What is the best hotel in Fisherman's Wharf? It needs to be very clean and preferably upscale. Best location? Looking at the Argonaut?

There are no upscale hotels in the FW area. Not trying to be negative, but in general FW doesn't attract people looking for upscale. It appeals to the average tourist.
You'll need to look in the Financial District, Union Square or the Market Street corridor for upscale (lots of choices).

I thought the Argonaut was fun. My husband loves the sea and ships so the view out the front was important to us. If I'd been stuck in an inside room, the experience wouldn't have been nearly as enjoyable. The location is convenient to the cable car turn around and Ghirardelli Sq.

Stayed at the Argonaut and it is very nice - nautical theme and great location. There are no Ritz Carltons at FW but there are first class hotels - Sheraton, etc. I don't know of any low class hotels in FW. Upscale is more downtown. Why are you staying at the Wharf, there are other great areas for upscale....

We want to walk around Fisherman's Wharf and at night for dinner and maybe nightlife. We have never been to SF so figured it would a good place to stay. Maybe upscale is not the right word. I like nice hotels that have charm also. I am not big on typical chain hotels, but some are okay. I guess we don't want too upscale either. I would like a place with a little personal touch and maybe a bit unique. It must be clean and kept up. I think I would like to be close to the water as the beach is one of my favorite places and we are from Indiana and don't get to see it enough.

There is a very popular hotel in the Fisherman's Wharf area called the Tuscan Inn. I found it highly rated in several guidebooks and by TripAdvisor when planning our trip to SF last year. I don't think you can see the Wharf or the bay from the hotel, but it is within walking distance.

Do any of you have an opinion as to what views from the Argonaut are
the best? GG bridge vs. alcatraz? or any particular rooms that you've
liked? we want to get a deluxe view room, but not a suite. thanks!

There really is no beach to view from Fisherman's Wharf. I like Fisherman's Wharf - it's fun to walk around, however, I just want to clarify what to expect. It isn't particularly charming - mostly cheesy souvinere and tshirt shops and quite a few homeless people on the streets. Not much nightlife in the area either. You might want to check out some other parts of the city. I like the Westin on Union Square - it has a fancy name I can't remember now. I know you said you don't like chains but this hotel is FULL of history and very charming, close to great restaurants, nightlife, shopping, etc.

" We want to walk around Fisherman's Wharf and at night for dinner and maybe nightlife."
Look elsewhere, FW rates a walk around but the restaurants/nightlife in that area are not nearly as good as other areas of the city. Some would even go so far as to describe the area as a tourist trap.

so, then where is the best location/hotel? Not too stuffy, charming, clean, great service, modern? and can walk around?