Hotel Review: The Inn Above Tide
BeSeeingYou at: The Inn Above Tide
Location: Sausalito, California, USA
Number of rooms and suites total: 33
Date of Stay: February 2024
Website: The Inn Above Tide
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Just a short hop across the bay aboard the ferry, The Inn Above Tide is a peaceful alternative to downtown San Francisco’s hustle and bustle
Why book?
If you’re looking for a quick getaway as part of your San Francisco travel experience or you just want a quiet alternative to busy downtown San Francisco, this weathered waterfront boutique hotel fits the bill. Located in the picturesque sailing port of Sausalito, just a 25-minute hop across the San Francisco Bay from the city’s iconic Ferry Building, the Inn Above Tide is also next to the dock, so there’s no need for a taxi or car once you arrive.
Sausalito’s restaurants, shops and entertainment are all at the Inn’s doorstep. The real appeal of the Inn Above Tide, however, is their rooms. With their contemporary coastal-chic décor, private decks and stunning views of San Francisco and the bay, you’ll swear you’ve fallen into hotel heaven.
For an alternative to a generic chain hotel, with easy access to the city when you want it, the Inn Above Tide is the answer.
Who’s staying?
Couples, honeymooners, friends, and stay-cationers looking to splurge. Though the suites are certainly big enough for families, The Inn Above Tide drips in as much romance as morning fog, and the private decks overlooking Angel Island, San Francisco, and Sausalito’s waterfront are the ideal place to linger in a bathrobe and read or clink champagne glasses with your love.
The Penthouse Suite at the Inn Above Tide is around 80-square metres with unrivaled views
Rooms & Suites
The 33 rooms and suites range from smaller standard rooms to ginormous suites, some with fireplaces. A few things are guaranteed to be found in every category—the beds are comfy, the rooms are tasteful and well-appointed with free WiFi, TVs, and binoculars for sea lion spotting, and epic views.
I stayed in the Vista Suite on the second floor’s southern corner and felt as if I was floating on water. The large deck had a table for two as well as two loungers looking straight at San Francisco’s skyline and Angel Island. I loved watching sailboats float by, spotting seabirds and sea lions, and listing to the morning and evening kayakers slap the water below.
Indoors, the large sitting area with sofa and two swiveling leather chairs was a great place to work, sip wine and watch the lights of San Francisco sparkle.
The bathroom was massive and the white marble floors, jetted soaking tub and separate shower, and Bvlgari bath products made it feel like my own mini spa.
Sausalito has a number of waterfront restaurants walking distance from the Inn, including Scoma’s (Photo by Kimberley Lovato)
Spill the tea: how’s the food and drink?
There is no restaurant onsite but the Inn Above Tide does host a complimentary evening wine and cheese reception, which you can have delivered to your room. Breakfast is also served, and I recommend you take this in the room too. After all, when the views are this good, you really should enjoy every minute.
The minibar was well-stocked, including some premium products like Clase Azul tequila.
Neighbourhood news
Sausalito is must-visit whether you stay overnight or not, but I highly recommend you do. When the last ferry heads back to San Francisco, a hush descends over the town and it becomes a serene place to stroll hand-in-hand along Bridgeway, Sausalito’s main waterfront drag. The tourism office is literally facing the Inn so drop in for some advice on exploring further afield.
On sunny days and warm nights (admittedly, the nights are usually cool), it’s hard to beat a table at places like Barrel House Tavern, serving one of the best happy hours in town, and Ditas, Sausalito’s newest upscale restaurant with fine food, craft cocktails, and a gorgeous deck with views that rival the one in your room.
If you’re looking for casual Mexican cuisine and a good margarita, try Copita. Morning coffee at Equator or A Taste of Rome are also great. Do make a point to browse through Sausalito Books by the Bay, owned by a longtime Sausalito resident. Here you can find Sausalito-themed books and gifts along with best-sellers.
Best of all, everything is accessible on foot. Step count? Check!
How was the service?
The check-in and check-out were seamless, breakfast and wine delivery were quick, and the room was spotless upon arrival. Staff are friendly and will stay out of the way unless you need them, which is just as it should be in a luxury inn.
Amenities
Think of the Inn Above Tide as more of an upscale B&B with luxurious extras than a full service hotel. There’s no restaurant, spa, or concierge, but in this location, I promise you won’t miss them. The staff are happy to answer questions, call taxis or make suggestions and reservations if you need.
Everything about the Inn will make you feel pampered, from the oversized tubs and bathrobes to the in-room DVD players and radios for a little ambiance to evening wine and cheese. They even have bikes upon request.
The hotel’s stylish Skyline Suite
Green scene?
I’d like to say all was perfect because the Inn Above Tide is, in my humble opinion, the best stay in Marin County, but I have a few issues.
Though I loved the Bvlgari bath products, I was disappointed to find individual plastic bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and lotion supplied in guest rooms. It was also a let down to witness the front desk handing out plastic bottles of water, which are also offered “complimentary” in rooms and suites. It would be so easy for hotels, this one included, to introduce refillable bath products in the showers and a filtered water station in the lobby to encourage plastic-free living. It’s time.
FYI: The tap water in the Bay Area tastes fine and is safe to drink. I do it every day and am still kickin’!
Wood burning fire places, while cozy and romantic, contribute carbon dioxide and methane to the air, two pollutants that contribute significantly to climate change.
I was happy to see the mini bar had no plastic bottles of soda. All glass and aluminum cans.
Pet Peeves?
I am a coffee drinker and not to have a coffee machine (not even a hot water kettle) in the room, was a huge pet peeve.
I wake up at 5 a.m. to work and I want a coffee, STAT! I don’t want to wait until breakfast hour or have to get dressed to open the door for room service. I don’t want to call someone if I want an afternoon zing or calming bedtime cuppa in my bathrobe. That doesn’t feel luxury to me.
Coffee drinkers will share my frustration.
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Author bio: Kimberley Lovato
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Photos courtesy of the Inn Above Tide except where noted
*Editor note: Kimberley stayed as a guest of the Inn Above Tide. Opinions are her own.
