A place to stay in the Presidio

Nearly all of the country’s 58 national parks have their own inn or hotel where visitors can lay up overnight. Now, San Francisco’s Presidio is getting its very own fancy digs for guests to stay in.

Opening a hotel in the Presidio has been almost twenty years in the making. Since 1996, when Congress created the Presidio Trust, several different organizations had set out plans for creating lodging in the park. Each plan fell through, until now.

The chosen venue for the new inn is somewhat surprising, though. The Inn at the Presidio will be located in Pershing Hall, a formerly dilapidated building that seemed more appropriate for the setting of a Stephen King novel than a posh inn. Red Rum anyone?

Built in 1903, Pershing Hall originally housed upscale bachelor officers’ quarters and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Taking into account its previous derelict state, Waterford Hotels and Inns The Presidio Trust decided to take on the dirty work of cleaning the building up.

In keeping with the nearby historic military barracks that have been transformed into offices but otherwise left untouched, the Inn at the Presidio was renovated as a LEED-certified project. This guaranteed that the once-decrepit building was rebuilt in an environmentally responsible way and is a healthy place to live and work.

The renovated interior marries modern and historical design with Presidio memorabilia, furniture reproductions, and contemporary regional art featuring the park’s experience. A long exterior balcony connects all of the rooms and a deck was built in the back to accommodate outdoor seating and a fire pit.

Over the years the Presidio has become a destination point for visitors with several different attractions including dozens of hiking trails, the Disney Family Museum, and historical buildings. Plus there are free shuttles around the park and to the nearby Marina where folks can find plenty of restaurants and shops.

The 22-room boutique inn officially opens April 1, but you can already make reservations for dates in March on their website. The inn offers all the bells and whistles a park visitor could wish for including daily continental breakfast and wine and cheese reception. Room rates range from $195 to $350 with third-floor views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Terry Haney, the inn’s general manager, told the Marina Times:

“There’s an excitement in the air, a rush of adrenalin knowing you’re about to embark on a totally new adventure … this project is much more special because it’s not about building something new, or even remodeling. It’s about re-purposing a historic site.”