by Rona W. Gilbert

If you can tear yourself away from the spectacular views, cozy rooms and luxury amenities, this boutique hotel located directly on the San Francisco Bay is the perfect base for exploring all the area has to offer.

I surveyed the surroundings from my balcony – clear blue sky, shimmering blue water and homes built precariously into the hillside – and I had to remind myself that I was in California, not the Mediterranean.

Ideally located just across the Golden Gate Bridge, a few miles fromSan Francisco, the small waterfront town of Sausalito has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a rancho in1838. Now home to an eclectic population of almost 7,500 people ranging from bohemian artists to well-to-do business tycoons, Sausalito has a distinct Mediterranean style and charm, surrounded with picturesque views at every turn.

For a truly unique vantage point in Sausalito, nothing comes close to the Inn Above Tide. Tucked away, yet in the heart of the village, the Inn Above Tide sits perched over the San Francisco Bay like a cruise ship in port. An elegant combination of a luxury inn and a seaside retreat, it is a sophisticated, yet comfortable, 29-room boutique inn with bragging rights as the only Bay area hotel located directly on the water. Every room looks out over the San Francisco Bay and comes with stunning panoramic views of Angel Island, San Francisco and Alcatraz.

The comfortable rooms feature luxury linens and a subtly nautical décor of bright but soothing colors of cream, pale yellow and light blue. Our queen deluxe room was small, but amply appointed with a fluffy bed and two overstuffed chairs facing a gas fireplace. Inside the armoire we found a CD player, cozy robes, wine glasses and a wine bottle opener. Our large bathroom was equipped with spa quality toiletries and an oversized whirlpool tub big enough for two. Complimentary binoculars thoughtfully placed in the room were the perfect accompaniment to the jaw-dropping view.

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