Not so sure why so many bad reviews.
This is not a stellar hotel, by all means, but it is certainly not the "hell hole" that some are describing it as. Not even close.
It's obviously an old building, but my room - while not being huge - was comfortable, clean and well appointed, as well as freshly painted. The bed provided a decent night's sleep and while there is some noise from outside (it's in the middle of SF!) it is certainly nothing more than I would expect. Free wifi is always appreciated when I stay in any hotel, so it scores well enough here, and it has a great location. 
I also don't really understand the comments regarding the staff and check-in as mine was seamless, efficient and polite. The more recent set of reviews feel rather like a set of people joining some sort of bandwagon, or I arrived there after the highlighted criticisms were addressed. Either way, unless you're looking for a 5-star stay, then you won't be too disappointed by the Pickwick.