The Lodge at Tiburon  

On the edge of San Francisco Bay in the heart of Tiburon, a short walk to the Tiburon Ferry and Main Street. Roughly 12.4 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge and close to Muir Woods and Mount Tamalpais, this hotel is a handy base for bay sightseeing and short escapes to Napa/Sonoma. Pet-friendly and family-friendly, with easy ferry links into San Francisco.

The Lodge at Tiburon keeps things warm and simple with 104 air-conditioned rooms that feel modern-meets-cozy. Rooms include refrigerators, iPod docks/DVD players, flat-screen TVs, down comforters and Egyptian cotton sheets, plus private bathrooms stocked with designer toiletries. Expect a terrace and outdoor heated pool, a relaxed bar patio vibe and rooms that work for couples, families or getaway crews.

Soak in a spa tub or the seasonal outdoor/heated pool, hit the fitness center, or picnic on the grounds. Concierge and wedding services are on offer, plus complimentary wired and wireless internet and free parking. Wake up to bay-breeze mornings and easy access to ferries for scenic runs around the bay.

Four meeting rooms and a 24-hour business center make this a solid pick for small events and corporate stays. Additional conveniences include limo/town car service, dry cleaning/laundry and reliable complimentary internet for working on the go.

Tiburon Tavern serves American cuisine from a cozy bar/lounge and outdoor patio. Room service is available during limited hours, and full breakfasts are offered for a fee on weekdays (8:30–11:00 AM) and weekends (8:30 AM–1:00 PM).