Hotel Argonaut San Francisco Review - Class at Fisherman’s Wharf

Hotel Argonaut Review

When you think about visiting San Francisco’s many tourist attractions, the hotel you imagine alongside it is the Argonaut. Not only is it right smack in the center of the Fisherman’s Wharf area, but its 1907-era architecture screams San Francisco history. It is an elegant, four-star hotel, but maintains an authentic, rustic feel because of its rich brick facades, the maritime-themed rooms, and the breathtaking views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. If you’re in town for only a short visit, you can knock out nearly all the city’s most famous attractions just walking outside the Argonaut.

The first thing that will strike you is the structure itself. While the Argonaut’s facade dates back to the turn of the twentieth century, the hotel is fresh, modern, and comfortable inside. The structure belongs to the Maritime National Historical Park, and you'll find a Visitors Center conveniently on premises where you can get all your questions answered about San Francisco, what to see, and what to do. Many of the 252 guestrooms have striking views of the bay, and although they cost more, they're worth it. All rooms come standard with a mini-bar, safe, two-line phones, large flat screen TV and DVD player, and high-speed Internet. The rooms maintain the same maritime decor, and benefit from the exposed original beams from the hotel's early history. There is often at least one original brick wall in each room as well, which adds to the charm of the place.

Still, it's hard to forget that you're in a luxury hotel. Everything is plush, accommodating, and four-stars all the way. There is a full-service seafood restaurant called the Blue Mermaid Chowder House inside the hotel, and its dining room offers some of the most breathtaking views across the water to Marin, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily, and it's a very comfortable place to grab and drink and do a little innocent people-watching at the busy sidewalk below. From 5-6pm daily, the Argonaut also offers free wine to its guest, a practice that is quickly becoming standard at all the pricier hotels in the city.

If you're a first time visitor to San Francisco, the location of the Argonaut couldn't be better. The world-famous San Francisco cable car begins its journey just opposite the hotel, and can take you all the way to the Union Square theater and shopping district. Of course, shopping for souvenirs are even closer to home because the Cannery, Ghirardelli Square, and Pier 39 are just a stone's throw away from the hotel. You can spend your days or evenings strolling through Fisherman's Wharf, see the sea lions, and enjoy a clam chowder as you wait for a ferry to Alcatraz. The historic F-line streetcar, which features historic trolleys from around the world, stops nearby as well. Take it along the eastern waterfront to the Ferry building for more spectacular views of the city and for excellent eateries and the Saturday farmer's market. Other attractions, like Chinatown, North Beach, and Golden Gate park, are just a bus ride away.

The Argonaut is the ultimate San Francisco tourist hotel. It provides you with all the comfort, the history, and the atmosphere of the San Francisco you imagine from travel brochures. And while the whole site is a fabulous introduction to the city, repeat guests will vouch that something about the Argonaut’s historic structure brings you back time and time again.

Argonaut Hotel

495 Jefferson Street - San Francisco, CA 94109