About
San Francisco Zen Center - founded in 1962 by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, known for the classic "Zen Mind Beginner's Mind - is one of the largest Buddhist training centers outside Asia. It has three practice places: City Center, in the vibrant heart of San Francisco; Green Gulch Farm, whose organic fields meet the ocean in Marin County; and Tassajara Zen Mountain Center in the Ventana Wilderness inland from Big Sur. City Center has a diverse population of students, visitors, lay people, priests, and monks guided by teachers who follow in Suzuki Roshi's way. All are welcome. City Center offers seven charming guest rooms for short-term stays and personal retreats. This is a convenient and economical way to stay in the city while experiencing life in a Zen Buddhist temple and enjoying the serene elegance of a building designed by Julia Morgan. Breakfast is included and served buffet-style; lunch and dinner are available by donation M-F (S lunch only). Guests are welcome - but not required - to join in the daily meditation and other programs including the Saturday public program. Sunday is a day off. We are conveniently located in the Hayes Valley neighborhood and near the lower Haight, Fillmore, Civic Center and Performing Arts Districts. Restaurants, cafes, shops, grocery stores are in walking distance. Bus lines within one block can take you to Golden Gate Park, the Presidio, the Ferry Building, MOMA and Asian Arts Museums, and sites throughout the city.
Rooms & Rates
Room 31
Room 31 is a large courtyard-facing room, with a queen-sized bed, a queen futon couch/bed, and a desk. It can comfortably accommodate two couples.
- Maximum Capacity: 4
- Beds 2 Queen
Nightly Rate: $160 - $185
Nightly Rate: $160 - $185
Room 33
Room 33 is a large, quiet room facing the courtyard, with a queen-size bed. There is room for one extra person with an added single bed or shikibuton.
- Maximum Capacity: 3
- Beds 1 Queen
Nightly Rate: $170 - $185
Nightly Rate: $170 - $185
Room 35
Room 35 is a large, quiet room with a queen-sized bed. There is room for one extra person with an added single bed or shikibuton.
- Maximum Capacity: 3
- Beds 1 Queen
Nightly Rate: $170 - $185
Nightly Rate: $170 - $185
Room 1
Room 1, accessible to the disabled, has a queen-sized bed, a writing desk, and a private bathroom with tub and shower.
- Maximum Capacity: 3
- Bathroom Private Bath
- Beds 1 Queen
Nightly Rate: $190 - $205
Nightly Rate: $190 - $205
Room 25
Room 25 is a bright southern-facing room with a plush Keetsa mattress. It's our newest guest room.
- Maximum Capacity: 3
- Beds 1 Double
Nightly Rate: $150 - $160
Location
Location Type
Urban
Airport
San Francisco, CA (SFO) 13.8 miles
Directions to property:
by public transportation: Take BART to Civic Center/UN Plaza Station. On Market/Hyde Street, take the 6 or 7 bus. Exit Haight and Laguna Streets. Walk one block on Laguna to Page Street.
Area Attractions
Antique Shopping, Aquarium, Art Galleries, Beach, Gourmet/Fine Dining, Historical interests, Live Music, Movie Theater, Museum, Night life, Ocean, Performing Theater, Religious Services, Sports venue, Tours
Inn Details
Establishment type
Other
On-site amenities
Board games, Coffee/Tea facilities, Fridge, Hairdryer, Library, Telephone, Walk to mass transit, Wheelchair access
Room amenities
Desk, Wi-Fi
Policies
- Check In:: 3pm
- Check Out:: 11am
- Open All Year Round: Yes
- Smoking Allowed: No
- Drinking Allowed: No
- Alcohol Provided No
- Suitable For Children: Yes
- Childcare Provided: No
- Guest Pets Allowed: No
- Disabled Access Limited
Terms and Conditions
- Accepted payments VISA, Mastercard, Travelers checks, Cash
- Deposit Amount Required: 100% at the time of booking.
- Cancellations: Reservations cancelled within two days of arrival will be charged for the first night's stay. All other cancellations will incur a $35 charge. Changes to existing reservations resulting in a refund are subject to a $20 change fee.
Innkeepers
Name(s)
Barbara Machtinger
Languages spoken
English
Resident Pets
About the innkeepers
I am the guest manager, or shika. This is a traditional role in a Zen temple. I have practiced at Zen Center for 15 years. It is a joy to welcome guests from all over the world. I am happy to answer any questions you have.
Meals
Breakfast
Free
- Time Served: 7:20 - 9am
- Serving Location: Dining Room
Special meal options
Restrictive , Vegetarian gluten-free
Signature Dish
Nut Loaf
Often served for Thanksgiving, it's rich and tasty, served with mashed potatoes and gravy.
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