Review: Argonaut Hotel

How did it strike you on arrival?
If you're looking to do some touristing, especially with kids, this location is amazing. Argonaut sits right on the Bay, next to San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park, a stone's throw from Ghirardelli Square, and biking/walking distance from kid-friendly attractions, like Pier 39 and the Musée Méchanique, a penny arcade. The brick building (formerly a warehouse), has adjacent wine tasting and bike rentals, and even historical exhibits.

The decor goes hard on the nautical theme, with fish on the carpet, wooden ship wheels on the walls, and reclining deck chairs beneath light fixtures that summon visions of portholes—but it's pretty cute. Looking down the hallway of the lobby, out of the front door, you can see the masts of the sailboats on the Bay.

What’s the crowd like?
Given the location, you'll see a lot of families and tourists enjoying easy access to sightseeing.

The good stuff: Tell us about your room.
Guest rooms have an Americana beach-house vibe, with features like exposed brick walls, blue and white bed linens, white shutters, and blue, star-shaped throw pillows. All rooms come with a workstation and an Eames-style chair and i-Homes.

How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?
Minibars include wine, beer, and spirits, as well as Ghirardelli chocolate. All rooms also come with a seal stuffed animal, which can be purchased for $14.

Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.
Argonaut is eco-friendly, so Lather brand products are provided in refillable bottles.

Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?
Wi-Fi is covered under a $31 per day "guest amenity fee," which gives guests a $10 food voucher, complimentary boarding pass printing, access to guided tours with a National Park Ranger on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as two hours of free URB-E electric scooter or bicycle rental.

Room service: Worth it?
Room service comes from the Blue Mermaid restaurant downstairs, and includes basics like cheeseburgers ($16) and egg breakfasts ($16), as well as chowder in bread bowls ($13) and crab cakes with bacon succotash ($28). Room service is available until 10:30 p.m.

Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?
The doormen are very friendly and have amazing, nautically themed uniforms.

Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.
The location is really the big selling point. There's even an In-N-Out just a block away.

What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?
If you're not in town to play tourist, this location would drive you crazy. But if you are, it's insanely convenient.