Inn at the Presidio

This appealing inn lies in the heart of the Presidio, with its miles of hiking trails, yet is minutes from nearby shops and restaurants.

• The unbeatable and unique location in the Presidio
• Corner rooms with windows on three walls
• The lively afternoon scene on the outdoor patio

The army turned over the Presidio, a large forested expanse on the northern tip of San Francisco, to the National Park Service in 1994. Soon its military airstrip became a national park (see Crissy Field), elegant former officer’s houses became highly coveted family homes, and companies like Lucasfilm and Disney moved into this desirable location, with its wooded hiking trails and bay views.

Seemingly the only thing the Presidio still needed was a hotel. Now the Presidio Trust, which manages the area, has converted a former BOQ – that stands for “Bachelor Officers’ Quarters,” one-bedroom apartments for ranking military men who don’t need to house a family – into a prestigious boutique hotel. The original BOQ’s 22 units, nearly all of them suites, became a hotel in 2012. In 2013, the Inn added another 4 guestrooms with the acquisition of a nearby officer’s house.

The Inn at the Presidio has done a remarkable job of preserving the look of an earlier era, but with an artistic sensibility. The red brick 1903 building retains its Georgian-Revival style, with white columns on its front porch and verandas. Inside, moldings and other details have been kept, while bathrooms have been expertly updated. Subtly masculine touches remind you of the previous residents, but playful artwork and a few bold design statements give the Inn a lighter feel.

The airy breakfast room serves up a tempting European-style breakfast. Just outside the breakfast room is a back patio, protected from ocean winds and framed by stately eucalyptus trees, with a roaring fire that’s packed every afternoon. Just down the street is the Presidio YMCA, a top fitness and aquatic facility, which guests can use for free – unless they prefer to ride on one of the Inn’s bicycles or hike the trail that starts behind the patio. Discounts are also available to the Presidio Golf Course.

There’s no room service, but the Inn recommends two nearby restaurants, including the Presidio Social Club, and uses the GrubHub delivery service for those who prefer to stay in and contemplate the view. (Best views are from the third floor, although that floor does not have a veranda). There’s parking at the Inn, and the PresidiGo shuttle bus and car services are also options.