The hills are alive with the sound of machinery. Sausalito’s Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa (scroll down for a video tour) spent much of 2013 and millions on retrofitting, remodeling and enriching the historic mansion nestled above the boutique property. Known simply as The Mansion, it was built in 1885 as a businessman’s private residence, it operated as a bed & breakfast from the ‘20s to ‘40s, temporary military lodging during World War II, celebrity favorite in the ‘60s and ‘70s and, when it wasn’t ravaged by mudslides or allowed to fall into disrepair, as a hotel well into the 2000s. The renovation of the nationally-listed landmark, 11 guest rooms, the 1,700 square foot Junto Event Space and surrounding landscapes returns Madrona to its glory-days greatness (Actually, more like its personal best!) by combining Victorian charm, original elements like crown moldings and a grand staircase, clean contemporary design inspired by the city’s nautical culture, natural beauty and thriving art scene, cutting-edge technology, green details like a living roof and recycled glass shelving and locally sourced amenities by EO Bath.
The piece de la resistance is the natural light-heavy 3,500-square-foot Alexandrite Suite, which contains everything a couple needs for their big day and night — gym, lockable separate room for bodyguards or babies, chef’s kitchen, 2.5 bathrooms, panic room, dining room for 10, office, speaker system, 9-panel media wall for slide shows or videos and photogenic panoramas of the marina, Angel Island and some of San Francisco’s famous skyline. The bi-level 1,500-square-foot patio includes an outdoor bar, barbeque, fire pit, lounge area and seating for 20, making it perfect for a small dinner event or a standing cocktail soiree. A secret stairwell connects the suite to the other 9 rooms in the estate including the one made famous by Pink Floyd on their first U.S. promotional trip. Rock fans can recreate their famous William Baron photo shoot on the same fire escape.
When guests book the Mansion or the 5,000 square-foot Alexandrite Suite (see gorgeous images below) within it, personalized service to meet even the most over-the-top guest requests is built into the price tag. Services include items like private yacht access, seaplane jaunts to Wine Country, learn to sailing retreats, tailored yoga retreats and beyond. Also, ideal for executive retreats, family reunions, girlfriend getaways, celebrity escapes, intimate weddings and extravagant honeymoons. Junto can accommodate up to 125 guests when the floor-to-ceiling glass doors are slid open.
