The Hamilton Condominiums

Absolutely love this building... fell in love with it the first time I walked in about 5-6 years ago. I had the fortune of snatching up a unit about four years ago and feel it was meant to be, both to live here and the unit I purchased. I still find myself pausing to take in the beauty of the lobby when coming home and am still processing that this is HOME. We make up a great, welcoming, and diverse community who truly appreciate this Art Deco beauty!

The Hamilton is by far the best home, besides my familial home, that I have had the luck and joy to call my own.

I've lived in my condo off and on since 2009. From the first visit, I fell in love, and I will always be in love with this grand building.

To start: My apartment. Bright and airy, its layout is particularly smart and comfortable. Three large windows open onto an evocative downtown view (a secret plus to living in the heart of the city). The unit is incredibly quiet and feels very private.

The building itself is a jewel - an impressive 1920's Art Deco hotel turned condominiums. It's an imposing figure, really, with a penthouse on the top 21st floor. The historic foyer is beautifully preserved - like out of a movie set.

Every winter, they somehow fit a real and very tall Christmas tree into the lobby. The earthy pine aroma is a certain mood brightener, and just gives me the comfort feels.

And every time I walk through the door, I always feel welcomed and cared for by the staff. They have truly always been a great help to me.

Living on the edge of the Tenderloin, I would really like it to be cleaner and less seedy, but to compensate, we are only a stone's throw from epic hotels, Union Square and Nob Hill. We've got the real downtown energy, and trendy eateries, like Skullery (coffee), Bandit (burgers), Jane Cafe and Hookers Sweet Treats bring it higher. Classic favs, like Bourbon and Branch and the various Thai and Indian restaurants, make the evenings fun - and spicy : )

After reading some of the negative reviews, I really wanted to share my experience. To me, this is a positively special place.

I've now lived in the building for nearly 11 years. While there are many things about the building I enjoy like the decor, front desk staff, fun neighbors, (including an amazing realtor in the building), as well as social events during non-Covid lockdown (see previous reviews and other resident's reviews as well), I can say there are issues with the building, besides the Tenderloin neighborhood, which are disappointing. For example, the HOA dues have gone up quite a bit in the last several years, so much so many residents will eventually be priced out of the building, in my opinion. These increases are due to increases in electricity and water costs, as well as increases in front desk and maintenance staff etc. salaries. We hope the volunteer HOA board is doing everything it can to mitigate the increases. Another issue, reported in other reviews as well, is the time it takes to get things fixed throughout the building. The building manager does do his best to fix these items, with the help of a terrific maintenance committee chair, but again sometimes one feels as if requests fall on deaf ears. As a great place to live, we hope the interior maintenance of the building will improve knowing a building this size takes a lot of maintenance. Finally, be aware there are strict rules around remodeling, as with many condo buildings, especially around installing hardwood flooring of any kind. The building has contractors they use on a regular basis, but these contractors are often extremely difficult to get ahold of due to how busy they are.

YIKES! I lived in this building over 20 years ago and sold my unit at a handsome profit. The neighborhood was terrifying back then, and now I can't even imagine. I wouldn't want to drive through it. There are something like 30 parking spaces, max, and all rented for years ahead. I was on the 7th floor. There were gaps between the floor and the outside walls. (Pull up the carpet and look for yourself). Place a ball on the outside wall and watch it rapidly roll across the room. This building is not safe! Its feng shui is totally out of whack! I've been gone for over 20 years and still have nightmares about this place. Couldn't wait to get out! Retired and moved to a 2,500 sq ft home with a sweeping view of Vancouver Island and Victoria B.C. Remember, "A beautiful lobby does not a happy home make."

I've lived in the Hamilton for 9 years and love it here!
* The building is well run with 24hr front door staff, daily maintenance + cleaning staff, and an onsite building manager. They do a great job getting your packages, letting guests in, and keeping common areas nice & clean.
* There is an unusual amount of common area, including a huge lobby, outdoor patio with gas grill, a ballroom / events room, a gym with brand new (2019) equipment, and a 16th floor roof deck with killer views.
* The building is very centrally located. I walk 15 min to work downtown and love being able to do that. It's also right on the 38 line and 6 blocks from Powell St. BART.
* The majority of folks in the building are really friendly, often saying hi and participating in quarterly social events that the building hosts. There's even a Facebook group for all residents (renters and owners) to stay in touch.
* HOWEVER, this building is in the Tenderloin, in a transitioning area between deep TL/Civic Center & Nob Hill. It can be gritty and occasionally loud at night. I don't find it to be a big nuisance or unsafe, but it isn't for everybody. If the Marina is your kind of neighborhood, you probably won't be happy here. I think the negatives are offset by the overall neighborhood vibe, cool local shops and a huge variety of cheap ethnic restaurants and some nicer restaurants as well (Liholiho, Saratoga, Resolute, Farm : Table, Jane, Mr Holmes, Le Marais, etc.)

I have lived in the Hamilton since 2008 and consider buying a condo here one of the best decisions I've made in my life. My unit is lovely. Small, yes, but not micro, and with windows that let in lots of light and high ceilings that make the space seem much larger. I love the Art Deco period detailing, both in my unit and in the common areas. The entryway is impressively grand, the courtyard patio (with a fountain) peaceful, and the rooftop-level deck offers spectacular views of the city. In addition to these common areas, we also have a gym and laundry room. It's the full package!

In addition, the building staff is helpful and courteous, and the 24-hour front desk security staff feel like part of a community. They keep the Hamilton safe and clean, organize everyone's deliveries, and provide a personal touch. (I have no idea how they learn everybody's names so quickly, but that kind of personal attention is special.)

Yes, the neighborhood can be a challenge. It's the Tenderloin. But it is also convenient, with such a delicious and diverse array of restaurants just a few blocks walk away that I often have a hard time choosing. The neighborhoods you can easily walk to include downtown and the financial district, Japantown, SOMA, and Nob Hill (OK, you do have to climb a hill, so maybe not that easily). Bart and Muni stations and a several bus lines are also nearby.

I am writing this review during the stay-at-home orders, and I am grateful every day to have such a beautiful and functional place to live in.

I'm going to go ahead and give this place 5 stars before I've even moved in. I've been staring at this building for the last year in my current apartment from the 10th floor.

Long story short... I'm moving into 314 and literally CANNOT WAIT to be a part of the building's community.

You can't get a better place for what I'm paying for a brand new remodeled unit overlooking the courtyard.

I'll update as we go!

Thanks for the reassuring my excitement David G!

This building is amazing and all the residents are professional artistic and kind. Built in 1927 the Hamilton used to be a grand hotel that defied segregation. Open to all creeds and colors at a time when that wasn't cool. Frida Kahlo lived here when she remarried Diego Rivera. Also, jazz greats like Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong all stayed here. The building is incredibly well-managed with happy helpful staff in all areas of security, maintenance and management

Cool Art Deco building. Looks to be pretty well run. Location-wise, it's easy to get around town from here, but the area can be a little scary at night.

Dodge the people lying around on the street on your way in or out and you should be ok.

Couldn't be happier to live in this building. Centrally located, well managed and great neighbors :)