Hotel Refuges: Cavallo Point, The Lodge at the Golden Gate

From a visitor's point of view, one of the best things to happen in southern Marin County this year was the completed renovation at old Fort Baker. The result will make you glad no one got in a hurry trying to figure out what to do with the old fort after it closed in 1985.

Cavallo Point, The Lodge at the Golden Gate surrounds the old parade grounds, with some rooms and the public areas occupying renovated historic buildings. Surrounding those and so nicely integrated into the environment that you may not even notice them at first are more rooms, designed to take advantage of unparalleled views of the Golden Gate Bridge and with full attention to preserving the environment.

Besides the hotel, they've just opened one of the nicest spas we've seen, housed in an open, airy building and offering a signature massage that's beyond relaxing.

Read Our Reviews of the hotel and spa.