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| Golden Gate Bridge, seen from Cavallo Point (c) 2015 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved |
Cavallo Point Lodge is an ideal weekend resort for Bay Area residents (as well as Bay Area visitors from elsewhere). We just spent two evenings to celebrate our anniversary (the lodge is just 40 minutes from our home in Berkeley), and my wife has already told me she wants to go back. A fine alternative to the Napa Valley, it's a much shorter drive, just ten miles from downtown San Francisco. The hotel's shuttle makes the route twice daily, and you can also take the Ferry to Sausalito.
Set on the former Fort Baker, established to guard the Golden Gate’s entry into San Francisco Bay from a potential attack that never came, the officers quarters around the field have been renovated and transformed into Cavallo Point's historic rooms and suites. Two buildings that housed the barracks for the enlisted men now house the guest reception center and gift shop and the restaurant and bar. The resort's contemporary rooms are up the hill in new buildings constructed on the footprint of older buildings.
We stayed in a Historic Suite (#106) and very much enjoyed our stay. The suite preserved original architectural details and brought to mind the interior styles of the period, including tin ceilings, wainscoting on the walls, hardwood floors, and extremely large colonial windows that admit lots of natural light to your room. Pocket doors between the spacious bedroom and living room create two distinct spaces. The large living area has a flatscreen TV in an armoire, gas fireplace, sitting chair, and pull-out sofa. The large bedroom has its own gas fireplace, desk (with free WiFi throughout the property), and King bed. The large bathroom is equipped with dual vanities, soaking tub, step-in shower, and WC. We enjoyed a view of San Francisco Bay and the downtown skyline from our living room.
We had the opportunity to inspect a Contemporary Suite during our stay. Using the same pleasant color scheme of muted natural greens and light browns, this room category would be choice of guests who prefer updated styling and the completely up-do-date furnishings only that brand new construction can offer. The contemporary buildings face the Golden Gate with direct views of the famous Golden Gate Bridge; request a second floor room for the best views.
Ideal visitors to Cavallo Point will enjoy hiking, history, and nature. There are numerous hikes from the property, including guided hikes under the Golden Gate Bridge and a historical walking tour of Fort Baker. The cute but touristy town of Sausalito with its shopping and restaurants is two miles away (we walked there and took a taxi back), or it's a quick drive; just remember to feed the parking meters in Sausalito as they are patrolled 24/7. Cavallo Point is ideally situated for a day trip to the Muir Woods (a beautiful redwood grove) or Stinson Beach.
The food was excellent. We had dinner both nights at Murray Circle (the seafood stew, quail, and lamb were all very good, although my halibut was ever-so-slightly overdone). Breakfasts were also very good, especially the omelettes. Virtuoso guests receive daily Full Breakfast for two as well as a $100 resort credit that you'll probably want to use towards a spa treatment.
Added bonus: Cavallo Point is filled with exceptional fine art photography. Make it a point to view the photographs throughout the public places.
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