Convenient to almost everything
This is at least my fourth stay at the Hotel Whitcomb and it is a place i will return to when visiting San Francisco. The staff is friendly and always seems to be there for the hotel guest. From the smiles at the front desk, through housekeeping, even the bell cap at checkout seemed always anxious to make the guest feel welcome.
It's true, the rooms are older (it is a historic building) but clean and well kept. The beds are comfortable. The location of the hotel is a main street with the BART system right outside the front door. The bus stops are right also near the front door; the buses will take you almost anywhere you want to go in the city (the concierge is wonderful if you need directions). 
Remember this is a major city, so there are some homeless people in the area, but I have never felt unsafe, although I can see how perhaps a single woman would feel a little uncomfortable after dark, but if taking a cab, they would let you off at the front door.
Kudos to the staff at the Hotel Whitcomb for making another trip so enjoyable.