Inn at the Presidio

Travelers that favor hotels with personality, history, and a dash of quirk will be enchanted by the Inn at the Presidio. The Inn is situated amongst two buildings that were once used as bachelor's barracks at The Presidio, a former army post within a national park on the tip of San Francisco near the Golden Gate Bridge. The property has 22 accommodations, including 17 suites, situated in a Main Building (Building 42), and a standalone rental, The Funston House, a Victorian home with four bedrooms and common spaces, making it ideal for family getaways or retreats.

Built in 1903, the Main Building survived San Francisco's 1906 earthquake. It features a Georgian Revival-style exterior with a three-story red brick facade and expansive porches with an elegant white cornice detailing. The ground floor holds a stylish lobby with handsome, masculine decor meant to reflect the hotel's original military purpose. Decor is thoughtful, and a real step beyond typical three-pearl style. Light wood floors are paired with rich brown leathery button-tufted couches finished with brass nailhead trim. A wrought-iron chandelier and fireplace add ambience. A unique brown-and-dark red accent rug is made to look like a map of the area. Guests usually include couples and families with older children. Note that there's a 14 percent park fee added to all rooms. 

As the name implies, the Inn is situated within The Presido, a former military base that's a part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area on the northern most tip of San Francisco. The property is dotted with large trees and surrounded by other former military buildings -- it can be quite foggy in the evening and mornings because of its proximity to the San Francisco Bay. The park is host to a small handful of restaurants, museums, businesses, and lots of walking trails -- some of these are in easy walking distance from the property. Guest can enjoy the "Off the Grid Picnic at Presidio," a seasonal, outdoor food market on Sundays, a seven-minute walk from the property. The Walt Disney Family Museum is also a seven-minute walk from the hotel.

One of The Presidio's selling points is its peaceful location away from the hustle-and-bustle of downtown, but this spot is not particularly convenient to standard San Francisco tourist attractions. Guests can drive to the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center in six minutes or to Fisherman's Wharf in 12 minutes. In addition to available hiking in the park itself, guests can drive to Marin Headlands in 15 minutes or Muir Woods in 25 minutes. The Presidio Bus (on a seasonal schedule) can take guests into several parts of the city for free. San Francisco International Airport is about a 30-minute drive from the inn. Guests can park on-site, though it costs an extra daily fee. 

Guest rooms and suites are fairly spacious and include handsome, traditional decor that reflects the inn's history as a bachelor's barracks. Clean, comfortable, and well-decorated, rooms here feel a step above standard three-pearl fare -- especially since 17 of the 22 rooms are upgraded suites with extras like sitting areas and gas fireplaces. Each room has a Heavenly Enchanted EuroTop bed by Restonic, a work desk with a chair, coffee/tea service, and a well-stocked minibar. Upgraded technology provides free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, and flat-screen TVs with on-demand movies. Wardrobes contain with bathrobes, slippers, safes, irons, and umbrellas. 

In most rooms, subtly plaid-inspired wall-to-wall carpeting meets cream colored walls, and beige tufted headboards or a wrought-iron bed frames are finished with fresh white bedding. Brown leather and wrought-iron accents plus details like crest-shaped mirrors or historic wall art create a stylish, masculine feel. Bathrooms tend to be large with black and brown vanities and spacious wet-room style showers with black subway tiling. They include toiletries in dispensers and fun accents, like a burlap bag stenciled with the abbreviation "TP."

Features are limited at this boutique inn. A free continental breakfast is offered with standard fare such as pastries, oatmeal, hard-boiled eggs, cheese, fruit, tea, and coffee. The hotel also hosts a free nightly wine and cheese reception which serves other light snacks. There is no on-site restaurant, though guests can walk to the Presidio Social Club, a popular park restaurant, in about 15 minutes. Guests can relax on rocking chairs on the front porch or around the fire pit on the outdoor patio. The Inn also has common areas for group events. 

The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a free morning newspaper, boardgames, and a computer and printer for guests' use. Guests can arrange for in-room massages, and the hotel is pet-friendly for an extra fee. Parking is available but also costs an extra fee.