cash for $15 sourdough bread and overpriced parking fees rather than spending $500 a night just to close their eyes.
The Lombard Street Reality Check
Lombard Street is famous for being "the crookedest street in the world," but for travelers, it’s basically Motel Row. The Top of the Mark Motel sits right in the thick of it. Staying here means you are dealing with the real San Francisco—the fog, the noise of the 101 traffic, and the proximity to the Marina District.
It’s an older building. You can tell by the architecture and the way the parking lot is cramped. If you’re driving a massive SUV, may the odds be ever in your favor when trying to squeeze into a spot. Honestly, the parking situation in this part of the city is a nightmare anyway, so having a dedicated lot—even a tight one—is a huge win.
Most people expect a "motel" to be a disaster. We’ve all seen the movies where the curtains are stained and the lightbulbs flicker. But this spot usually surprises people. It’s clean. It’s basic. The bed is a bed. You get a TV, a roof, and a bathroom. If you’re looking for a bidet and a pillow menu, you’re in the wrong zip code.
Location vs. Luxury
Why do people stay here? Simple. You’re within walking distance of the Palace of Fine Arts and Crissy Field.
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You can walk out the door, grab a coffee at a local shop, and be looking at the Golden Gate Bridge within twenty minutes. That’s the trade-off. You sacrifice the mahogany furniture of a Union Square hotel for the ability to roll out of bed and be near the water. The Marina District is right there. It’s full of high-end boutiques and bars where people go to see and be seen. Staying at a budget motel while partying in the Marina is a classic San Francisco "hack."
What to Actually Expect Inside the Rooms
Don't expect the Ritz. Seriously.
The rooms are functional. They use the space efficiently, but it’s definitely "vintage" in a way that isn't always intentional. You might find a heater that clanks a bit or a shower head that has seen better days. But the staff? They’re usually locals who know exactly where the best late-night burritos are. That kind of insider info is worth more than a mint on your pillow.
One thing travelers often overlook is the noise. Lombard Street is a major artery. It’s loud. If you’re a light sleeper, bring earplugs or download a white noise app. The city doesn't sleep, and neither does the traffic heading toward the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Pros: Free parking (usually), walking distance to the Presidio, significantly cheaper than downtown.
- Cons: Traffic noise, dated interiors, limited amenities.
- The Vibe: Pragmatic traveler who spends 14 hours a day exploring and only needs a place to crash.
The "Top of the Mark" Confusion
We have to talk about the name. It’s a bit of a marketing masterstroke—or a curse, depending on who you ask.
The actual Top of the Mark is a legendary cocktail lounge at the Mark Hopkins Hotel on Nob Hill. It opened in 1939. During World War II, it was the place where servicemen had their last drink before shipping out. It’s iconic.
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The Top of the Mark Motel on Lombard is... not that.
I’ve seen tourists show up at the motel thinking they’ve booked a suite with a view of the entire bay, only to realize they’re looking at a gas station across the street. Don't be that person. Know what you're booking. The motel is a budget-friendly basecamp. The lounge is a high-end experience. You can stay at the motel and spend the $300 you saved on a round of drinks at the lounge. That’s the pro move.
Navigating the Neighborhood
When you stay at the Top of the Mark Motel, you aren't just staying in a room; you're staying in the Marina/Cow Hollow area. This is one of the most walkable parts of the city.
- Chestnut Street: This is where the locals eat. Skip the tourist traps at Fisherman’s Wharf and walk a few blocks over to Chestnut.
- The Presidio: It’s a massive park that used to be a military base. It’s stunning. You can find the "Star Wars" Lucasfilm headquarters there (look for the Yoda fountain).
- The Hills: You’re near the Filbert Street steps. If you want a workout, forget the gym. Just walk up.
Is it safe?
Generally, yes. Compared to the Tenderloin or some parts of SoMa, the area around Lombard and the Marina is quite safe. You still shouldn't leave a single thing in your car, though. San Francisco has a notorious "smash and grab" problem. Even a gym bag or a loose charging cable can be an invitation for a broken window. Use the motel parking, but keep your car empty.
Comparing Value in 2026
In the current travel market, "budget" has been redefined. A few years ago, $100 was a budget room. Today, in San Francisco, anything under $200 feels like a steal. The Top of the Mark Motel fluctuates based on season—usually spiking during Fleet Week or major conferences like Dreamforce—but it consistently stays below the price point of the big chains.
If you are looking at Airbnb options, you’ll often find that by the time you add the "cleaning fee" and the "service fee," a simple motel room is actually cheaper. Plus, you don't have to worry about a host asking you to take out the trash and strip the linens before you leave at 6:00 AM.
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Nuance in Reviews
If you look at online ratings, you'll see a wild spread. Five-star reviews from people who just wanted a clean bed and a place to park. One-star reviews from people who thought they were staying at a 5-star resort.
The truth is always in the middle.
It’s an older property. The walls aren't soundproofed with the latest technology. The carpet might be a color that was popular in 1994. But it’s a legitimate business that provides a necessary service in a city that is increasingly priced for the billionaire class.
Expert Tips for Your Stay
If you decide to book, ask for a room away from the street. The rooms toward the back of the property are significantly quieter. Also, check the check-in times strictly. Since it’s a smaller operation, they don't always have a 24-hour concierge like a Hilton would.
Also, skip the "continental breakfast" if it's offered. You are in San Francisco. Walk three blocks to a bakery. Get a real pastry. The city has some of the best food in the world; don't waste a meal on a wrapped muffin and lukewarm coffee in a lobby.
Practical Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Verify the Location: Double-check your confirmation email to ensure you are at the Lombard Street address and not the Nob Hill hotel.
- Empty Your Vehicle: Move everything—even trash—out of sight before you park.
- Plan Your Transit: Download the MUNI app. The bus lines running along Lombard can get you to the Embarcadero or the Golden Gate Bridge much faster than an Uber in peak traffic.
- Pack Layers: The "Top of the Mark" area on Lombard gets the fog (Karl the Fog) early. It can be 75 degrees in the Mission and 55 degrees at your motel.
Choosing a place like the Top of the Mark Motel is a choice to prioritize the city over the room. It’s for the traveler who wants to spend their time at the SFMOMA, eating oysters at Swan Oyster Depot, or hiking the Lands End trail. It’s basic, it’s honest, and it’s one of the few ways left to do San Francisco on a reasonable budget.
Just remember: it's a motel. It’s a good one, but it’s a motel. Set your expectations accordingly and you’ll have a great time exploring the hills of the city. No fancy lounge required, though you should definitely grab a drink at the other Top of the Mark just to say you did. Use the money you saved on the room to pay for the Uber up the hill. That’s how you win at San Francisco travel.