Cavallo Point Lodge — Hotel in Sausalito

I left so underwhelmed and disappointed! There's a $150 charge for dogs and finding ants on our last day just left me feeling so disappointed from the overall experience. (Our dog refused her water/treats and turns out it was because of the crawling ants) The room looked beat up and in need of tlc. On arrival there were spiderwebs and three large spiders in the bathroom, a large hornet behind the toilet (I'm guessing, it had wings, it aas big and crawled through a hole) We did appreciate the large space but other than that, it was mid. We booked as a last minute getaway for the 4th of July weekend after a very stressful time at work. We wanted to treat ourselves to what we've come to expect from dog friendly hotels with great reviews from other dog parents. Service was inconsistent; some folks went above and beyond OTHERS on the other hand made us feel less than. The point was to relax and getaway from the craziness that can be the 4th especially for dogs so I didn't have the energy to bother with names to complain about. We arrived late on Thursday night and grabbed a bite & drinks at Farley and their service was spectacular, food and wine selection excellent! It was too cold to eat outside and they let us dine inside closest to the door with our pup. We tried to make reservations online for Sula for the following evening but there was nothing available (understandable-ish, we've stayed at other establishments where tables are set aside for hotel onky guests); we then asked front desk if there was anything they could do and said we could walk to Sula and ask thus we did and the young lady said there was nothing available and said even walking in might not do much... When I stepped outside, the brunch waiter said, "you need to go inside for a table" mind you I was standing outside simply waiting for my husband to come back. He didn't realize my husband was my husband and said, "Welcome sir, how can I help you" hmmm... Again, I said nothing because I really wanted to honor the purpose of our getaway. Brunch was satisfactory and though there were better tables (with a view available) the waiter sat us in the corner (once he saw my husband was with me, idk...) His service was bordering rude and for whatever reason ordering from the pup menu annoyed him and we never got our pups meal (rice and chicken) until the very end of our meal. We enjoyed the trails, the walking around Fort Bragg, we wished we'd enjoyed the complimentary bikes/cars but oh well, maybe next time, if there is a next time. Now, dinner at Sula was spectacular! Wait, but how did we manage to get a table when I was told there was no hope! Guess who went to the hostess this time and secured a table? My husband! My husband who doesn't like to ruffle feathers was left wondering "what the heck!?!?!" Again, we just wanted to decompress in a beautiful setting so we said nothing! We had a wonderful waiter, he seated us with a great view, the drinks were great, the wine menu was varied and paired well with our meal and the meal was delicious. I wish I could remember his name because our waiter at dinner time on July 4th was so sweet and attentive and thoughtful with our anxious pup! And gave us a great recommendation as to where to catch fireworks from safe a distance without scaring our pup. As much as I wanted to leave with a great taste in my mouth, it was gut wrenching when the restaurant never filled up indoors nor outdoors (why was I given such a staunch no to availability when there was) I wish I could say that I don't know but I have a gut feeling I do know... If you've made it this far in my review, I am a fat brown Latina woman married to an Asian man. A real shame that we may never come back because the views are amazing! It is quiet and peaceful. And convenient to have a restaurant on site and the main street of Sausalito be an 8mins drive away. And there were so many other friendly dog parents to meet as well. I've been sitting with these feelings for over two weeks and thought it was time to share. Google no attachment...

Cavallo Point Lodge is a hidden gem that deserves every bit of its five-star rating. Nestled at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, this enchanting retreat offers a perfect blend of tranquility, natural beauty, and exceptional hospitality.

The location of Cavallo Point Lodge is simply breathtaking. Surrounded by the natural wonders of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the lodge offers stunning views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the rolling hills of Marin County, and the shimmering waters of the San Francisco Bay. The peaceful ambiance and proximity to nature make it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The accommodations at Cavallo Point Lodge are nothing short of luxurious. The lodge seamlessly blends historic charm with modern comforts, providing guests with a haven of relaxation and serenity. The well-appointed rooms and suites feature elegant furnishings, plush bedding, and thoughtful amenities, creating a welcoming retreat after a day of exploration.

