"The best part of our stay at Golden Gate Hotel was the resident cat, Pip, who obviously ran the place. He sat on the desk as you were checking in and out, investigated all luggage to make sure it was up to snuff, lay in empty laptop cases to keep them warm and headbutted my son so that his glasses were knocked off. He also acts a food inspector. When my daughter and I were eating sandwiches for dinner in the dining room, Pip got onto the table and watched our every bite to make sure we didn't choke on our food -- what an attentive host. There was also a dog there one day, whose name I do not recall. He was obviously low animal on the totem pole since with just a light touch of his paw, Pip could make him move. Loved the delicious hot chocolate at breakfast (we are not coffee drinkers) and warm croissants. The location was great and we could walk to China Town or hop on the bus and go to Golden Gate Park. I only wish that there was free parking!! On Sunday, there is free parking and if you are smart, you can find a space that is free until 7 a.m. on Monday. Read all parking signs carefully or you may not find your car where you left it. Meter signs and parking signs do not agree -- parking signs are the ultimate authority."