Inn at the Presidio

“I can’t believe we’re in San Francisco right now,” I said to my traveling companion during a recent stay at the Inn at the Presidio. Indeed, the defining feature of time spent at this charmingly nostalgic hotel is feeling like you’ve been teleported to a historic outpost deep in the forest. That wouldn't be too notable except for the fact that you’re also a 15-minute car ride from the Transamerica Pyramid. The juxtaposition creates an interesting phenomenon where you can both catch glimpses of the Golden Gate Bridge and feel like a bugle might summon you to a flag raising at any moment.

The Inn is located inside the beautiful Presidio of San Francisco, a sprawling, 1,500-acre parcel of land that was once a US Army post and now operates as a National Park site. The building itself was the former Officers’ Quarters and dates back to 1903. I found the Inn to be a fun home base to take advantage of all the Presidio has to offer from biking and hiking to dining, golfing and more. It's a nature lover's getaway in a city lover's location.

What are the rooms like at the Inn at the Presidio?

There are 22 rooms spread out across three stories of the Georgian Revival-style brick building with artwork that nods to the Presidio’s past alongside more contemporary furnishings. We stayed in a Classic King Suite which had a bedroom as well as a separate living room with a couch, desk, mini bar, bookshelves and (thrillingly) a fireplace. Spending a cool evening in the suite with the fireplace going while looking out on the surrounding trees was the perfect end for an active day. While the rooms do show the normal wear of an historic building, the lived-in quality adds to the feel of a luxe camp getaway. The plush robes were also a plus.

What are the restaurants and bars like near the Inn at the Presidio?

A stay at the Inn includes a complimentary continental breakfast. The offerings are basic but I was able to put together a satisfying little meal together every morning with the croissants, cold cuts, cheese, hardboiled eggs and fresh fruit at the buffet. (The pastries are a standout.) There is also a daily wine and cheese reception which can be nice to hit up before spending some time in the rocking chairs on the front porch. There are two great restaurants within walking distance: Calibri Mexican Bistro, where you can enjoy fresh Mexican in a lovely outdoor courtyard, and Dalida Restaurant with some unique takes on Mediterranean dishes. Also within walking distance is a collection of food trucks for a quick bite on the go.

What is the area like around the Inn at the Presidio?

There is a ton to do inside the Presidio and, helpfully, the Inn provides free bike rentals to help guests explore the area. We took out a pair of bikes for the day and visited the Palace of the Fine Arts, Presidio Visitors Center and Fort Point National Historic Site in a single morning. The views throughout the park are stunning with cinematic vistas of the San Francisco Bay and dramatic overlooks of the Golden Gate Bridge. On our second day, we visited the Walt Disney Family Museum (Pro tip: There’s a free public exhibition in the lobby if you don’t feel like paying the full admission price) and the can't-miss Presidio Tunnel Tops, a modern park with undulating hills constructed over a set of highway tunnels. If you’re looking to head into San Francisco’s (surreally close) urban core, the free PresidiGo Shuttle connects the park directly with downtown.

DETAILS

Address: 42 Moraga Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94129
Price per Night: Prices start at $350 per night.
Closest Transport Link: Richardson Ave & Francisco St.
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