As I walked into the historic Argonaut Hotel at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, I was overwhelmed with wonderful memories. I last stayed at the Argonaut Hotel in 2012 with Hubby and the kids. Located in the historic Haslett Warehouse and built in 1907, the Argonaut is a grand building of exposed brick, Douglas Fir beams and character at every turn.
We’ve stayed in many hotels, but this is one that stands out in AJ’s memory. It was a special stay for us all. After a long flight from Australia and non-stop drive from LA, we were happy to arrive to welcoming staff and the luxury of our fancy nautical-themed room.
The kids were treated like royalty and had many fun encounters with the doormen who engaged with them as we entered and exited the hotel each day. That stay at the Argonaut Hotel set a high standard at the start of that holiday and I warned the kids that none of our other accommodation would come close, and I was right.
When I look for hotels to review, location is a key element. The Argonaut Hotel’s position is ideal, with a level walk or wheel to shopping, restaurants and tour excursions which depart from the Fisherman’s Wharf area. There is nothing we like better than being able to walk to nearby attractions and the Argonaut Hotel allowed us to do that.
This time I was travelling alone and using the hotel as a base for two nights during my whirlwind trip to San Francisco, and again found the location and facilities to be excellent. I took the opportunity to review two of the Argonaut Hotel’s accessible rooms.
ARGONAUT HOTEL ACCESSIBLE ACCOMMODATION
The first room I inspected (room 281) was a queen bedded accessible room with the option of an interconnecting room for additional family members or support staff.
Good circulation space is offered around the bed and the room itself is spacious for a wheelchair user.
All amenities are lowered including heating and cooling thermostats and hanging space in the wardrobe.
The entry door to the room has a clearance of 82cm and a double peep hole for easy viewing for wheelchair users. Bed height is 60cm with an 8cm clearance underneath. The accessible rooms are also fitted with visual fire alarms for guests with a hearing impairment.
ARGONAUT HOTEL ACCESSIBLE BATHROOM
A sliding door (82cm clearance) provides access to the accessible bathroom which is fitted with grab rails throughout and equipped with lever taps.
Amenities such as the mirror and towels are all at a lowered level for easy access. The toilet height is 45.5cm to seat and 42cm to pan.
The shower is equipped with a shower seat, grab rails, height adjustable shower head and lever tap.
ARGONAUT HOTEL DOUBLE QUEEN BEDDED ROOM WITH BAY VIEW
My home for two nights was this extremely comfortable room. And this double queen bedded room has the option of an interconnecting room for additional family or support staff.
After busy weeks leading up to my trip and a long flight I was appreciative of the comfortable bed and room amenities. I also liked having a view of San Francisco Bay and the cable cars at their turn around point.
As a traveller with lots of luggage I was pleased to have space within the room to store my bags out of the way.
ARGONAUT HOTEL ACCESSIBLE BATHROOM
The bathroom features are identical to the queen bedded accessible bathroom above including lowered amenities throughout, lever taps and grab rails.
A sliding bathroom door provides access to the wheelchair accessible washbasin, toilet and shower.
The shower is fitted with a shower seat, grab rails, height adjustable shower head and toiletries are provided in refillable pump bottles.
Room 281 and my room were both quite a distance from the lift on carpeted floors which could prove hard work for a self-propelling manual wheelchair user. If this is an obstacle for you, I suggest putting in a request for a room closer to the lift. I noted several while I was staying at the hotel – obvious for their double peep holes on the doors.
The Argonaut Hotel has a large range of accessible accommodation (ADA compliant rooms) on offer with detailed information on room types and inclusions on their website. How I wish all hotels were as thorough in providing this information to potential guests.
Sometimes videos give a better idea of circulation space and room size so if you’d like to see more, take a tour with me below. The first room is done quickly as people were waiting to check into the room and kindly wait while I whizzed around.
PARKING
If you are travelling with a car or hiring a car, keep in mind valet costs in San Francisco are high. Although we had a wonderful location at the Argonaut we used our hire car for day trips beyond the bay area. Valet parking is off-site at the Argonaut but valet staff are happy to get your car when needed.
LOCATION
As previously mentioned, as a family we chose the Argonaut for it’s excellent position. It’s close to activities, shopping and restaurants. The Blue Mermaid restaurant and bar onsite has an excellent seafood and wine menu meaning you don’t need to leave the hotel if you prefer.
Fisherman’s Wharf and surrounding areas provide many entertainment options.
If your travels won’t see you going to Monterey, then I highly recommend a visit to Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39. It has easy access throughout and worth the visit just to see the fast shenanigans of the resident sea otters.
And the famous seals of Pier 39 are just a short 10 minute walk/wheel from the hotel and free to watch as long as you like.
They’re wild but seem to love showing off for the tourists.
The accessible F-Line will connect you with some of the other wharves (including the wharf where you catch the tour to Alcatraz (make sure you book well in advance for Alcatraz) and Union Square area.
One of my favourite things to do while staying at the Argonaut Hotel is catching the accessible ferry to Sausalito. The ferry ride provides lovely views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. And once in Sausalito grab a burger from Hamburger, you can thank me later!
BJ’s favourite activity while staying at the Argonaut Hotel was taking the Fire Engine Tour. The tour leaves from just behind the hotel. Please note you do need to be able to transfer for this experience as it’s an old Mack Fire Truck but staff were very accommodating and it was so much fun. The 90 minute tour isn’t heavy on facts and figures so it’s a fun family tour. Wearing authentic fire fighter jackets not only added to the experience but kept us warm as we travelled across the Golden Gate Bridge in the open air vehicle. We strapped BJ’s wheelchair in at the front and had an amazing time. You can read more about San Francisco Fire Engine tours here.
On my recent visit I was hosted at the Argonaut Hotel, but previously stayed for 5 nights at our own expense so you can be assured my opinions are enthusiastic because I love this hotel and location.
You can read more on the Argonaut Hotel website.
