My experience at the Green Tortoise in SF's North Beach area was fantastic. This was my first experience staying in a hostel and I am so glad I did instead of paying some hotel mucho $$$ just to sleep there. The location, amenities, and personality of the place were well described in Sarah's listing so there were absolutely no surprises. The place is very clean and well organized. This is very much a place where travelers with a sense of community stay so everything is safe and everyone I met was very outgoing and kind. The location is great, I couldn't have picked it better and would (will!) absolutely stay here again. It was really cool to just take a short walk and be in the CBD, Chinatown, or the Embarcadero. Also, there are lots of nice people to meet and fun activities to take part in. I only wish that the excursions and travel opportunities offered by the hostel had been advertised on their air bnb site... I had booked all kinds of excursions (Yosemite, Muir Woods, etc.) and found out when I got there that if I had booked them through Green Tortoise, it would have been more convenient, cheaper - and probably way more fun! Finally, don't be concerned about this being a "Party" hostel in a neighborhood with adult clubs, etc. Your bigger concern is having a bunk mate that snores - and for that, the ear plugs at the front desk are perfect!