We stayed at Citizen M, despite it being more expensive than comparable hotels, because we stayed at a Citizen M in London & my son loved it. The SF version is similar with quirky, fun decor, games & a 'family room' in the lobby, a bar, etc. but where we noticed a big difference was w/ service. You have to self check-in on a computer & it's a process. I did this & in the end it said there was an error so I tried to get staff to help issue a key but they dragged their heels when I was tired & anxious to get to my room. Eventually we did get a key & went to our room which I was prepared for, given that it's the same in each location. It's like a cruise ship room with the entire bed being tucked into the walls & you cannot walk around it--whoever is sharing the bed w/ you is going to have to climb over you to get in/out. Then, it's an extremely small room with a circular toilet/shower combo. It has fun color/mood lights but be warned that if offers NO sound buffer so be sure to stay with someone you like as they'll hear you peeing, showering & more! Service fell short again when we came back from dinner & our key didn't work. We had to go back to check-in, they said we hadn't paid (we were locked out of our room) but we had, I showed proof. In the midst of this a guy walked up & wanted a room & staff person started helping him instead of finishing helping us which is NOT ok. Location is great in Union Square, breakfast was so-so & quite expensive.
Stay was just ok for $$$.