Kimpton Alton Hotel - Fisherman's Wharf

The Kimpton Alton Hotel - Fisherman's Wharf is a Michelin Key Selected property in San Francisco, generally receiving positive feedback for its stylish design, excellent service, and prime location. It boasts an overall "Very Good" rating of 8.3 out of 10 based on numerous guest reviews.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for the Kimpton Alton Hotel is highly positive, with guests frequently commending its elegant and thoughtfully curated design, friendly staff, and fantastic location in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf. Many appreciate the hotel's unique character and its blend of bohemian-modernist style inspired by San Francisco's countercultural history.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of the Kimpton Alton:

• Design: The hotel's design is a significant draw, featuring an impressive 1930s aesthetic reimagined with a contemporary lens. It's noted for its bohemian-modernist hybrid style and a voluminous collection of vinyl records. The lobby is described as natural light-drenched with warm white oak, sumptuous seating, and greenery-draped skylights.
• Service & Staff: The staff receives high marks for being extremely accommodating, friendly, helpful, and professional, from the front desk to the valet.
• Location: Its excellent location near Fisherman's Wharf provides easy access to major attractions and public transportation.
• Amenities: Popular amenities include the complimentary nightly wine happy hour, free morning coffee, in-room record players with a vinyl lending library, yoga mats, and a pet-friendly policy. There's also a fitness center with cardio equipment and weights, including Peloton bikes.

Room Quality

Rooms at the Kimpton Alton Hotel are generally described as large, clean, comfortable, and stylish, featuring contemporary furnishings overseen by Kara Mann and Arcsine Architects. They are equipped with comfortable pillowtop beds, Frette linens, desks, armchairs, and large TVs. A unique touch is the inclusion of Victrola record players in every room. Bathrooms are nicely laid out with eye-catching terrazzo floors and offer Atelier Bloem bath amenities in eco-friendly, refillable bottles. Some rooms offer Bay View or Alcatraz views.

Dining Experience

The hotel features Abacá, an on-site restaurant by local chef Francis Ang, which offers inventive modern Filipino cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is often highlighted as a positive experience, with the Filipino breakfast specifically recommended. Guests can enjoy complimentary filter coffee during breakfast hours and a nightly social hour with complimentary wine and other drinks. However, some guests have found the quality of certain breakfast items to be merely "adequate" and suggested exploring other dining options in the city.

Service & Staff

The service and staff at the Kimpton Alton consistently receive high praise. Guests report that all staff members, from the front desk agents to the valet attendants, are friendly, helpful, accommodating, and professional. Many reviews highlight the staff's great attitude and excellent customer service as a key factor in their enjoyable stay.

Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts an "excellent" location in Fisherman's Wharf, placing guests within a short walk of popular attractions such as Ghirardelli Square, Pier 39, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, and Lombard Street. It offers convenient access to various public transportation options, including local bus routes, the F-Castro Tram, and a cable car line directly across the street. The location also provides a quick ride to areas like North Beach, the Financial District, and Russian Hill. The hotel provides wheelchair-accessible paths, common areas, and specific rooms, including the front desk, public washrooms, and restaurant.

Value & Pricing

Many guests consider the Kimpton Alton to offer good value for money, especially when compared to older, similarly priced hotels in the area. However, the overall cost can be significantly impacted by additional fees. Valet parking is notably expensive, costing $75 + tax per night, and $95 + tax for oversized vehicles, with in-and-out privileges. An amenity or "urban destination" fee is also charged (reported as $40 or $34.94 in earlier reviews), which includes some services like premium Wi-Fi that some loyalty members expect to be complimentary. This fee sometimes includes a $5 daily credit for the hotel's bodega.

Common Complaints

While generally well-received, some recurring issues and criticisms include:

• High Fees: The resort/amenity fees and the "eye-watering" cost of valet parking are frequent points of contention for guests.
• Room Condition: Despite being stylish, some guests have noted that rooms can appear worn in places and might benefit from updates.
• Curtain Quality: A common complaint is the thinness of the curtains, which are often insufficient to block out light effectively, especially for those sensitive to light while sleeping.
• Room Layout: A few guests have mentioned narrow pathways in rooms, which can make movement difficult, particularly with larger luggage.
• Water Pressure: Some visitors have reported less-than-ideal water pressure in the showers.
• Dining Consistency: While generally positive, some breakfast items at Abacá were found to be only "adequate," leading some to recommend seeking breakfast options outside the hotel.

Sources

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