Why I Love These Historic National Park Hotels In The Heart Of San Francisco

A Couple Enjoys Wine On The Front Porch at Inn at the Presidio

By: SJ MORGENSEN

The Presidio is a beautiful, sprawling national park site tucked away in the heart of San Francisco and is brimming with fascinating history. From its beginnings under Spanish rule through Mexican control and the establishment of what is present-day San Francisco, to 1846, when the Presidio became a U.S. outpost, this expansive area in the heart of San Francisco has been a renowned military establishment.

Today, the Presidio welcomes guests to discover the rich history and beauty of the area.

The Presidio offers multiple upscale lodging choices, all with magnificent views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. While my stay was at the Inn at the Presidio, the properties share many of the same characteristics and you can’t go wrong with either of these premier on-site lodging options. Here are the reasons I love both of these historic national park site hotels!

The Lodge at The Presidio

Lodge at the Presidio With Views Of The Golden Gate Bridge

Close Proximity To The Golden Gate Bridge

The Lodge at the Presidio, opened in 2018 due to a high demand for more lodging on-site, is a three-story hotel that offers 42 stylish, comfortable guest rooms. Popular with business and pleasure travelers alike, the Lodge offers the closest accommodation to the Golden Gate Bridge in all of San Francisco. Offering understated luxury at its best, the Lodge oozes contemporary charm with a historical flair. Its prime location in the center of the Presidio makes it convenient to much of the action on-site. Directly in front of the building, guests can take advantage of the lush Main Post public greenspace and relax in one of the giant red chairs while taking in the view.

  1. Creative Historic Restoration
  2. Complimentary Continental Breakfast
  3. Evening Wine & Cheese Reception With A View
  4. Premier Sustainability

Inn at the Presidio

Inn at the Presidio Main Building

small inn with private location

The Inn at the Presidio is an intimate space that is a destination in itself. Offering 22 king suites in a quiet, out-of-the-way location, the Inn is the perfect getaway spot. Whether you want a quick escape from the city, a romantic weekend, a vacation with the family, or a fabulous girls trip, the Inn is your perfect home away from home. Relax in the rocking chairs on the front porch, or step outside the back door and get lost in the woods. The trails are literally steps away from the Inn. We like the short hike to Inspiration Point.

  1. Well-Appointed Suites
  2. Incredible Staff
  3. Perfect For Business Retreats
  4. LEED Gold Certified
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What is the difference between the Inn at the Presidio and the Lodge at the Presidio?

While both hotels are located within San Francisco’s Presidio National Park and share a sense of history, they offer distinctly different experiences in style and setting.

The Inn at the Presidio is an intimate retreat housed in a beautifully restored Georgian Revival building that once served as U.S. Army officers' quarters. With just 22 rooms — most of them spacious suites with fireplaces — the Inn emphasizes historic charm, quiet elegance, and a cozy, residential feel. Guests enjoy complimentary breakfast, evening wine and cheese, and a peaceful forested location.

The Lodge at the Presidio, by contrast, offers a more contemporary "basecamp" experience in the heart of the Main Post. Once Army barracks, it now features modern rooms with sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, or the surrounding parklands. Amenities include complimentary breakfast, wine and cheese receptions, outdoor seating with fire pits, and easy access to trails and nearby attractions.

In short, choose the Inn for a quiet, historic hideaway — or the Lodge for a stylish, centrally located home base for exploring the Presidio.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-out is 11am at the Lodge and 12 noon at the Inn, Check-in is 3pm at both hotels 

What are the hours for breakfast and wine & cheese reception?

Breakfast is served from 7 am - 10 am Monday - Friday, 7 am - 11 am Saturday & Sunday.

The evening wine & cheese reception is daily from 5 pm to 7 pm.

What amenities are offered?

Presidio Lodging offers a wide array of amenities and services. Learn more about our features & amenities at Inn at the Presidio and Lodge at the Presidio.

What is the cancellation policy?

Reservations cancelled within 72 hours of arrival will be charged the full amount of the first night’s stay. 

Do the hotels allow pets?

Yes, we do welcome our four legged friends for an additional $50 per pet, per stay charge. Please note we do not allow pets to be left unattended in our guest rooms, pet sitting services are available for an additional charge.

Do the hotels have events and meeting spaces?

Yes, the Inn at the Presidio has two square-foot spaces that accommodate up to 20 people each.

For more information, please visit the Inn's Meetings & Events page.

Are there restaurants nearby?

There are numerous dining options within walking distance of our hotels. Please refer to our dining page.

What is the closest airport and how do I get to the hotel from there?

Presidio Lodging hotels are approximately 16 miles away from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and 24 miles away from Oakland International Airport (OAK).

Public Transportation is available via BART , Muni , and the free Presidio GO Shuttle . From either airport, hop on BART to the Embarcadero Station . From there, walk to 50 Beale Street to catch the Presidio GO Shuttle and get off at the Presidio Transit Center , which is just a short stroll from both hotels. You may also choose to ride your preferred Muni bus line to reach the Presidio GO Shuttle or Presidio Transit Center.

For more information about getting to the Presidio or around the park, please visit here .

What are the parking options at the hotels?

The park has an abundance of self-parking available at close proximity to the hotels. Overnight parking is $13 per night and the charge can be added to your bill

Do you sell gift cards?

Yes, Presidio Lodging offers gift certificates at both the Inn at the Presidio and the Lodge at Presidio. To purchase a gift certificate, please visit our gift certificates page.

Do the hotels offer electrical vehicle charging stations?

While the hotels do not have dedicated EV charging facilities, there are numerous stations throughout the park. See this map for locations: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tNSBprR58vk7GgWR6

What is Presidio Lodging?

Presidio Lodging is the hospitality brand for Inn at the Presidio and Lodge at the Presidio, two historic boutique hotels located within the Presidio of San Francisco.