A huge hotel with huge rooms, though it never felt like one of those impersonal, highly professional only places - the people are warm and friendly, starting from the guy who welcomed us at the doorstep. The design is very nice, while modern and with all conveniences one might need, they've retained some of the old structures, like wooden beams along the walls and ceiling etc. The hotel is based on a ship theme, so every little thing brings it out - from the carpet's color to compass cushions to bed linen with anchors designed on them to model ships in the lobby and so on! They also have a naval museum attached where you can spend some time browsing through naval history and check out some ship building tools too. But the best part is easily the location - right on the waterfront, with a clear view of the Alcatraz, a step away from Ghiradelli Square, a short walk around the back takes you through lovely neighborhoods, a lovely walk down to the popular Pier 39, superb access to all kinds of restaurants and pubs and with the various tour operators having pick-up / drop points just a couple of blocks away. One interesting experience was when we observed one of their employees walking through the passages with a little torch, stopping outside every room door and bending down, apparently searching for something - when we asked, he said that this was the final check up they did every day to ensure that any little bits that the vacuum cleaner doesn't pick up from under the doors was cleaned out manually, in this manner!

We just got back from San Francisco and thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Argonaut Hotel.
It's in a nice area of Fisherman's Wharf and an easy walk to shops, restaurants, the cable cars, the piers, etc. We really liked the afternoon hot chocolate and the free wine tasting every day at 5 pm. The staff were very friendly and the concierge made reservations at great restaurants. Being able to open the windows to smell the salt air and hear the sea gulls was a definite plus! We will definitely stay there again.

The hotel is very nice, clean, and close to a lot that you'll want to do (easy to catch a cab, walk to shops or ride the trolley into Union Square). The walls are a bit thin, so we heard our neighbors most of the night (I'd suggest bringing a white noise machine if you want to cancel that out). Our room didn't have a bathroom fan so it got a bit warm. Otherwise, enjoy the free wine and hot chocolate in the lobby.

One of the nicest hotels we've stayed in..... EVER!
From the minute you walk in you realize you are not at a "normal hotel"! This place just was different.
We are local (east bay), and still felt like we were tourists in our own city in this hotel. With a nautical theme in full effect through out, it is a great fit for SF.
Quick check-in, freindly staff, quick help up to the room.
The restraunt in the lobby was great, with bar.
Literally steps away from Jacks Bar (our favorite place when we are in San Francisco), and Ghiradelli Sqaure. Tons of resturants just doors away.. Capurro was amazing!

The only downfall, and I mean only, is the price for parking, $69.00 for my truck, but it is San Francisco... will take BART in next time.

Will definetly stay again.