San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf has a new kid on the block and her name is Gigi. Well, that’s the name of the mermaid that lives in Hotel Zephyr. Call me crazy, but I recently hung out with a mermaid named Gigi. She lives directly across from Alcatraz and she has long orange hair. She’s not only cute, she loves to have fun. If you have a playful spirit, or you are traveling with kids, Hotel Zephyr, located on San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, has your name written all over it.
The 355 room property was formerly the Radisson Hotel Fisherman’s Wharf. Talk about a transformation, I love the new look. The designer certainly had a vision when Hotel Zephyr was created. Throughout the hotel you’ll see the use of many elements; air, earth, water and fire, anchored in a nautical theme – pun intended.
The hotel’s backstory is that a cargo ship traveled the world, adding new crew members like a family. When the ship docked in San Francisco, they realize it had it all. The captain decided to drop anchor and transform the cargo ship into a new hotel. The crew knew that everyone would want to come here. The yard inspiration came from Alcatraz, the hotel’s neighbor across the street. The yard was the only free outdoor play space that the prisoner’s got to enjoy outside of their cells.
Let’s take a tour of Hotel Zephyr from Gigi the mermaid’s perspective. This family-friendly boutique hotel is hip, which means free, fast wifi and higher data stream option, as well. You’ll notice the fire pit of computers; a nod to leaving your electronics and cares behind. “Play like no one is watching,” says Director of Marketing Kevin Busch. “We want people to have fun, authentic connections.”
Techies will love the option to stream from your phone to tv. For Android, you can do basic screen mirroring. With Apple, use the g-link, borrow an HDMI cable from the front desk and then stream and charge at the same time!
Need to know
Check in: 4:00 p.m.
Check out: 12:00 p.m.
Pet-friendly $75 per stay cleaning fee. Parking is $49 per night. Rates range from $230 -$650. My Zephyr deluxe partial view room #4029 rented for $302. As always, check the website for current rates and special packages.
Insider Tip:
Check out the periscope in The Yard – it looks directly out to The Rock, also known as Alcatraz. If you are traveling with kids, you might also want to visit Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. For additional insider tips follow @Nancydbrown on Twitter and @HotelZephyrSF.
If You Go:
Hotel Zephyr (415) 617-6555 or (844) 617-6555
250 Beach Street, San Francisco, California 94133
Article, photography and video by travel writer and mermaid spotter Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of Hotel Zephyr.