Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [56]
Expensive
Argonaut Hotel ★★ The four-story timber-and-brick landmark building that houses the Argonaut Hotel was originally built in 1908 as a warehouse for the California Fruit Canners Association. Its rooms are whimsically decorated to emulate a luxury cruise ship in cheerful nautical colors (though evidence of its modest past appears in original brick walls, large timbers, and steel warehouse doors). Suites have wonderful views and come fully loaded with telescopes and spa tubs, and “view” rooms overlook the wharf or bay (some offer fabulous views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge). The friendly staff goes out of their way to make little ones feel at home and allows each pint-size guest to pick a new plaything from the hotel’s “treasure chest.” The hotel is attached to the Blue Mermaid Chowder House & Bar, a friendly casual eatery. Tip: The concierge seems to be able to work wonders when you need tickets to Alcatraz—even when the trips are officially sold out.
495 Jefferson St. (at Hyde St.), San Francisco, CA 94109. www.argonauthotel.com. 866/415-0704 or 415/563-0800. Fax 415/563-2800. 252 units. $189–$389 double; $489–$1,089 suite. Rates include evening wine in the lobby, daily newspaper, and kid-friendly perks like cribs and strollers. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Parking $39. Bus: 10, 30, or 47. Streetcar: F. Cable car: Powell–Hyde line. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; concierge; fitness center; free Wi-Fi in public areas. In room: A/C, flatscreen TV w/Nintendo and pay movies, Web TV, DVD and CD players, hair dryer, free high-speed Internet access, minibar.
Sheraton Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel Built in the mid-1970s, this contemporary, four-story hotel offers the reliable comforts of a Sheraton in San Francisco’s most popular tourist area. In other words, the clean, modern rooms are comfortable and well equipped but nothing unique to the city. On the bright side, they have a heated outdoor pool (a rarity in San Francisco) and just underwent a $33-million renovation, meaning most of the rooms are decked out in bright colors like pinks, yellows, and aquamarines and are outfitted with brand-new furnishings as well. A corporate floor caters exclusively to business travelers.
2500 Mason St. (btw. Beach and North Point sts.), San Francisco, CA 94133. www.sheratonatthewharf.com. 888/627-7024 or 415/362-5500. Fax 415/956-5275. 529 units. $119–$279 double; $550–$1,000 suite. Extra person $20. Continental breakfast $13. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $49. Bus: 10 or 49. Streetcar: F. Cable car: Powell–Mason line (1 block east, 2 blocks south). Amenities: Restaurant; bar; concierge; exercise room; outdoor heated pool; limited room service. In room: A/C, TV, fax (in suites only), hair dryer, high-speed Internet ($9.95 per day).
The Washington Square Inn ★ This small, comely, European-style bed-and-breakfast is ideal for older couples who prefer a quieter, more subdued environment than the commotion of downtown San Francisco. It’s across from Washington Square in North Beach—a coffee-craver’s haven—and within walking distance of Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown. All rooms feature European antiques, ceiling fans, flatscreen TVs, and private bathrooms, while some have fireplaces or sitting areas in bay windows. A light breakfast is served in your room or the lobby, and in the evening hors d’oeuvres are served with wine.
1660 Stockton St. (btw. Filbert and Union sts.), San Francisco, CA 94133. www.wsisf.com. 800/388-0220 or 415/981-4220. Fax 415/397-7242. 15 units. $209–$329 double. Rates include continental breakfast and afternoon tea, wine, and hors d’oeuvres. AE, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $35; self-parking $20. Bus: 15, 30, 41, or 45. Amenities: Limited room service. In room: Flatscreen TV, CD player, hair dryer, free Wi-Fi.
Moderate
Best Western Tuscan Inn at Fisherman’s Wharf ★★ Like an island of respectability in a sea of touristy schlock, this boutique Best Western is one of the best midrange hotels at Fisherman’s Wharf. It continues to exude a level of style and comfort far beyond