okay if you're not picky
I had read most of the reviews posted here before I booked, so I knew what I was getting into...mostly. I got a good deal on bookit.com and didn't pay full price, but if I did, I would have been very disappointed. The location is the best thing about The Powell and that's why I give it an average rather than poor rating. So close to Union Square and when you step outside the turnaround for the cable cars is right there. It is very hard to find due to the fact that there isn't much signage outside so I was happy I got a shuttle from the airport and the driver knew where it was. The hotel is old and shabby in places but the double twin room I had was decent size. The bathroom was updated with a new basin sink/faucet and new wallpaper. I didn't spend much time in the room other than to sleep a few hours which is probably why I didn't see the bed bugs until the last night. My friend had one on hers and I found 3 on mine. I brought my own sleep sack and didn't sleep in the bed covers, so I didn't get any bites. We told the hotel staff when we left and they said the room would be sealed and fumigated. Our stay was Febuary 16-19th, so if anyone books a room here, make sure it isn't room 314 and check any room you do get right when you arrive. It was a fun trip but all the cleaning/disinfecting I had to do when I got home with my clothes and suitcase just about spoiled it for me.