The hospitality at Cavallo Point Lodge is exemplary. The staff members are attentive, friendly, and genuinely passionate about ensuring a memorable stay for every guest. From the warm welcome upon arrival to the personalized service throughout the stay, every interaction reflects a commitment to exceeding expectations and creating a truly unforgettable experience.

Dining at Cavallo Point Lodge is a culinary delight. The lodge's renowned restaurant, Murray Circle, showcases the best of Northern California's farm-to-table cuisine. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients and seasonal flavors, each dish is a masterpiece of culinary artistry. The cozy ambiance and attentive service enhance the dining experience, making every meal a memorable occasion.

The healing arts and wellness programs at Cavallo Point Lodge offer a holistic approach to rejuvenation and well-being. The Healing Arts Center & Spa provides a range of therapeutic treatments, from massages to yoga classes, allowing guests to relax, recharge, and find inner balance. The serene surroundings and nurturing environment contribute to a profound sense of well-being and renewal.

Cavallo Point Lodge's commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious practices is commendable. The lodge's dedication to preserving the natural beauty of the surrounding environment is evident in its green initiatives and efforts to minimize its ecological footprint. Guests can feel good knowing that their stay supports responsible and environmentally friendly practices.

The array of activities and experiences available at Cavallo Point Lodge ensures that every guest can find something to suit their interests. From guided hikes and nature walks to wine tastings and art exhibits, there is always something to discover. The lodge's concierge team is knowledgeable and eager to assist with creating personalized itineraries, allowing guests to make the most of their stay.

In conclusion, Cavallo Point Lodge is a true sanctuary that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, exceptional hospitality, and wellness-focused experiences. Whether you are seeking a romantic getaway, a rejuvenating retreat, or simply a tranquil escape, Cavallo Point Lodge provides an idyllic setting that will leave you refreshed, inspired, and...

The good:

Room was excellent. We chose a "contemporary room with bridge view." The ceilings soar, the space is perfectly designed, very clean. Lots of power outlets and everything very thoughtfully laid out.

Bathroom: beautiful modern design. shower water pressure a bit light but possibly because of drought conditions. Bath was great. Water temperature great. Theoretically if you stand in a specific spot, hikers on the trail above can see into the bathroom. Did not test it ourselves.

Storage space: Plenty of space for people like me who actually unpack our suitcases. There must have been 15 hangers in the closet! Usually I'm lucky if there are 5. Spacious drawers in main room and even in the bathroom.

Hiking - nice trails, all walkable from the hotel. Can walk along the water or in the hilly forest, usually both. We walked to Sausalito -- the walk is mostly along the road so we weren't immersed in solitude but still quite pretty and there weren't many cars out on a Saturday morning - August 2021.

Service - on the phone was always great. Knowledgeable and friendly. In person in the lobby I always felt a little unwelcome. The staff is pretty busy and doesn't seem to have time to answer questions in detail. One idea would be to have a separate place for the snacks and wine so that the desk staff can focus on checking in and helping guests.

Restaurant service - great. Professional and friendly. Did not feel unwelcome at all. Also there was a mixup one night and we had to wait for our table. The staff was incredibly apologetic and thoughtful and even gave us free salads.

Restaurant food - uneven. Really enjoyed the Eggs Benedict with excellent ham. Avocado toast was great too. Swordfish with crab ravioli just had too many incompatible flavors. Desserts were fantastic.

The not so good:

Web / email service. Maybe because of COVID staff shortages, they aren't focusing on their internet presence. My email requesting a change to the reservation was never answered. There are some pretty bad reviews from others here in Google Maps and they should have someone responding to them. (Some reviews seem like they're for a different hotel -- would be easy to address.) The website indicates that guided hikes cost over $100. I didn't take one so I can't promise they were free, but they were advertised in the lobby with no price showing. And worst of all they have created some digital concierge app that they texted me about. The app has very little information and its chat function always said there was nobody available.

Restaurant reservations - if OpenTable says there are no tables, try asking the maitre-d' in person. That worked for us (we had reserved both dinners in advance but didn't think to reserve breakfast until we arrived).

Restaurant music -- for all the effort I had to put into getting reservations in advance and particularly with the gorgeous decor and elegant service, I don't understand why they play popular music. Classical or jazz would have been so much...