Number one. THIS PLACE IS NOT IN A SEEDY NEIGHBORHOOD. For some that may be uninitiated, “seedy” would be the Tenderloin or Bayview. The Haight is basically a hipster neighborhood with coffee shops, music stores and fashion boutiques at this point. So you may have had different experiences, but mine was good and I find Zarinah’s place to be well maintained. I was a bit deterred by some of the reviews saying the former. They seem to be overinflated.
Anyhow, the Red Victorian is basically a hostel. I’ve stayed in hostels all over the world, so am realistic about what to expect. You have a main area on the 1st floor to hang out, a place to store luggage, and then bedrooms and bathrooms on the upper floors. Overall I found the place to be quite clean. Personal towels and soap are provided. The resident staff were helpful. But really, for this price in a location like the Haight, you’re not going to get better than this. Fully recommend staying at the Red Victorian, esp. if you’re on a budget.