Waters Edge Hotel

Waters Edge Hotel, San Francisco Bay Area: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property

The Waters Edge Hotel, nestled on the picturesque waterfront of Tiburon in the San Francisco Bay Area, stands out as a "Michelin Key Selected" property, signifying a "very special stay". Guests consistently praise its charming New England-inspired ambiance, stunning bay views, and exceptional service, making it a highly-rated destination for both leisure and romantic getaways.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Waters Edge Hotel is overwhelmingly positive, with an "Exceptional" or "Wonderful" rating across various platforms. Michelin Guide guests have given it high scores, including 18.7 out of 20 for overall experience, 18.5 for rooms, 18.7 for services, 19.3 for cleanliness, and 18.6 for public spaces, reflecting a high level of guest satisfaction. The hotel is described as a "magical place" and an "urbane retreat."

Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several standout features:

• Location & Views: The hotel's prime waterfront location in downtown Tiburon offers breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline, Angel Island, and the yacht clubs. The second-floor deck with outdoor fireplaces is a particular favorite for enjoying the scenery day and night.
• Exceptional Service: The staff is frequently highlighted as incredibly friendly, helpful, welcoming, and attentive, often going above and beyond to ensure a delightful stay.
• Complimentary Amenities: Guests appreciate the complimentary continental breakfast delivered to their room each morning and the evening wine reception, which often includes cheese. The hotel also offers complimentary coffee/tea service and bicycle rentals.
• Cozy Design & Comfort: The hotel's design evokes a New England charm with muted creams and unfinished woods, providing a comfortable and quiet atmosphere. Fireplaces in every room add to the cozy ambiance.

Room Quality

The 23 guestrooms and suites at Waters Edge Hotel are described as luxurious, comfortable, cozy, and clean. They feature plush beds with goose down duvets and feather beds, chaises, and hand-knitted throws to ward off the chill bayfront air. A notable luxury is the inclusion of a full-size tub in every bathroom, along with spa robes and complimentary toiletries. All rooms also come with a fireplace, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and often an iPod docking station or CD player. Many rooms boast private balconies or bay windows offering full views of the San Francisco Bay.

Dining Experience

While the Waters Edge Hotel does not feature a full-service restaurant on-site, it excels in providing a delightful complimentary breakfast experience. A continental breakfast with many choices is delivered to guests' rooms each morning at a specified time, and its quality and promptness are consistently praised. The hotel also hosts a cherished complimentary evening wine and cheese reception from 5 to 7 PM in the lobby or on the waterfront terrace, allowing guests to socialize and unwind. Fresh coffee/tea and newspapers are also available in the welcoming lobby throughout the day. Furthermore, the hotel's location places guests within steps of numerous highly-rated dining establishments in Tiburon.

Service & Staff

The service at Waters Edge Hotel receives outstanding accolades. Guests consistently describe the staff as "unbelievably kind and helpful," "friendly," "welcoming," and "attentive". Many reviews highlight individual staff members for their exceptional politeness, hard work, and accurate recommendations for local restaurants and activities. The personalized touches, such as calling guests in advance to inquire about pillow preferences (feather or firm), contribute to a memorable and delightful stay.

Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts an "exceptional" location in downtown Tiburon, directly on the San Francisco Bay waterfront. This provides unparalleled access to stunning views of the San Francisco skyline, Angel Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Its position is ideal for exploring the charming community of Tiburon, with shops, restaurants, and the Ark Row Shopping Center just steps away. A significant advantage for travelers is its proximity to the Tiburon Ferry, which offers quick and convenient transportation to San Francisco and Angel Island in mere minutes. For those arriving by air, the hotel is approximately 18 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and 17.31 miles from Oakland International Airport (OAK). Complimentary bicycle rentals are also available for exploring the local area, including nearby hiking/biking trails and nature preserves.

Value & Pricing

The Waters Edge Hotel is generally considered to offer excellent value, especially given its luxurious amenities, prime location, and inclusive services. Rates start from USD 189, with standard rooms typically ranging from $206 - $229 (USD). A significant aspect of its value proposition is the absence of resort fees, with many amenities, including breakfast and the evening wine reception, being complimentary.

Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor points of criticism have been noted:

• Noise: One guest mentioned some noise near the elevator and outside service area, though they still rated their stay highly.
• Hot Water for Tea: A guest expressed a wish that hot water for tea didn't run out so early in the evening on the second floor.
• Parking: The hotel does not have a private parking lot directly adjacent to the entrance, which is a characteristic of downtown Tiburon. However, public parking is available a short distance away (with a surcharge), and the hotel gladly provides a rolling cart for luggage transport.

Sources

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