Perched along the San Francisco Bayfront, Sausalito welcomes you with its charming Victorian-style maritime homes that evoke a historic allure and the ambiance of a quaint European fishing village. Sweeping 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean cove surround you, where ferries, sailboats, and the occasional seal create a dream-like scene.
For a front-row seat to this serene beauty, the Inn Above Tide offers an unparalleled retreat. It’s the perfect place to soak in the magic of the Bay Area—and understand why so many fall in love with it again and again.
With its quintessential weathered cedar shingle exterior, the 33-key inn exudes a timeless, coastal-inspired charm that’s effortlessly inviting. Spiral staircases wind up to the porthole window decorated second and third levels, where guestrooms and suites await as private hideaways. Enhancing the home-like charm, guests are handed a traditional key to access their houseboat-esque retreat—where every room, from the King Superior to the Penthouse, opens to breathtaking waterfront scenes.
Dubbed “your private box seat on the bay,” the expansive Vista Suite is enveloped in a soothing palette of sky blue, seafoam green, and cool gray. At its heart, a four-poster king bed—holding a plush McRoskey mattress—is flanked by a sophisticated seating area, a writer’s desk, and a mini dining table. Thoughtful details, like sunken bookshelves lined with vintage classics such as Pride and Prejudice and balanced by sea-influenced ceramics, add a personal touch. The en suite bathrooms boast lavish tubs paired with Bvlgari Eau Parfumée soaps and lotions, leaving a subtly refreshing scent post-bath or shower.
While the recent renovations are worth noting, they only enhance the unobstructed bayfront vistas framed by floor-to-ceiling, wraparound windows that open to private decks. You wake up to stunning views of the San Francisco skyline, with Alcatraz and the Bay Bridge in full sight. In a blink, the city’s legendary fog rolls in, draping the gulf in a soft, milky blanket. But in the heart of winter, nothing feels cozier than gazing over the misty waters with your in-room fireplace crackling beside you.
Start your day with breakfast in bed, soaking up the ultimate luxury hotel vibe. Simply fill out the delivery card the night before, and enjoy coffee with cream and sugar, toasted sesame bagels with cream cheese, yogurt and granola, fresh fruit, and the San Francisco Chronicle—delivered to your door at your preferred time. Perhaps you can’t tear yourself away from your suite and crave a bit more R&R while taking in the view. Enter the in-room spa services: the “Swedish Massage” is perfect for muscle relaxation, starting at $215 for 60 minutes. If it’s a romantic escape, the “Couples Massage” is ideal—a shared indulgence in deep tissue relaxation, starting at $430 for an hour of bliss.
When it’s time to explore, the hotel’s central address places Sausalito’s unique galleries, exceptional restaurants, and clothing stores steps away. Planning a day trip? The ferry, conveniently located around the corner, offers easy access to SF’s Ferry Building and Fisherman’s Wharf, Tiburon, and Marin. For wine enthusiasts, California’s renowned wine country—including Napa and Sonoma—is only an hour’s drive, making it the perfect base for a blend of coastal and vineyard adventures.
To sum up, a weekend stay at the Inn Above Tide in Sausalito is just the dose you need to rediscover the charm of this Pacific Coast metropolis.
Top Takeaways
Location: Sausalito, California
Address: 30 El Portal, Sausalito, CA 94965
Rating: Four-Star
The vibe: A waterfront stunner that feels like a chic home on the San Francisco Bay, offering unparalleled views.
Food + Drink: There’s no on-site restaurant; however, food and drink offerings are available daily downstairs in the Drawing Room, just off the check-in area. A self-serve wine and cheese happy hour takes place each evening at 5 p.m., and an extensive selection of tea and coffee (both decaf and regular) is available from morning until night whenever you desire.
Our favorite part of the hotel: Is it cliché to say we love the view?
Amenities: 24-hour front desk, private terraces, in-room fireplaces, daily coffee and tea service, happy hour, free parking, and breakfast.
What’s nearby? You’re perfectly positioned to enjoy the best of Sausalito and San Francisco. Nature lovers will delight in nearby gems like Muir Woods National Monument, Stinson Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore, and Tiburon—all just a short drive or ferry away. For citygoers, iconic spots such as Union Square, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, and the Embarcadero are easily accessible, offering the perfect mix of urban and natural experiences.
Any personal neighborhood recs? Start your morning with coffee and a full French-style breakfast at Suzette’s, a cozy local favorite. Then, indulge in some retail therapy at Amour Vert, known for its elevated women’s fashion. Don’t miss the iconic Scoma’s Restaurant when lunchtime rolls around, serving some of the city’s best seafood since 1965. For dinner, book a table at Copita Tequileria y Comida for homemade tamales and a flawless house margarita or Sushi Ran for crisp rice oil-fried tempura and a refreshing spinach salad. Both promise an unforgettable meal.
Rooms: 33
Pricing: Rates start at $565/night.
Closest airport: San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Hotels Above Par may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if products are purchased through our links, at no cost to you.
