Cavallo Point Hotel - Sausalito

June 2008 launches the opening of Cavallo Point – The Lodge at the Golden Gate. Bordering the Golden Gate National Park about one mile from Sausalito, Cavallo Point is a brand new addition to the Passports Resorts collection, which also includes Post Ranch Inn, and a proud member of Preferred Hotels® and Resorts. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, Cavallo Point is a scintillating treat!

Cavallo Point is just across the bridge from San Francisco, within five miles of many San Francisco attractions and twenty-one miles from the airport. Downtown San Francisco and Fisherman's Wharf are about twenty minutes by car and bus service is available for an additional fee.

Realistically, the distance from the downtown area matters to few. Situated in Golden Gate National Park, the tranquil atmosphere makes it all worthwhile. With many activities offered on the thousands of acres surrounding Cavallo Point, guests can arrange activities that fulfill their innermost desires.

While some programs do require a fee, there are many activities that are complimentary to all guests including yoga and olive oil tasting. Among the variety of activities that will be offered, guests will enjoy:

  • Culinary programs
  • Fitness boot camps
  • Fitness programs
  • Golf programs
  • Hiking
  • Horse back riding
  • Knitting classes
  • Nature walks
  • Painting/Art classes
  • Triathlon Training

Incredible restoration work has been completed on the former Fort Baker. Established in 1850 as the Lime Point Military Reservation, Fort Baker officially closed in 2000 when the Army Reserve unit transferred to Parks Reserve Forces Training Area in Dublin, California.

Reserve Cavallo Point

Cavallo Point won a contract in 2006 to convert the former Army base into a conference center and environmentally friendly retreat. Officers' quarters and commons would receive renovations and new buildings would be added to create additional resort space leading to a total of 15,000 square feet of indoor space, an 11,000 square foot spa, an additional 10,000 square feet for outdoor use and a 100-seat restaurant.

Throughout the resort, guests will be able to take in artwork from a vast array of artists who will be featured on a rotating schedule. Photographers Gregory Colbert and Imogen Cunningham start things off.

Seventy-four guest rooms were constructed using environmentally friendly and recycled materials to fit in with the resort's earth-friendly ambiance. An additional 68 rooms and suites are housed in the former officers' quarters. Officers' quarters have been redesigned keeping original features like the roomy front porches, tin ceilings and fireplaces. All 142 rooms and suites share a number of amenities:

  • Internet Access
  • Alarm clocks with iPod ports
  • Ceiling fans
  • Coffeemakers
  • Hair dryers
  • Irons/Ironing Boards
  • In-room safes
  • LCD flat screen televisions (32-inch in former officers' quarters and 36-inch in new buildings)
  • Mini-fridges
  • Organic bedding
  • Organic cotton robes and slippers
  • Recycling bins
  • Southerly views in most rooms
  • Telephones
  • Turn-down service
  • Umbrellas
  • Valet parking ($20)
  • Walking sticks
  • Work desks

There are a few room types from which guests can choose:

  • Bayside Rooms: Guests choose from Bayside or Bayside Deluxe rooms that are situated in the former officers' quarters. Rooms are decorated in neutrals and earth tones with 32-inch flat screen televisions, organic bedding, free daily newspapers, in-room safes, mini-fridges, coffee makers, tea pots, iron/ironing boards, hair dryers, iPod compatible alarm clocks, ceiling fans and a shared front porch with rocking chairs. Some rooms have views of San Francisco Bay.

  • Bayside Suites: Located in the former officers' quarters, these suites are decorated in earth tones and feature original details like the tin ceilings, hardwood floors and crown molding. Guests choose from smaller Bayside Junior Suite or the larger Bayside Suite. Suites have separate living rooms with gas fireplaces, original artwork, walnut furnishings, ceiling fans and shared porches complete with rocking chairs. Some suites come with views of San Francisco Bay.

  • Golden Gate King Rooms: Golden Gate King Rooms offer a king bed, bamboo furnishings, a daybed, and the amenities found in other rooms. Smaller than the suites, Golden Gate King Rooms lack a separate living room.

  • Golden Gate Suites: Tucked into the new buildings on the hillside, Golden Gate Suites or Junior Suites are suitable for romantic getaways and honeymoons. Most rooms come with views of San Francisco, San Francisco Bay or Golden Gate Bridge. Suites come with ceiling fans, windows that open, 36-inch flat screen televisions, radiant heated floors and amenities found in the other rooms. All Golden Gate Suites have king beds, bamboo furnishings, gas fireplaces, a sitting area with a daybed and a patio or deck. The bathroom features double sinks and a separate shower and bathtub.

  • Sausalito Rooms: Also located on the hillside, Sausalito Rooms come with either a king or two queen beds. Rooms contain gas fireplaces, bamboo furniture, modern décor, radiant heated floors, 36-inch televisions and the amenities found in other rooms. These are suitable to families with younger children because of the bed arrangements.

Prices range from $250 - $750 with a median July 2008 price of ~$400 per night. This is a high quality, upscale hotel with excellent room quality and service in a premium part of the Bay Area.

Cavallo Point is in touch with nature and all guest rooms offer organic bedding, radiant heating and solar power. Organic meats and produce are served with flair. Cavallo Point's culinary program features an impressive staff, including Executive Chef Joseph Humphrey, who holds a Michelin two-star rating. Guests of Cavallo Point enjoy a culinary education during their stay if desired taking trips to area farmers' markets and organic farms where they learn how to select the best quality and then prepare it for a healthy, satisfying meal.

One of the high points at Cavallo Point is the stunning Healing Arts Center and Spa. Guests are treated to decadent relaxation treats like the fragrant eucalyptus steam room, outdoor pool and whirlpools and relaxation lounge that features a fireplace. Guests are welcome to arrange a number of spa treatments like the popular Cavallo Point Signature Massage or the invigorating Herbal Stone Massage. Treatments are reasonably priced with many massages priced at $150 or less for a full hour.

Room rates seem to be typical to the area. A quick scan of prices this summer found rooms ranging from $250 to $750 a night. Children twelve and under stay free with their parent/s or guardian/s. For those looking for a true relaxation, Cavallo Point is going to be a winning destination.

By: Tracy Farnsworth, Copyright All Rights Reserved SFTravel LLC