Visit a National Park this Summer—at San Francisco’s Golden Gate!

San Francisco’s Presidio is a perfect summer vacation equation. The national park offers free public programs and events, a public golf course, the world-class Inn at the Presidio as well as the new Lodge at the Presidio and the Presidio Officers’ Club, San Francisco’s most historic building. A wide range of recreation, wellness, and dining options are also provided by the Presidio’s more than 200 tenants. Recognized as a top destination by National Geographic Traveler’s magazine, the Presidio is uniquely managed by the Presidio Trust, a federal agency created in 1998 to save the Presidio and transform it into this one-of-a-kind national park.

Exciting New Lodge at the Presidio

The Lodge at the Presidio opened its doors on June 28, making the renovated historic hotel the closest lodging in San Francisco to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.  The Lodge boasts unparalleled views of the bridge, the Presidio’s lush 300-acre forest, the San Francisco Bay and the city skyline. Located in the heart of the national park, yet close to downtown San Francisco, the Lodge is the ideal getaway for active travelers seeking a home base both for natural and urban adventures. It stands as the sister property to the award-winning Inn at the Presidio, which opened in 2012.

The newest transformation from army post to visitor destination, the three-story hotel, 42-room hotel occupies one of the five former barracks built in the late 1890s. Historic elements and the original character of the building were preserved, showcasing its past as an enlisted men’s barracks. A master carpenter was brought on to restore the two grand staircases to their initial state, one of which was discovered behind enclosed walls. The third floor, which initially functioned as a storage space, features exposed brick and an original stenciled wall sign stating “Maximum Occupancy Five Men.”

The large lobby is divided into four seating areas for socializing, eating or working. A ghost pattern of the walls of the former company office and arms storage room was created in darker wooden inlay on the floor to indicate the original floor plan. Most rooms are located on the first and second floors, the former locations of the company offices, mess hall, barracks, day rooms, and the residential quarters for the tailor, barber, and cooks.

A comfortable contemporary design reflects the history of the building with modest profiles and classic tones of blue, grey, black, white, and pops of red. Furniture and fabrics reflect American history with the use of materials such as leather, rich woods, antique brass, and iron. Tent-inspired canvas headboards communicate a modern reference to the military past. The bed bench is representative of a military cot with woven leather and metal legs, while ottomans are covered in canvas and denim strapping to resemble army duffel bags. The crisply designed bathrooms are outfitted in black and white tile with marble vanities.

Relaxation and Park Exploration

Outdoor areas of the Lodge include a relaxing front porch with rocking chairs overlooking the activity of the Main Post. A large courtyard behind the hotel is an ideal lounging area to take in the dramatic views of the Golden Gate Bridge while gathering around the fire pit. Additional guest amenities include complimentary breakfast, an evening wine and cheese reception, free wifi, complimentary usage of bikes for exploring the area and more.

The Lodge’s central location on the seven-acre Main Post public greens is the perfect jumping off point for exploration of the Presidio’s cultural and recreational activities. Guests can enjoy the new Presidio Visitor Center, 25 miles of hiking and 25 miles of biking trails, beaches like Crissy Field, the 18-hole Presidio Golf Course, the Walt Disney Family Museum, renowned restaurants, and so much more. A year- round calendar full of free public events includes concerts, cultural performances and the popular Presidio Picnic.

 

 

Photos courtesy of The Presidio/TravMedia