Kimpton’s Argonaut Hotel in San Francisco has unveiled a transformation of its 265 guestrooms and suites, lobby, and meeting space. The redesign of the Fisherman’s Wharf property, spearheaded by Seattle-based Dawson Design Associates, serves as a playful adaptation of the well-appointed sleeping quarters on a steamer ship heading to San Francisco. A nautical theme on which the story of the Argonaut is based permeates the renovation.


In the lobby, shining wood accent tables, antique reproduction steamer trunks and a large rustic oak-paneled ship’s table contribute to the nautical theme. Meanwhile, a brick fireplace features an astronomer’s clock perched on the mantel. Guestrooms reflect the rustic beach cottages found up and down the California coast and celebrate the nautical history of the city’s waterfront. Pale blue and gray striped carpeting complement the tongue-and-groove paneled walls much like those found in the captain’s stately quarters. Canvas-wrapped tuxedo-style sofas are piped in navy blue hues, resembling that of a casual on-deck look.  Pale blue blown glass lamps adorn wooden accent tables, while oversized leather ottomans double as coffee tables. Some guestrooms also include the original exposed brick walls, large timbers, and warehouse steel doors original to the 1907 structure.


The hotel’s 9,000 square feet of function space also received the nautical treatment, from oversized stars cast over a sea of blue and gray stripes to wallcoverings reminiscent of woven jute.