Adding to The Alton's modern atmosphere with nostalgic references is its unique contemporary art collection, sourced in partnership with Los Angeles'
Artemis Advising.
The hotel displays a diversified collection of cool pieces in an array of disciplines, from expansive collages, to various textiles, to large photographs, to sculptural yarn-and-wood creations. A groovy, psychedelic vibe is pervasive, inclusive of an original from Alton Kelley, the hotel's namesake and famed artist whose psychedelic poster art of the 1960s and classic rock posters made him a member of the famous "Big Five."
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Designed by Kara Mann, the Kimpton Alton Hotel is located in San Francisco's iconic Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood and offers a unique blend of California cool, 1970s modernism, and an elevated contemporary art program that serves as a nod to the cultural moments felt throughout the city over the years. The energetic and vibrant spirit of San Francisco is imbued in every step of guests' stays.
The building's clean-lined gray and black-trimmed façade exudes simple sophistication on the corner of Beach and Jones, matching the moodiness and edginess of the fog-blanketed city. Arscine Architects worked with Mann to bring the area's famous hills and grid system into the overarching design, which also continues into the soft architectural fluting details on the walls and columns and softly curved upholstery.
Upon entrance, a prominent front desk acts as a stunning focal point for the space, utilizing a smaller-scale fluting in a bleached oak to create a warm sense of arrival. It's a cool counterpoint to the graphic green and cream-hued marble flooring, while a playful textile artwork by Trish Andersen sits behind the lobby reception desk, evocative of the shag carpets of the ‘70s. A framed original Alton Kelley concert handbill hangs on the wall as well, serving as a reminder of the hotel's namesake and paying homage to the famed artist celebrated for his vibrant classic rock art.
Music was a constant point of design inspiration, and Victrola record players can be found in the living room as well as the guest rooms, while a curated collection of vinyl records features albums by the likes of The Commodores, Tame Impala and Twin Shadow. On your way into the living area, Fiddleleaf fig trees and Monstera ferns spring from planters, while lush foliage cascades into the bright space drenched in a glow from the skylights above.
The salon wall in the living room matches the eclectic feel of the guest rooms with its multi-media art grouping alongside various molding finishes, Moroccan and Turkish-style rugs, and blonde wood floors. The result is a dynamic art moment imaginatively displayed above a cheetah print sofa; also a popular backdrop for a perfectly framed social post or a family picture. Each art piece was selected by Artemis Advising, who prioritized locality and procured many pieces by native Californians, mixed in with a few national and international artists.
From here, the living room shifts you into an airy residential vibe with sculpted leather and curvaceous, low slung seating, mixed with the lines of Scandinavian modern design. A standout two-tone marigold and off-white tasseled Moroccan rug offers a bold pop of color and graphic drama – as do the unexpected, triangular marble coffee tables. An L-shaped sofa with velvet black-and-gold patterning continues weaving through the vintage, rock and roll thread.
Additional art highlights located throughout the hotel's public spaces are Kate Drewniak's unique collage work that explores the translation of memories into tangible objects by deconstructing found materials and sewing them back together; Danny Scott Lane's photographic work inspired by classic cinema; and hard-edge abstract paintings with sleek geometric shapes painted in an oversaturated palette by Brooks Burns. The Hayley Sheldon large format installations also receive ample attention as guests wander the hotel and discover.
Inside Abacá, the Alton's contemporary Filipino-Californian restaurant, arched back bar niches also take on a slightly musical vibe when paired with Calacatta viola marble. The interior architecture of the café was overall more restrained and timeless, allowing the furniture, art, and mural to take the spotlight. Contrasting black and white on the tables against the ochre velvet banquettes and rust hide leather chairs offers a hit of the unexpected.
Color, texture, and dynamism are also evident in the 248 residential-style guest rooms, where custom-designed furniture mixes with vintage-style fabrics, leather and walnut side tables, anchored by bright white walls. The sconces are modeled from classic French rolled perforated lamps, and the floral-upholstered desk chair – in view from most entry doors – invites guests in with its femininity and colors channeling a garden party.
King bedrooms feature midnight blue velvet headboards, with a dusty rose armchair that's an ideal spot to start your day and catch up on the news with coffee. Queen rooms differ in aesthetic, with wood-inspired wall coverings, large-scale herringbone carpet and textural oatmeal accents. In the bathrooms, soft harbor blue-colored walls and dramatic black stone countertops create an interesting dialogue with the brass fixtures and white terrazzo floor tiles.
Given its prime location and the famed topography of San Francisco, Bay View Rooms face out toward the water, providing views of Alcatraz, the pier and Fisherman's Wharf landmarks; while City View Rooms afford guests with the sweeping backdrop of Russian Hill, Coit Tower, the Transamerica Pyramid and the dynamic cityscape; windows frame the views like artworks and design dreamscapes unto themselves.
