Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf
San Francisco, California
Fisherman's Wharf
Vibe
Plants gather beneath skylights in the Living Room lobby, where vintage rugs and weekly resident DJs set the tone.
“Vinyl motor lodge”
A commissioned textile frames reception, with vintage rugs and plants beneath skylights.
Weekly resident DJs play the Living Room; Abacá Bar serves Philippine-inspired cocktails.
An original Alton Kelley concert handbill and borrowable vinyl evoke San Francisco counterculture.
At Beach and Jones, near Ghirardelli Square, with North Beach a short walk away.
“its bohemian-modernist hybrid style and its voluminous collection of vinyl records aren’t just nods to the current hospitality trend, but expressions of the hotel’s unique character.”
Rooms
In-room turntables give borrowed vinyl a proper outing, while midnight-blue velvet headboards carry the mood through to bedtime.
Wellness
The 24-hour fitness center includes a Peloton cycling room, while selected spa suites pair soaking tubs with bath salts and playlists.
“For a trendy and affordable hotel that contributes to the Trevor Project: Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf”
Backstory
A 1970s motor lodge supplied the bones, with the 2021 conversion taking over half of a former two-building Holiday Inn.
“the Kimpton has created a cozy little sanctuary a couple blocks away—and as of last year, they’ve also created the Leafy Dreams package for guests.”
Eat & drink
Abacá serves contemporary Filipino-Californian food, while Abacá Bar pairs Philippine-inspired cocktails with pulutan bar bites beneath arched marble niches.
The neighborhood
At Beach and Jones, you're near Ghirardelli Square, with North Beach a short walk from this Fisherman's Wharf base.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.