Where to Stay in San Francisco: The Kimpton Alton

Effortless California Cool

On a recent trip to San Francisco I had the pleasure of staying a couple nights at the Kimpton Alton, an IHG hotel that’s pet-friendly and located in Fisherman’s Wharf. There were so many reasons I fell in love during my stay, from the curated music and design choices to the Filipino cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant ABACÁ. Despite the touristy reputation of Fisherman’s Wharf, I actually ended up really enjoying the proximity to North Beach, Chinatown and the Embarcadero. The Kimpton hotels have a reputation for being unique stays but this location in particular just oozed that effortless California cool.

A City Slicker’s Happy Place

I can’t say I’ve ever given any attention to the music played in a hotel’s lobby but at the Kimpton Alton, this is just another part of the experience. Each room includes a record player and a selection of vinyl. The lobby area was scattered with beautiful art and design books and vintage furnishings. Our room was bright and modern with a beautiful view of the San Francisco skyline. You can also rent cruiser bikes and picnic sets to explore the city in style.

Brunch & Dinner at ABACÁ

One of the most enjoyable parts of my stay was dining at the hotel’s restaurant ABACÁ. The menu by lauded SF chef Francis Ang features a variety of interesting Filipino flavors with a unique twist. We tried a few of the vegetarian options and the most delicious ube ice cream. For brunch we stuck with the more classic American style breakfast options, but the real stand outs were the Filipino pastries and yuzu latte. While there is no shortage of delicious eats in the city, this spot makes a strong case for dining in during your stay.

It goes without saying, I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and now I’ve taken it upon myself to experience as many Kimpton hotels in different cities as possible.