STEFAN MