Visitors to San Francisco tend to stay at hotels in two distinct areas. One is Union Square, home to the theater district and high-end retail stores. The other is the Fisherman’s Wharf area, which is essentially a must-see spot for many local attractions. Although some residents and travelers will say Fisherman’s Wharf is far too touristy, it’s also home to some of the best hotels. On top of that, it does have phenomenal bayside views and a variety of outstanding restaurants. Furthermore, Fisherman’s Wharf is the best spot for families with children in San Francisco.
Best Hotels in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf
Argonaut Hotel
495 Jefferson St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 563-0800
www.argonauthotel.com
Argonaut is similarly acclaimed for its accommodations and dining, which is located in a historic warehouse building. Not only that, it’s dog friendly and a AAA-Four Star Award winner for 18 consecutive years. Graced with a nautical-themed decor, this boutique hotel offers 252 nicely furnished rooms and 13 suites. The casual Blue Mermaid Restaurant, led by Executive Chef Erick Sison, is equally impressive. Argonaut charges a daily amenity fee. Nevertheless, it includes access to a 24-hour fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi, and bike rentals. San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf is just a few minutes away.
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Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square
900 N. Point St., Suite D100
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 268-9900
www.fairmont.com
With an essential connection to the City’s earliest days, Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square is Fisherman’s Wharf’s only 5-star hotel. Furthermore, it offers some of the largest and finest accommodations in San Francisco. Among exceptional services and amenities are 24-hour butler service and in-room dining delivery. What’s more, you might even have your stay right below the iconic Ghirardelli sign. For leisure, Ghirardelli Square offers upscale dining, retail shopping, and a Ghirardelli Chocolate store. Of course, the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf is just a short walk away.
Hotel Zephyr Fisherman’s Wharf
250 Beach St.
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 617-6565
www.hotelzephyrsf.com
In the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf, Hotel Zephyr is an upscale spot accentuated by its “shipyard chic.” With many of its 361 guest rooms providing bayside views, Hotel Zephyr stands out for its accommodations. That’s not to mention the excellent game room and spacious outdoor patio, and it is delightfully dog-friendly. Hotel Zephyr’s daily resort fee includes complimentary amenities like reusable Hotel Zephyr water bottles and bike rentals. You can also receive discounts at the retail stores along the hotel’s Zephyr Walk.
Hotel Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf
425 N. Point St.
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 561-110
www.hotelzoesf.com
A short stroll from most any Fisherman’s Wharf attraction, Hotel Zoe ranks among San Francisco’s best hotels. Each of the 221 guest rooms is stylishly furnished with a luxury yacht décor. As lovely as the guest rooms are, the suites are charming, with additional features and a separate living space. Hotel Zoe also offers superb Italian cuisine at Pescatore Trattoria, led by Executive Chef Rafael Mayoral. Hotel Zoe’s daily amenity fee includes complimentary bike rentals, food credits, and passes to Crunch Fitness. Lastly, Hotel Zoe is pet friendly like Hotel Zephyr’s other “Z hotels” in the city.
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Kimpton Alton Hotel Fisherman’s Wharf
495 Beach St.
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 771-9000
www.ihg.com
The newest hotel in the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood instantly emerged as one of the finest. The latest addition from San Francisco’s original boutique brand, the pet-friendly Alton, features nearly 250 rooms, including Specialty Suites. Coupled with a laid-back California décor yet with stellar hospitality, the Alton is an imposing hotel. Surprisingly, there is more to come from the Kimpton Alton after it unveils its highly anticipated new Restaurant Abacá. Although a daily amenity fee is assessed, it includes an in-room Victrola record player and a walking tour. Additionally, Alton offers loaner bikers, pet amenities, and hosted social hours.
Update: Restaurant Abacá was recently a semi-finalist in the 2022 Best New Restaurant by the James Beard Awards.
Related: Pet-Friendly Hotels In San Francisco
About The Author:
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS Local from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including CBS New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com.