Winton
Winton is a former hotel now serving as an SRO, offering housing for individuals and veterans in a central San Francisco location.
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Best Time
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Winton
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Winton is a former hotel now serving as an SRO, offering housing for individuals and veterans in a central San Francisco location.
"Tolerable as long as you don't mind mice and you're not claustrophobic. Great location for transportation. "
🔑 Inquire for Housing
Contact SF Dept of Housing or Swords and Plowshares for SRO room availability.
🐭 Pest Control Awareness
Be prepared for potential mice and cockroach sightings.
Highlights
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Central Location
445 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco
Excellent access to public transport, with bus stops right outside and BART a few blocks away.
Community Support
Managed by Tenderloin Housing Clinic
Provides housing for those in need, including veterans, with dedicated staff.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understanding Winton's Current Status
Navigating the SRO Environment
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔑 Inquire for Housing
Contact SF Dept of Housing or Swords and Plowshares for SRO room availability.
🐭 Pest Control Awareness
Be prepared for potential mice and cockroach sightings.
🌬️ Room Ventilation
Rooms can be stuffy; a fan is recommended.
🚽 Shared Bathroom Use
Shared hall bathrooms may have flushing issues.
Tips
from all over the internet
🔑 Inquire for Housing
Contact SF Dept of Housing or Swords and Plowshares for SRO room availability.
🐭 Pest Control Awareness
Be prepared for potential mice and cockroach sightings.
🌬️ Room Ventilation
Rooms can be stuffy; a fan is recommended.
🚽 Shared Bathroom Use
Shared hall bathrooms may have flushing issues.
📍 Transit Hub Access
Benefit from immediate bus access and nearby BART.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Winton is now an SRO housing facility, not a public hotel. While its central location is a plus for transit, reviews from current residents highlight issues like pests and unreliable shared bathrooms. Some find it peaceful and appreciate the staff, while others express significant dissatisfaction with living conditions.
"No longer open as a Hotel, the Winton has been converted to an SRO managed by Tenderloin Housing Clinic.
No (0) rooms are available to the general public, to inquire about a room here please contact the San Francisco Dept of Housing and Homelessness, or if you are a veteran, Swords and Plowshares."
Darren Runyon
"Tolerable as long as you don't mind mice and you're not claustrophobic. Great location for transportation, bus stops right in front of hotel and BART is only a couple blocks away."
Jeff Chetcuti-DeHaven
"I just moved in here less than a month ago. I know people here from my previous place @the Baldwin Hotel(SRO.) That's a plus with the exception of one.
The 1st two days, I killed 4 spider's in my room. The sink won't work. I don't have a personal bathroom, but the two in the hall won't flush most of the time.
The room are stuffy and hot; thank God I have a fan. Would rather have an AC though.
I would LOVE to have an actual apartment with my own bathroom and kitchen like I had back home in Arkansas.
This city is NOT even fit to live in as far as I'm concerned.
It's all about perversion, DRUGS, money and alot of competition on who's the better one to be in control of another.
You can literally get away with unaliving someone else or even yourself here, "the less, the better;" I believe is their(those within authority) mantra.
All in all, this WHOLE city should be demolished and burnt to the ground."
Becky Rae Boydston
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Winton is very well-connected. Bus stops are directly in front of the building, and the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) station is just a couple of blocks away, making it easy to access from anywhere in the city.
As Winton is now an SRO and not a public hotel, dedicated guest parking is not available. Public parking garages are located nearby, but can be expensive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Winton is no longer open to the general public as a hotel. It operates as a Single Room Occupancy (SRO) managed by the Tenderloin Housing Clinic.
To inquire about a room, you need to contact the San Francisco Department of Housing and Homelessness. Veterans can also reach out to Swords and Plowshares.
Since Winton is an SRO, standard hotel check-in/check-out times do not apply. Inquiries and placements are handled by the managing organizations.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Reviews mention rooms can be stuffy and hot, with some residents recommending a fan. While some find the hallways and bathrooms clean, others report issues like non-working sinks and pest problems.
Most rooms at Winton do not have private bathrooms. Residents typically use shared bathrooms located in the hallways, which may not always be functional.
Safety perceptions vary. While some residents describe it as peaceful, others express concerns about the city's general environment. It's important to be aware of your surroundings.
Amenities are basic, focusing on housing needs. Shared bathrooms and laundry facilities (if available) are the primary shared amenities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Winton does not have on-site dining facilities for residents or guests. However, its central location provides easy access to numerous restaurants and eateries in the Tenderloin and nearby areas.
The area around Winton offers a diverse range of dining options, from affordable local eateries and fast food to various ethnic cuisines. You'll find everything from casual cafes to more established restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
While Winton itself is not a typical tourist attraction for photography, its location in San Francisco offers many opportunities. The nearby Union Square, historic architecture, and vibrant street life provide ample subjects for photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you are looking for family-friendly accommodation in San Francisco, consider hotels in areas like Fisherman's Wharf or near Union Square, which offer more amenities and a safer environment for children. The Winton's location, while central for transport, is in the Tenderloin district, which may not be ideal for families.
💰 Budget Travelers
It's important to note that the current SRO status means Winton is not an option for budget travelers seeking temporary lodging. If you are a resident in need of affordable housing, the SRO model at Winton might be relevant, but this requires specific application processes through city housing authorities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Sir Nicholas Winton
+1Winton's heroic actions remained largely unknown for decades, even to his own family. He was a quiet man who didn't seek recognition for his incredible humanitarian efforts. It wasn't until 1988, when his wife discovered a scrapbook detailing his work, that his story began to emerge. A television appearance on 'That's Life!' brought his story to public attention, revealing the scale of his bravery and compassion.
His legacy is one of profound courage and quiet dedication to saving lives. The children he rescued, and their descendants, owe their existence to his selfless actions. Today, he is celebrated as a hero for his role in preventing a tragedy for so many young lives.
Understanding Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Housing
Living in an SRO can present unique challenges. Reviews from residents at Winton mention issues such as pest control (mice and cockroaches), non-functional plumbing, and rooms that can be stuffy. However, some residents also report that the hallways and bathrooms are kept clean, and the staff is respectful. The primary advantage is the affordable housing option in a high-cost city like San Francisco.
For those seeking housing at Winton, direct inquiries must be made through the San Francisco Department of Housing and Homelessness or Swords and Plowshares for veterans. It is not a place for short-term stays or tourist accommodations. Understanding the nature of SRO housing is crucial before considering any interaction with the Winton building.
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