With a nifty nautical theme throughout the red-brick former 1907-era brick warehouse, the Argonaut Hotel at Fisherman's Wharf covers a half-block of San Francisco's top destination for dining, shopping and gawking. The Maritime National Historic Park Visitors Center shares the building and provides guests with a treasure trove of nautical history. Just across the alley from the hotel is a rambling structure that once served as the world's waterfront marketplace filled with shops, restaurants, old olive trees and entertainment venues, including a boffo jazz club.
Splashed with brilliant reds, navy blues and golds, the Argonaut features 16- foot lobby ceilings and a front desk that resembles a steamer trunk. Festooned with sails and gyroscopes, the lobby also serves as the setting for complimentary evening wine receptions and features a wooden-plank floor reminiscent of a ship's deck. Although its got nothing to do with sailing, guests may receive complimentary yoga baskets for use with the hotel's 24- hour yoga channel.
In addition to tempting restaurants and cafes in the area, the hotel's Blue Mermaid serves up seafood and includes alfresco seating in the brick alley alongside the hotel.
Guest rooms are outfitted with porthole mirrors, anchor-motif bedding and star-shaped throw pillows. All have 27-inch flat-screen TVs and complimentary high-speed Internet access.
The waterfront hotel was named for the gold rushers who sought their fortunes in these parts. Breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island make the Argonaut a refreshing experience for business and pleasure travelers.
