Ahoy! My San Francisco adventure set sail from the Argonaut Hotel located on the corner of Jefferson Street and Hyde Street in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf at the water’s edge. The bay beckons the curious traveler to float the waves of the Pacific and seek a vacation treasure. The four-story brick hotel is positioned in the center of the wharf, walking distance from Ghirardelli Square and just steps away from the famous piers of San Francisco. The hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because the refurbished building actually was the Haslett Warehouse which was built in the early 1900’s and was home to a fruit canning facility.

The doorman, dressed in a dark blue wool coat with gold buttons, greeted me at the hotel’s entrance. The very nature of his seafaring uniform reinforced the fine dedication to design element details to create a unique experience at this Kimpton property. Small gold metallic tiles engraved with swirls accented larger shiny blue tiles and set the back splash of the entrance. The main hallway is dimly lit with yellow light antique chandeliers in globe-like spheres made from metal while high lacquered wooden floors immediately make you feel as if you have stepped onto a historical ship’s deck. Before you even make it to the check-in desk, antique ship building tools are displayed as art work which would make any historian curious to visit The San Francisco Maritime National Park Visitor’s center located in the lobby.

One definitely recognizes the building’s history as original redwood beams are still prominent in the architecture. The lobby welcomes you with a crackling fire place adorned with compasses on the mantle, and plush red velvet contemporary chairs. Modern large scale sail boats float adrift tall tables lit with blue light creating ethereal art in functioning form. The elevator hallway elevates the cruise ship theme to an even higher level, as there are blue neon port-hole mirrors lining the wall.

My room was located at the end of the hallway, which is always a good sign. The room was divided into four living areas. There was a large dining room table which could seat six, a comfortable couch in the living room with a flat screen TV with DVD player and a nice desk perfect to write at after a day of sightseeing. The thick striped yellow and off-white wallpaper was so cheerful and it set the perfect backdrop for the navy upholstered couches with yellow piping trim. The carpet was deep blue with a yellow star pattern throughout - the dark blues contrasted nicely with the crisp white wooden tables and lamps. The living area had double doors which could be closed off, making it completely private and separate from the bedroom, which was adorned with the same wallpaper and exposed brick walls. Its headboard was white-washed wood with a carved wooden star compass in the center. The linens were a soft percale, and done in a European manner with two top sheets covering the plush duvet verses an actual cover. The large, functioning windows had white wooden shutters. I really liked the lighting and all the lamps in the room. The bathroom was a suite in itself with a large sunken Jacuzzi tub beautifully placed under a window and was the perfect place to relax after exploring the fascinating streets of San Francisco. The white towels were elegantly monogrammed with a navy capital A. Even the plush robes had unique personality - they were animal print, and very comfy.

I had an enchanting nighttime view from my Argonaut suite. The twinkling lights glistening from all the sail boats docked at Hyde Street Pier, the menacing beacon of Alcatraz flashing its presence and the glittering lights on the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance was enough to send my sensory into overdrive.

The evening view from my hotel room was a mere prelude to the exalting euphoric high which came with the San Francisco fog rolling over Golden Gate Bridge, the sunrise, squawking seagulls and diesel ship noises that drafted in with the cold morning air through the open window. To say the least, I was deeply inspired by the maritime elements incorporated by both the outdoor natural elements and well planned design details on the interior of the hotel. I ordered room service for breakfast and enjoyed my coffee from the privacy of my suite overlooking the morning activities on the street below. The Blue Mermaid Chowder House and Bar is located on the main floor of the hotel.

I read a quote by Bill Kimpton: “A hotel should relieve travelers of their insecurity and loneliness - it should make them feel warm and cozy.” This boutique hotel does just that. In addition to being a fun place to stay, the Kimpton properties are involved in some interesting and diverse nonprofit causes. For example, they support Dress for Success and Earthcare. Spa services are offered in the comfort of your own private room. It is also a pet friendly environment, which is fabulous because there are plenty of trails and neighborhoods such as North Beach to spend the day strolling with your dog.

As the motto of Kimpton goes: “Every hotel tells a story.” This hotel not only tells a story but encompasses all of the quirky relics of an old sea voyage.

Argonaut Hotel
495 Jefferson St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
Tel: (415) 563-0800
www.argonauthotel.com

- Written by Stephanie T. Horwitz (stephanie.t.horwitz@gmail.com)

Ms. Horwitz is a frequent contributor to Vezeo.

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