The two-floor Washington Square Inn is a welcoming and homey B&B in a charming Edwardian building with white shutters, window flower boxes, and a black awning that hangs over the entrance. Since its 1910 construction, the building has housed a pharmacy, medical offices, and retail shops before becoming the hotel. Hallways have wood-paneled walls and molding, old-fashioned chandeliers, and dark carpeting. There’s a narrow staircase, but no elevator. 

The reception area features a dining table, fireplace, antiques, comfy furniture, and front desk. A free breakfast is served in the dining area, but should be reserved ahead of time due to limited seating. There's also a granite-topped buffet counter where guests can grab free coffee throughout the day, and the inn hosts a daily afternoon happy hour with free wine, tea, cheese, and hors d’oeuvres. The inn's intimate vibe makes it a hit with vacationing couples.  

The inn is located in front of Washington Square in San Francisco's tiny Little Italy area. There's a tavern, cafe, bakery, market, and the popular Mama’s restaurant in the immediate area. Coit Tower, Saints Peter and Paul Church, Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, and Chinatown are all within walking distance, but be prepared to climb some steep hills. The Embarcadero is 15 minutes away by public transportation. Union Square is a five-minute drive or 15-minute cable car ride away, while Japantown is 10 minutes by car. The San Francisco International Airport is a 40-minute drive from the hotel.

Most rooms have Edwardian-inspired decor and furnishings and feature armoires, carpeting, and canopy beds; decor creates a romantic vibe, although it can feel a bit kitschy to some. Earplugs and goodbye gifts are nice (and useful) touches. Some rooms have views of Saints Peter and Paul Church, Coit Tower, or Telegraph Hill. Features include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and bathrobes, and while rooms lack air-conditioning, they do have ceiling fans. Some of the small bathrooms have antique fixtures and all come with hairdryers. Extra toiletries such as toothbrushes, shaving cream, and sewing kits are available on request. 

Room types include Superior, ADA Accessible, Deluxe, Queen, Petite Queen, and Cozy Double Rooms as well as Junior Suites. Superior King rooms have sitting areas and some come with electric fireplaces. Petite Queen rooms have hallway bathrooms with shower/tub combos. Suites have sitting areas and DVD players and some have bay window seats. 

The Washington Square Inn, like most historic buildings in San Francisco, doesn’t have a parking lot, but it does provide a discount voucher for a 24-hour parking garage located on Filbert Street, a block away. Business services, including faxing and copying assistance, can be arranged for a fee at the front desk, and there's free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Concierge services are also available, and the hotel stocks a small selection of gifts for purchase, including sparkling wine and cookbooks. A hot breakfast is included in the room rates.