San Francisco's Pet Friendly Kimpton Alton Hotel

Are you hoping to spend the holidays in San Francisco but don’t want to leave your pet behind? If so, then look at the exceptionally pet friendly Kimpton Alton Hotel! Located in the lively Fisherman’s Wharf area, the Kimpton Hotel has been gaining national attention since its opening. That’s because not only is it a phenomenal luxury boutique, it also has one of America’s hottest new restaurants. With all this in mind, you shouldn’t at all be surprised to see a few other furry visitors in the stylish lobby or on your floor. Learn why the Alton is one of your top local lodging choices for you and your pet.

The new entrance to the Kimpton Alton Hotel in San Francisco — Kimpton Alton Hotel (credit: Randy Yagi)

About Kimpton Alton Hotel

Unveiled in May, the Kimpton Alton Hotel is the first Bay Area property opened by Kimpton in six years. Just one block from Fisherman’s Wharf, Kimpton Alton has reinvigorated one of San Francisco’s most famous neighborhoods. The luxury boutique features nicely appointed rooms, upscale dining, fine furnishings and avant-garde artwork. The hotel is similarly family friendly and of course, pet friendly.

Member of IHG

The Alton Hotel and Kimpton Hotels are prominent members of IHG Hotels & Resorts. The award-winning hotel group now represents 16 hotel brands, many of which rank among the world’s finest. This includes InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Regent and Six Senses. Kimpton Hotels, whose headquarters is in San Francisco, now has nearly 70 hotels in its portfolio. Its two major brands are Hotel Monaco and Hotel Palomar.

Location

Kimpton Alton Hotel is just one block from Fisherman’s Wharf. Within this popular tourist area are several pet friendly attractions. For instance, Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square allow dogs on leash. You can also see Pier 39’s famous sea lion with your furry friend. Although Alcatraz Island doesn’t allow pets, you can walk along the Embarcadero or even take a peek inside Musée Mécanique. If you desire more open space, Fort Mason is a short walk from Ghirardelli Square. Just a bit further is Crissy Field, arguably the city’s most dog friendly spot.

Public Transportation

The Alton is literally an eye blink away from the historic streetcar pick up point. The F- Market & Wharves route provides service to spots like Ferry Building Marketplace and Civic Center. Service operates daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Regular Muni public buses also operate in the area. However, if you want to ride a cable car to Union Square, the Powell/Mason cable car turnaround is just .2 miles away. The cable car operates daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Please know that the streetcars can be full of passengers, especially on weekends. On the other hand, the streetcar is quite convenient due to its proximity to the hotel.

Onsite Services & Amenities

The Kimpton Alton will impress you with its many services and amenities. For starters, there is a hosted evening social hour with complimentary premium wines. There’s also a morning coffee and tea service. You also have a 24-hour fitness center and 20 percent discount towards in-room spa services from Soothe Spa. Additionally, there is valet parking, loaner bikes and Micro Kickboard Scooters.

Pet Amenities

There will be surprise treats for your furry friend. You’ll also have a water bowl in your room and courtesy dogs. The best surprise is that there are no deposit or cleaning fees charged for your dog! Cats are welcome too! That’s also not to mention no size or weight limit or no limit on the number of pets! What’s more, you’ll have dedicated floors for travelers with pets.

Daily Guest Amenities Fee

A daily guess amenities fee is added to you bill. However this provides a daily food credit, Wi-Fi, retro-styled board games and more. The daily fee also includes complimentary newspapers and magazines via a pressreader and local calls.

Accommodations

The Alton offers 248 guest rooms and specialty suites in eight categories. Room sizes start at 230 square feet for an Essential King or 2 Queens to 635 square feet for a One Bedroom Alcatraz View Suite. If you go, definitely consider getting a room with view of the San Francisco Bay. On the other hand, the city views are pretty impressive as well.

Room Amenities

Any guest room or specialty suite comes with an assortment of fine amenities. For instance, you will have a retro-styled Victrola record player. What’s more, you have an eclectic collection of records in your room or at the front desk. The room is further equipped with luxury robes, Atelier Bloem toiletries and Nespresso machines.

Additional Room Amenities

Equally impressive in your room are a yoga mat, laptop safe, enormous smart TV and wireless access. If that’s not enough, you’ll also have one of the most comfortable beds of any hotel in San Francisco! Your room will provide either a gorgeous view of San Francisco Bay or city views of attractions like Coit Tower and TransAmerica Pyramid.

Accessible Rooms

The Kimpton Alton Hotel has several accessible amenities and features. To further clarify are accessible entrance and registration desk and accessible rooms. Accessible rooms include lowered basins, grab handles and roll-in showers. In addition, there are accessible tubs in selected Specialty Suites. Accessible routes to the elevators and accessible restaurant seating are also available.

Current Packages & Promotions

The hotel offers ongoing special packages and hotel deals. In further detail are the Bed & Breakfast and Friendsgiving specials. There are also a New Year’s Eve package and Escape to San Francisco package. Discounts are further offered to AAA members, business travelers, government workers and servicemembers.

Dining At Kimpton Alton Hotel

The Alton is home to Abacá one of America’s hottest and most celebrated new restaurants. Led by rising star chef Francis Ang, Abacá features inventive Filipino-California cuisine, along with crafted drinks and premium beer and wine. Immediately after its opening, the upscale restaurant has soared in popularity while gaining national recognition. In fact, Abacá has been named among Esquire magazine’s Best New Restaurants in America 2021. Moreover, the restaurant was a 2022 James Beard semifinalist as Best New Restaurant.

Abacá Business Hours:

Dinner: Mon-Sat, 5 – 9pm

Cafe Panaderia: Wed-Sun, 7am – 12 noon

Breakfast : Wed-Sun, 7am – 10am

Suggested Dishes From Chef Ang’s Abacá

Recommendations from the refreshingly affordable menu are endless. But among the flavorful dishes you should try are Sisig Fried Rice and Bay Scallop Pancit. Past guests have also raved about Lola’s Pork Lumpia, Squash Okoy Fritter and Squid Relleno. But don’t forget to save room to savor something from the dessert menu! The restaurant’s bar is equally impressive, serving premium beer, wine, sake and cocktails.

Conference & Special Events Space

The Alton offers nearly 1,000 square feet of conference or special events space. Set on the main floor, it can be configured into several space options. It can be as practical for businesses meetings and lectures, as well as weddings or cocktail parties.

About The Author

Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS Local from 2012-2019. 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 Radio, Engadget and Radio.com.