Certainly it is very bare bones basic, as you must expect for a budget hotel and unless you pay more you need to use the shower and toilet down the hall, something which seems to have been lost on a lot of people reviewing the Herbert.
It's also required to check in at the Stratford, which is half a block up Powell Street, which some find off-putting but it didn't bother me at all.
I was on the 7th floor, it was very quiet, the bed was comfortable and I slept well. The location is about as central as you can get, the BART, F-Line and cable cars.
I would not only stay here again but would recommend it to anyone who doesn't expect a chocolate on the pillow when staying at a hotel...