The Jay, Autograph Collection

This hotel is beautiful. The rooms and bath are wonderful, and beautifully appointed. But the attention to the lighting in the room, that’s offered, is exceptional, right down to the bed that is under-lit and softly lights up if one is moving to the bathroom in the middle of the night. The hotel, the third floor reception, restaurant, bistro area, outdoor bar and lounge are stunning. Excellence in design is everywhere, from the beautiful curved wood structures and gorgeous furnishings. The staff was delightful. A 5-star experience that we loved. We will return often.

This hotel means it. Everyone who works here is all in. The decor has all been redone. It’s a great location. Comfortable and stylish. Love it. I’ve been staying at big Marriott properties like the Marquis and can’t believe I haven’t found this hotel until now.

The Jay positions itself as a refined, boutique experience under Marriott’s Autograph Collection, but unfortunately, it doesn’t deliver on that promise. The branding suggests thoughtful design and elevated service, but what we experienced felt under-resourced and poorly executed. From arrival, it was clear staffing is an issue. Only one person was available to assist guests at the front entrance, juggling multiple cars and requests. Check-in was similarly understaffed, with a single front desk associate handling a growing line of tired travelers. While the staff were courteous and clearly doing their best, they were spread too thin — an issue of management, not effort. Our room was set up for two, even though the reservation was for three. Only two towels were provided, and even those were thin and undersized — not what you’d expect from a hotel in this category. The room bedding showed signs of wear, including a visible hole in the sheets. One puzzling feature was a timer that shuts off the bathroom lights after 30 minutes — a strange design choice when motion sensors are a far more functional and common solution. The hotel also omits bottled water in favor of a filtered water station at the end of the hallway — a reasonable eco-conscious move. But without providing a jug or reusable bottles in the room, it comes across as an incomplete solution that prioritizes cost savings over guest comfort. We've had far better experiences at similarly positioned properties, particularly in Hilton’s Curio Collection, where attention to detail and overall guest experience feel much more aligned with the branding. The hotel’s location is one of its strongest assets. Situated in a highly walkable part of the city, it offers easy access to public transportation and is just a short stroll from vibrant neighborhoods like North Beach and Telegraph Hill. Whether you're exploring local cafés, climbing up to Coit Tower, or hopping on a streetcar, the area offers plenty to enjoy. The Jay has potential, and the staff deserve credit for their professionalism, but the overall execution falls short. With more thoughtful resourcing and attention to guest needs, it could live up to its Autograph Collection designation. Until then, I’d recommend looking elsewhere.

Our stay start out with a big issue that was out of their control, but they worked diligently to correct this problem. We were able to enjoy our overall experience and Jenna was such a pleasure! The hospitality was also exceptional! Thank you!

No complimentary bottled water for Bonvoy members besides that it was overall a great stay with plenty of options for activities in the area and in the hotel. Would stay there again. Guest services were attentive valet could be more efficient.

Great hotel in the perfect location. Walkable to many different areas, lots of food and sights. Would definitely stay here again! Staff was amazing and super accommodating. My view of the bay was so amazing we left the curtains open the whole week!