For those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco, the small city of Sausalito is conveniently situated just across the bay. Here you will find beautiful outdoor parks (such as nearby Muir Woods), an exciting marine life museum, and vibrant art galleries. Sausalito is the perfect place to stretch out, relax, grab a cup of coffee, and watch boats skirt across the water. Wandering around this small city is easy to accomplish on foot and it’s a quick shot to leave urban living behind and completely immerse yourself among California’s tallest trees — the redwoods — while the fresh ocean air plays with your hair.
To help you decided where to stay in Sausalito we’ve compiled our guide to the best hotels. From cozy B&B;’s to converted Victorian homes to luxury hotels, Sausalito has every type of accommodation you could hope for. The perfect place to spend a honeymoon, anniversary, family vacation, or backpacking tour, Sausalito is beckoning you. And, since it’s a pleasant ferry ride to and from San Francisco, you can even make it your base for exploring that city. Come discover the best hotels that Sausalito has to offer and enjoy your stay. Let’s start with our two top picks.
Cavallo Point
Let’s start things off with the grand dame of Sausalito hotels: Cavallo Point. Previously part of Fort Baker, a former U.S. Army post, guests can choose to stay in the restored historic guestrooms or in the contemporary lodging. The restored historic guestrooms used to be officers’ residences with views of the San Francisco skyline. Similarly, the contemporary hotel rooms feature a sweeping vista of the Golden Gate Bridge with the city nestled behind it.
The resort is also home to a healing arts center and spa where you can receive a number of relaxing treatments. VIP services include in-room bartender and rose petal turndown service for a romantic night with your sweetheart. Often cited as the best boutique in Sausalito, this hotel is worth the price. Rooms are even dog-friendly so you don’t have to leave your pooch behind.
Rating = Superb
601 Murray Circle, Sausalito
We live in San Francisco and while it only took us 15 minutes door-to-door… it felt like we were miles and miles away. The room was great. Called a “historic” room (and you got a feel for it, in a good way) but the updates were wonderful. Very comfortable. We ate dinner at Farley’s and had a great time. The food and drinks were excellent and it was a fun environment. Brunch was ridiculously good. Seriously, one of the best. We took advantage of the spa as well. Whether you get a service or not, you can use the facilities. What a great way to start a day.”
– 5-Star Review
Casa Madrona
The right mix of classic and modern, Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa is a highly-recommended Sausalito hotel. The hotel has two types of rooms — modern hotel rooms and rooms located in renovated Victorian houses. Although the modern hotel rooms have all the accouterments guests have come to expect, the renovated Victorian rooms give off a classy, sophisticated, and endearing vibe from ages past. You can’t help but to be whisked away into a more romantic time as you sit by the fireplace and admire the view of the Bay. Parts of the hotel building date back to the 1800s, but the hotel itself was built in 1906.
In the newer wing, you’ll find a spa where you can indulge in your very own taste of the high life with relaxing treatments. If you’re in the mood for a taste of Italy in Sausalito, you can dine at the Poggio Trattoria’s high-quality Italian fare. Only about a three-block walk from the Sausalito Ferry pier, the Casa Madrona is both a friendly and ideal place to rest your head while in Sausalito.
Rating = Superb
801 Bridgeway, Sausalito
Good location, easy access to ferry, restaurants, shops and other points of interest. Inexpensive parking options were limited. We enjoyed our stay and the quaintness of Sausalito gave us the feel of a European destination without the long flight and jet lag. It is close enough to San Francisco to enjoy the downtown sights during the day and then relax with a glass of wine in our room and watch the sunset by the bay.”
– 5-Star Review
HI Marin Headlands Hostel
On the flipside, budget travelers of all ages will enjoy the choice of HI Marin Hostel out of all the Sausalito hotels. Only five miles away from the charming seaside town of Sausalito, this hostel is set amidst the beaches, meadows, and coastal bluffs of the HI Marin Headlands National Park.
The hostel is conveniently located near beaches and forests where you can revel in the abundance of wildlife and native plants. The hostel itself is housed inside historic buildings that date back to 1907 as part of Fort Barry. On-site laundry, fully equipped kitchens, and cozy guest lounges make this hostel a great bang for your buck.
Rating = Very Good
Fort Barry Building 941, Sausalito
The rooms were clean, warm and cozy. The living room was spacious and family-friendly. I loved having the piano and guitar too. Yummy breakfast fixings. The game room was a huge hit with our kids (ping-pong, pool table, foosball, yoga room ). Lots of great local resources available too. And, the beach and Marine Mammal Research Center were all within walking distance So nice not have to drive everywhere.”
– 5-Star Review
The Gables Inn
Built in 1869, the Gables Inn is a large, quaint B&B; that serves up a to-die-for fresh breakfast each morning. Originally, the Gables Inn was created by assembling older buildings together and remodeling them. The oldest hotel in Sausalito was one of the buildings chosen for the project. The hotel is both classy and romantic with most rooms showcasing great views of the Bay and warm fireplaces you can cozy up to at night.
Just up the hill from the center of downtown Sausalito, the Gables Inn is walking distance to the ferry pier and most of the other popular Sausalito destinations. The Gables Inn is perfect for a relaxing weekend and the free Wi-Fi, complimentary continental breakfast, and evening wine and cheese selection make this a B&B; worth remembering. Come escape the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area while still enjoying all the charm that northern California has to offer.
62 Princess Street, Sausalito