Unique older hotel close to the action
Joie de Vivre (similar to Kimpton Hotels) seems to specialize in older, vintage hotels that most people would characterize as "quaint" or "charming". Usually in my experience that means smaller properties and rooms that may not be up-to-date technologically compared to modern hotels (i.e. plumbing, heating/cooling, even room decor). As long as you know that going in and prefer or like those kinds of properties, you should enjoy staying here.
The hotel is located a few blocks west of Union Square so it is close to the action for tourists and if you want to get to shopping (the Westfield Mall is about a 20 minute walk south) and dining (although not that close to the North Beach or Mission Districts where the "action" seems to be now). The check-in desk was not as friendly or welcoming as I had expected especially since this was my first time staying here and I had booked a package and wanted to know what/how to redeem the extras (I was never offered this information). 
There is a small "living room" next to the check-in desk that is an all purpose room serving as lounge, bar and dining room. You can get a free drink of wine from 5-6pm (I believe almost every day) so that was a nice touch.
The room I received was really small----disappointing since it cost over $220/night. The bathroom was old but manageable and it was okay for the one night I stayed but not sure I could "spread out" if staying more days than that. Unfortunately, the most annoying/disappointing thing was that there was no air conditioning, fan or other means of cooling off the room except for opening a window (which backed out onto the noisy alley below). I mistakenly thought that the room temperature dial control in the room also worked for cooling but unfortunately it was the heating and only made the room more unbearable during what was a hot day (and night).
The morning breakfast was a buffet----nothing spectacular or that appealing about it and judging by the other 2 people there, not popular. I believe that you can get coffee for free at the bar as part of your stay. Because of the unbearable heat in my room, I couldn't wait to get out of there. Of course, when I checked out I was prepared to tell them my experience but didn't get the chance as the clerk couldn't seem bothered to do more than check me out and never once inquired how my stay was. Apparently, they must have a cadre of regulars who frequent the hotel so they don't need my return business.