Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [201]
Cavallo Point ★★ This new über-eco lodge, which occupies Golden Gate National Park’s century-old former army quarters in Fort Baker, opened its doors in 2008 after nearly a decade in the making. The 17 red-roofed, colonial-style buildings form a horseshoe overlooking the San Francisco skyline at the bay’s edge, with Adirondack chairs throughout the knee-high grassy knolls for lounging.
You have your pick of rooms: Roughly half are repurposed old officers’ quarters in the historic lodging, which give off a rustic, nostalgic feel—prices start a bit lower for these than the more dressed-up rooms—while the newer buildings have a more contemporary flair. At least, that’s what the hotel employees will tell you—if you ask me, there aren’t too many discernible differences between the two models. The majority of rooms have unobstructed views of the Golden Gate Bridge, which practically towers over Cavallo’s entities. For dinner, you needn’t even head into downtown Sausalito, which is just a mile up the road; the on-site restaurant, Murray Circle, combining French, Mediterranean, and California influences in its fare, is about the finest around.
One of the four properties comprising the high-rolling Passport Resorts, Cavallo Point also offers an interesting mix of classes and activities, spanning a cooking school to sunrise yoga sessions, in its 11,000-square-foot Healing Arts Centers. Check the blackboard in the main lobby daily to see what’s on tap for the coming week.
601 Murray Circle, Sausalito, CA 94965. www.cavallopoint.com. 888/651-2003 or 415/339-4700. Fax 415/339-4792. 142 units. $240–$750 double; $300–$800 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $20. Pets are allowed for $75 (some rooms). Amenities: Restaurant; concierge; room service; spa. In room: TV, hair dryer, minifridge, MP3 docking station, free Wi-Fi.
Where to Eat
EXPENSIVE
Horizons ★ SEAFOOD/AMERICAN Eventually, every San Franciscan ends up at Horizons to meet a friend for Sunday Bloody Marys. It’s not much to look at from the outside, but it gets better as you head past the 1960s-era dark-wood interior toward the waterside terrace. On warm days, it’s worth the wait for alfresco seating if only to watch dreamy sailboats glide past San Francisco’s distant skyline. The food here can’t touch the view, but it’s well portioned and satisfying enough. Seafood dishes are the main items, including steamed clams and mussels, freshly shucked oysters, and a variety of seafood pastas. In fine Marin tradition, Horizons has an “herb tea and espresso” bar.
558 Bridgeway. 415/331-3232. www.horizonssausalito.com. Reservations accepted weekdays only. Main courses $9–$27; salads and sandwiches $6–$11. AE, MC, V. Mon–Thurs 11:30am–9pm; Fri 11am–10:30pm; Sat 10:30am–10pm; Sun 10:30am–9pm. Valet parking $4.
A PICNIC LUNCH, sausalito style
If the crowds are too much or the prices too steep at Sausalito’s bayside restaurants, grab a bite to go for an impromptu picnic in the park fronting the marina. It’s one of the best and most romantic ways to spend a warm, sunny day in Sausalito. The best source for a la carte eats is the Mediterranean-style Venice Gourmet Delicatessen at 625 Bridgeway, located right on the waterfront just south of the ferry landing. Since 1964 this venerable deli has offered all the makings for a superb picnic: wines, cheeses, fruits, stuffed vine leaves, salami, lox, prosciutto, salads, quiche, made-to-order sandwiches, and fresh-baked pastries. It’s open daily from 9am to 6pm ( 415/332-3544; www.venicegourmet.com).
Poggio ★★ ITALIAN Sausalito has long been low on upscale dining options, but all that