When I had to spend a night in the ultra-expensive Hyatt Regency Embarcadero Center, I barely had a view of the Ferry Building, and had to stand in the corner of the room to see anything out the window but concrete. So yes, I find the view from the Columbus to be rather nice. At any rate, the prices are excellent, the people are nice, the MUNI access is superb, and you can walk out the door at any hour of the day or night. The rooms are large with a double bed, television, phone, and a large bathroom. While the rooms have a balcony, there isn't much of a view.
Closet space is small.
There is no restaurant on the premises but numerous restaurants in the area. Four blocks south is North Beach . The staff is very helpful and friendly. The Columbus Motor Inn is one block from the Cable Car line and there is a MUNI bus stop right outside the door. We were very pleased with this location and felt safe walking day or night.