Photo Gallery   The Inn above Tide, Sausalito

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The catch-phrase for The Inn Above Tide in Sausalito, California is: "There are hundreds of hotels located around San Francisco Bay. There is, however, only one on it." The truth behind that statement becomes abundantly clear as guests catch an initial glimpse of this contemporary-styled Inn actually resting upon pilings in the Bay itself. All 30 guest rooms face the water...with San Francisco shimmering from the other side of that fabled inlet...and most have decks that take full advantage of the spectacular view.

The Inn Above Tide property was just as inviting as its scenic location, with a cheerful mix of plants and flower baskets and patios contributing to the pleasant atmosphere. The Inn's friendly staff gave us a warm welcome - from the person who parked our car - to the bellmen - to the front desk personnel...everyone was gracious and helpful throughout our stay! To expand upon the convivial mood, wine and cheese receptions were offered each evening in the salon just off the lobby. We had a marvelous time meeting the other guests...one night we continued our engaging conversation with a delightful couple from San Diego by proceeding on to dinner together at a nearby waterside restaurant. Breakfast (granola, fruit, breakfast breads and pastries, juice, coffee) was served in the salon; or selections could be made each evening for room delivery the next morning...which was my chosen option since I always welcome breakfast in bed!


Our room was decorated in a tranquil blending of seafoam and skyblue, with light woods and modern lines adding to the airy ambience...which seemed to bring the Bay inside to surround us. There was a fireplace built into a tiled entertainment center, and a comfy chaise beckoned from beside the sliding glass door to our private deck. Ahhh -- the deck: from there the breathtaking view awaited our admiration...the Bay Bridge, Angel Island, Alcatraz and the City itself glimmering across San Francisco Bay. During the day it was a dazzling panorama, accented by all sorts of seagoing vessels and various waterfowl. At night, it became a magical lightshow as the moon and stars appeared and millions of tiny twinkles outlined the familiar landmarks! It's no wonder that an old song sprang to mind: "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay", with the refrain revised in my thoughts to "sitting on our deck on the Bay."

Sausalito is a thoroughly appealing village with a mixture of small-town charm, Bay Area sophistication, artistic legacies, and that unique Marin-county lifestyle. Its streetscapes are a combination of Spanish mission-style influences and quaint Victorian treats. Refined galleries, tiny boutiques, fine shops, wonderful restaurants and multi-level courtyards are shadowed by steep hills....and striking views of San Francisco wait to be suddenly discovered around many corners. Sausalito is a perfect place for strolling, shopping, dining, or simply savoring the sea breezes... with the ever-constant presence of the Bay a dominant factor in its personality. Some of the restaurants we enjoyed were Scomas (descended from the famous San Francisco seafood spot...no reservations, so a wait is usually required), The Spinnaker (gorgeous views due to its built-over-the-Bay location...a magnificent blue heron settled down just outside our waterside window as we dined), and Mikayla at the Casa Madrona Hotel (splendidly decorated by artist Laurel Burch, featuring her 12-foot hand painted mural depicting the Legend of Mikayla -- the Goddess of the Isle of May for whom the restaurant is named). On our 7/00 visit we discovered the pleasure of Ondine's artistic Pacific Rim menu offerings and beautiful Bay views. The staff at The Inn Above Tide will be glad to assist with suggestions on the variety of dining options available in Sausalito.

The Inn Above Tide is located right next to the Sausalito Ferry Landing, so we used that very convenient and hassle-free conveyance for the short trip over to San Francisco. Ferries may also be taken to Tiburon (another picturesque bayside hamlet) and to Angel Island (with its rugged natural beauty and multitude of hiking trails). It was another of those California-glorious days, and our ferry ride was just as enjoyable as the hours we spent in the matchless City by the Bay (always a special spot for us). During our 7/00 Sausalito journey we happily rediscovered San Francisco (including the Hornblower Yacht's champagne brunch cruise around the Bay), spent an afternoon strolling through Tiburon's quaint bayfront, made a Stinson Beach visit, and gazed at the breathtaking views from the Marin Headlands.