The hotel is situated in a narrow, six-story Edwardian-style building with a pale yellow facade and elegant columns at the entrance. The antique elevator is thought to be one of the oldest in the city, and is just one of the many charming features of this cozy property. One wall is decorated with black and white photographs from around the world, part of the estate of a former night watchman who was a photo collector. There are also several oil paintings of landscapes and city scenes. The hallways and parlor offer small wooden tables and chairs, as well as cushioned love seats and armchairs in various prints. Antique wooden dressers, mirrors, and coffee tables, along with an eclectic assortment of chandeliers and lamps are spaced in such a way that the hotel does not feel cluttered -- but does feel local and historic. There is a real fireplace in the entry room/parlor, and an orange cat that seems to serve as a sort of mascot. Guests tend to be tourist couples or families, and while they're out during the day, guests often socialize at breakfast. 

The hotel is situated on a periodically-busy, one-way street next to a parking garage and car rental, and surrounded by local businesses and other small hotels. The location is convenient to both tourists and business travelers wanting to be in the center of the city. Union Square is two blocks away, about five minutes on foot. Nob Hill is about a half-mile (15-minute walk) uphill. The Financial District and Moscone Center can be reached on foot in less than 20 minutes, or in 15 minutes by bus. Fisherman’s Wharf and North Beach are both about 20 minutes away by bus. San Francisco International Airport is 40 minutes away by public transportation or about 30 minutes by car.

There are 25 rooms at the Golden Gate, accommodating one to three guests. They all have the feel of a guest room at grandma’s house, with floral bedding and curtains, cute bedside lamps, and wicker or antique wood furnishings that can include beautiful vanities and armoires. Walls are decorated with colorful paintings -- one room has equestrian prints in wooden frames -- and have striped wallpaper or pastel paint. Rooms are small, but most provide chairs, nightstands, and closet or shelf space. Each room has a small TV with cable (some are tube-style), free Wi-Fi, and a down bedspread and pillows. Rooms without bathrooms have private sinks and mirrors; shared bathrooms are small and clean, each with a toilet and compact stall shower. A few of the private bathrooms have shower/tub combos with antique, claw-footed tubs. Some of the lower level, basement rooms and hallways have a musty feel about them, and are subject to more traffic and elevator noise.

The Golden Gate provides free continental breakfast, comprised of fresh coffee (which is highly rated), English tea, fresh orange juice, croissants, muffins, cereal, and yogurt -- plus free, freshly baked cookies and tea available throughout the day. There is free Wi-Fi access in all of the rooms, and guests can use the communal computer and printer in the entry room. Bathrobes, ironing boards, and Champagne flutes are available upon request, and there is concierge service for tour and restaurant planning. Paid parking is available at the garage next door.