Length of Stay and No Locals Policy
To comply with City and County of San Francisco regulations and to ensure availability and fairness for all travelers, the Green Tortoise Hostel enforces the following Length of Stay Policy: If your interested in applying for our Extended Stay Program: Apply Here​​
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1. Maximum Stay Limit
Guests may stay at the Green Tortoise Hostel for a maximum of 14 nights total per calendar year, regardless of room type, booking source, or number of separate reservations. A maximum of 14 consecutive nights is allowed per stay. If a guest wishes to stay beyond 14 consecutive nights, management approval is required. Even with approval, the total annual limit of 14 nights may not be exceeded, whether the nights are consecutive or spread out over time.
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2. Right to Refuse or Terminate Stay
The hostel reserves the right to refuse service, modify or cancel reservations, or terminate a stay at any time for violations of hostel guest rules stated below, including but not limited to: Exceeding the allowed number of nights Using false identification or misleading information to extend a stay Behaviors that indicate intent to reside or squat, Disruptive conduct or failure to comply with house rules
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5. Identification Requirement and Credit or Debit Card in Your Name
All guests must present valid government-issued photo ID and a credit/debit card matching their name at check-in.
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6. No Locals Policy (Bay Area ID Restriction)
To maintain a traveler-focused environment, the Green Tortoise Hostel has a No Locals Policy:
Guests with a current ID from San Francisco or the greater Bay Area (including Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose, etc.) are not permitted to stay, unless they provide valid proof of onward travel or attendance at a legitimate event.
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Acceptable forms of proof include:
A plane, train, or long-distance bus ticket departing San Francisco
A concert, conference, or other ticketed event in downtown San Francisco
Other documentation supporting legitimate travel purposes, subject to management approval
Management reserves the right to decline any reservation that does not meet these criteria.
Guest Rules and Policies
Be Decent. Guest(s) must respect and be curteous to other guests. Individuals who disrupt the peace and create tension with other guests or staff will be removed from the property without a refund. Any guest subject to a complaint from two or more unrelated parties will be removed from the property without a refund. This harmonious community policy is essential for an enjoyable experience for every guest.
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We take the safety of our guests and their belongings seriously. We reserve the right to refuse service to individuals who pose the risk of harm to themselves and/or others. If you see anything alarming, please alert our staff immediately. Guests are encouraged to secure valuables in lockers or reserve private accommodations. We have locks available for purchase at the front desk. The hostel assumes no responsibility for items stored on our property. CCTV is in use in indoor and outdoor public areas only INCLUDING our locked luggage closet. Tampering with equipment is strictly prohibited.
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No unregistered visitors on the property. Our property is for paid overnight guest use only. For all guests’ safety, we do not permit visitors to come to the hostel with you. Shared accommodations are solely for the occupants assigned to that room. Parties and soliciting are strictly prohibited.
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Female dorms are for female identifying guests ONLY. Only female-identifying guests are permitted in female dorm rooms. Male-identifying persons are not permitted to enter at any time, even briefly. Violation of this policy may result in immediate removal from the hostel without a refund.
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No smoking or vaping is allowed indoors or within 25 feet of our building. Smoking on the front entrance, near windows, or exists is strictly prohibited. Evidence of smoking (of any kind) indoors will result in a minimum $250 cleaning charge.
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Pets of any kind are not allowed on the property, including emotional support animals. Service animals are permitted.
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Hygiene & Cleanliness Policy: Green Tortoise Hostel in San Francisco is a self-catering hostel. All guests must clean, pick up after themselves, and maintain good personal hygiene. Self-cleaning includes, but is not limited to, wiping down the shower and bathroom area after use; washing dishes, silverware, and cookware before and after cooking; all food stored in the hostel must be properly covered and labeled; and properly disposing of trash, recycling, and compost. Guests must shower regularly and keep their personal belongings clean and odor-free. Failure to maintain hygiene or clean up shared spaces may result in a warning or removal from the hostel without a refund.
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