Argonaut Hotel Rating: 3.5 Pearls

Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, California

The nautically themed lobby

As with all Kimpton hotels, the Argonaut has a theme: in this case a heavy nautical aesthetic that fits easily into the hotel's surroundings in Fisherman's Wharf. Set in the Haslett Warehouse, a hulking brick structure built in 1908 as a fruit canning factory, the Argonaut opened in 2003 after a massive renovation that brought brand-new rooms and a large lobby that's both visually interesting (dramatically lit sailcloths and fixtures styled like nautical compasses) and a comfortable place to hang out. Combined with great service, it all comes together to make this one of the city's most appealing theme hotels (not to mention one of Fisherman's Wharf's best bets).

Rooms combine the seafaring theme (compasses on the headboards, sailor stripes, anchor-print blankets) with nods to the building's roots as a warehouse (exposed brick walls and structural beams). It's not subtle, but it works. The rooms are spacious and have up-to-date amenities like iPod docks and free Wi-Fi for guests who sign up for Kimpton InTouch Rewards. Compared with similarly priced options in the area, the rooms here have much more character and are equal or better for space, cleanliness, and furnishings. And, thanks to soft renovations in 2012, the nautical theme, while still prevalent, has been toned down. Gone is the white and yellow striped wallpaper and over-the-top accessories. The result is more subdued, but still fun, decor that is much easier on the eyes. Similar efforts were made in the lobby, which received some new furnishings and decor elements.

Though the hotel can get busy (with 265 rooms and suites, plus 7,000 square feet of meeting rooms, the lobby has constant traffic), the service feels attentive. The concierge desk is open throughout the day, and the doormen in bright sailor uniforms give guests a grand welcome to the hotel. Extras, like a free wine hour in the lobby and coupons to the hotel's Blue Mermaid Chowder House, make the experience feel more like a vacation than a stay at a typical urban hotel in a tourist area.

The Argonaut doesn't skimp on service. There's a dedicated concierge desk in the lobby, and the doormen -- in bright, exaggerated sailor uniforms -- offer a grand but playful welcome to the hotel (let's be honest: It's hard to take a grown man in puff sleeves too seriously). The front desk moves guests through without too many long lines, and staff is generally knowledgeable and friendly.

• Concierge desk open throughout the day
• "Argonaut"-uniformed doormen
• Room service available almost 24-hours

View on a Larger Map

Across the street from the waterfront at Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco's most tourist-friendly area. The Argonaut is at the west end of the wharf, which is generally more upscale and out of the way of the area's thickest crowds. It's also conveniently located near the docks where ferries leave for Alcatraz, Sausalito, and Tiburon, and about two blocks from the terminus of the Powell-Mason cable car line, which connects to the farther reaches of the city, like Union Square and Nob Hill.

• Directly next to the Cannery at Fisherman's Wharf, an outdoor shopping and dining complex
• One block from Ghirardelli Square, a restored chocolate factory now full of high-end restaurants, shopping, and wine-tasting
• A 30-minute stroll on the boardwalk will get you to the fancy waterside restaurants at the Embarcadero, or you can take the F-line streetcar, which also stops a block away from the hotel.
• North Beach (San Francisco's Little Italy) is a 10-minute walk up the hill.
• Roughly 3.5 miles to Golden Gate Bridge (for public transportation, the 28 and 29 buses are the best bet)
• Golden Gate Park is over five miles away
• 25 minutes to San Francisco International Airport

Standard room

A heavy nautical theme and exposed brick walls that reveal the hotel's former life as a canning warehouse make the Argonaut one of San Francisco's most appropriately themed hotels. It's also quite comfortable. Last updated in 2012, the rooms are well maintained, spacious, sunny, and furnished with up-to-date technology and comfortable pillow-top beds. The 2012 updates successfully toned down the nautical theme (gone are those striped yellow and white walls, replaced by shades of solid blue and cream) while still keeping a fun aesthetic (the headboard compasses survived). The rooms meet a high bar for their price, and far surpass many of the options in Fisherman's Wharf.

• Rooms start around 300 square feet, slightly better than average for a midpriced San Francisco hotel.
• Very comfortable beds, with pillow-top mattresses, down comforters, and 200-thread-count sheets
• 27-inch Sony flat-screen TVs (but not flat-panel LCDs), DVD players, and iHome iPod docks in all rooms
• Spacious, clean bathrooms have tub/shower combo units and Aveda toiletry sets
• Free Wi-Fi if you sign up for Kimpton InTouch Rewards (free to join); otherwise Internet access is charged daily
• Minibars include snacks, beverages, and a collection of fun additions like San Francisco guide cards and games.
• Coffeemakers in all rooms with individual Starbucks packets of coffee
• Animal-print robes, camisoles, boxers, and fuzzy socks available for purchase
• "Tall Rooms", available upon request, include extra-long beds and raised shower heads.

Wine hour in the lobby

The Argonaut offers all the midrange San Francisco standards, plus some. One of its standout features is a truly pleasant free wine hour hosted in the lobby every night, where guests mingle over glasses of Californian wine -- good Californian wine. The lobby is large, comfortable, and playfully designed, with padded lounge chairs, light fixtures that look like deconstructed nautical compasses, and colorfully lit sailcloths. It's also a fun place to learn about the history of the city and Fisherman's Wharf: The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Visitors Center is next door (entrance is free), and the hotel also has its own displays depicting the history of the building and its surroundings. There's also a fitness center, and business center, both in great condition.

• Evening wine reception in the lobby every afternoon -- only Californian wines served; your choice of red or white
• 24-hour fitness center on 2nd floor is somewhat dark, with five cardio machines (each have their own televisions), free weights, cable weight machines, and exercise balls
• 24-hour business center
• San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park's Visitors Center located next door; free entrance
• Pet-friendly policy allows any pet under 200 pounds, and provides perks like a pet bed and pet food
• No on-site spa, but the hotel will arrange for guests to receive in-room treatments

• Any pet under 200 pounds welcome at no extra charge
• Free perks like pet beds (available in various sizes), food and water bowls, and treats
• No deposit required, but guests sign a waiver
• Directly next to the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park, with great trails for walking dogs

In almost every way, this hotel is great for families: The playful theme and perks like free toys out of the lobby's "treasure chest" are bound to entertain kids; the location is convenient for families planning to hit up the city's tourist attractions; the big, clean rooms gives families some room to spread out. The only real downfall is that rooms are noisy -- the old building's walls aren't well insulated, so you can hear neighbors speak even at normal volume.

• Rooms are spacious and clean, but sound carries through the old building's walls.
• Free cribs; rollaways are charged per day (maximum occupancy in rooms is four)
• A "treasure chest" in the lobby has small free toys for kids when they arrive. (Kids get to keep the toys when they leave, so don't worry about any potential tantrums.)
• Babysitting can be arranged through concierge with 24 hours' notice.
• Special kids' menu at the restaurant and for room service

The hotel opened in 2003 and rooms and the lobby were refreshed in 2012. It is well maintained. Parts of the original structure remain exposed, keeping the hotel from feeling like a cookie-cutter development, but it's all uniformly clean and in great condition.

The Blue Mermaid Chowder House & Bar

The Blue Mermaid Chowder House & Bar serves acclaimed seafood and chowders, has a good breakfast menu, and delivers room service throughout the day, in a unique, nautical themed dining room with punctual, attentive service. There are some good high-end options in Ghirardelli Square, a block away, and cheaper bites from the seafood stands at Fisherman's Wharf, but midrange and nonseafood options are challenging to come by directly near the hotel.

• Blue Mermaid Chowder House & Bar serves award-winning chowder and seafood for lunch and dinner, plus breakfast each morning.
• Room service available throughout the day; truncated selection of Blue Mermaid offerings
• Starbucks in the same building as the hotel (but not accessible from the lobby)