The San Remo Hotel was a boarding house for sailors and artists after the 1906 quake.

On the edge of North Beach in San Francisco, this European-style pensione is a little slice of maritime and bohemian history.  Built in 1906 after the devastating earthquake, the stately Italianate Victorian with a lively street-level restaurant gave refuge to sailors and longshoremen who worked in the nearby shipyards as well as Italian immigrants, poets, artists and writers. Free room and board was offered to a transient labor force that helped rebuild the city, and according to San Remo legend, penniless artists paid for lodging with their paintings.

Today, the 62 rooms feature lovingly-restored details from that era — beveled leaded glass windows, redwood wainscotting, stained glass skylights and decorative wood carved fretwork. In the hallways are little nooks for conversation or reading, overstuffed bookcases and vintage photos and ephemera on the walls. Impeccable shared bathrooms have clawfoot bathtubs, pedestal sinks and brass pull-chain toilets.

Fior d’Italia moved into the restaurant space downstairs in 2005 after fire chased the self-proclaimed “oldest Italian restaurant in America” from its anchor position on the southeast corner of Washington Square Park.

Rooms are small but charming, some with brass beds or antique oak armoires. Many rooms have sinks but there are no private baths, TVs or phones. Though the vibe throughout is decidedly Old World, WiFi is available in the hallway. The funky rooftop penthouse has amazing views of Coit Tower and Telegraph Hill and amenities including a refrigerator and private bathroom.

A view of Coit Tower from the rooftop penthouse.

Prices are from another era as well, starting at $65. The San Remo also offers special package deals that include reduced rates for extended stays and discounts at Fior d’Italia, the Wax Musuem and on the cable cars.

The location on the fringes of North Beach, at the foot of Telegraph Hill and next door to Fisherman’s Wharf is unbeatable. Legions of travelers from all over the world found bargain-priced lodging at this affordable gem, adding to its groovy, bohemian ambiance.