A Note from Elle

From the beginning, Ted and I set out to create a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city. Over the years, it has been our privilege to preserve and thoughtfully restore this historic building while shaping it into the small, welcoming hotel it is today.

Each room has been carefully appointed with comfort and character in mind, and you’ll notice Ted’s eye-catching artwork throughout the hotel. The garden we planted many years ago has grown into a lush oasis, and our patio has become a favorite place for guests to relax and unwind.

Our hotel reflects the spirit of both San Francisco and our family—welcoming, creative, and full of heart. When you stay with us, you become part of a story we’ve been grateful to share with guests for decades. Thank you for being here.

Warmly,
Elle Soulis

Happily Hosting Guests Since the 1980s

Ted was a San Francisco native; Elle grew up in Chicago but moved west after college. They met soon after Elle’s move to California, married, and raised two daughters here in the city they love.

In 1985, on the heels of other successful entrepreneurial ventures, Ted and Elle opened The Metro Hotel. From day one, they loved creating genuine connections with visitors and a space where everyone feels at home.

Ted passed away in 2007, but his spirit lives on through his family, his business, and his art, which you’ll find throughout the property.

In 2020, Ted and Elle’s daughter, Shana, transformed the hotel into a gallery as a tribute to his work. Exactly thirteen years after his death, the U-haul carrying his artwork was stolen from right outside of the hotel. The paintings were miraculously recovered unharmed just 3 days later, on Valentine’s Day. You can read the full story here. Today, each guest room features at least one of Ted’s vibrant paintings, and we hope they bring you as much joy and inspiration as they do us.

Daughter’s Shana and Sabrina now manage the hotel alongside their mother. They are pleased to have long-standing relationships with returning guests as well as strong connections within the community.

Our Team

Ambassadors for the City

Our team is dedicated to creating an exceptional hospitality experience where guests can truly feel at home while discovering San Francisco like a local.

As front desk hosts, we love helping curate memorable stays—whether that means sharing a favorite neighborhood café, pointing you toward a hidden gem, or helping you plan the perfect day in the city. We think of ourselves as ambassadors for San Francisco and take great joy in helping guests experience the city through a local’s lens.

Just as important to us is creating a warm, welcoming space where meaningful connections can happen. We hope you’ll stop by the lobby for a chat, enjoy a cup of tea or a piece of chocolate, and listen to our ever-changing music selection—each front desk host brings their own unique soundtrack to the day.