SPOTLIGHT ON THE DAKOTA HOTEL 606 POST STREET (AT TAYLOR)
				The Dakota is definitely not a modern hotel  --and that’s a good thing, in my opinion.  Its charms and eccentricities are all its own. Built in 1914, the Dakota has eight floors and 42 rooms.  Located two blocks west of Union Square, it’s near most everything in the downtown area.  And the price is one of the best deals you’ll find. The elevator is the old birdcage style, with inner and outer doors you open and close yourself by hand.  Modern riders may be unprepared for the loud CLICKS and CLUNKS, but it’s always gotten me to my desired floor without a problem. The stairs and hallways are surprisingly narrow by today's standards, and painted a shade of pinkish-orange that takes some getting used to.  The rooms, however, are painted white, and are well-maintained. Each room has a TV, phone, microwave and (empty) refrigerator.  If you feel like stocking up the fridge, there’s a mini-market just outside the front entrance.  Some rooms come with king-size beds that are amazingly comfortable, especially after a long day of climbing San Francisco hills. There is no air conditioning, and none needed; the large windows open wide, letting San Francisco’s cool air in. The bathrooms have old-fashioned clawfoot tubs, and the sinks and medicine cabinets are of a similar vintage, very clean and functional. The staff is always friendly, helpful, and make you feel welcome. What more can I say?  By now, I’ve either scared you off, or convinced you this is a great place.  If you’d like to check out the Dakota, you can call them at (415) 931-7475.  Mention that you heard about them on mikehumbert.com, and you’ll receive... a very strange look, probably.
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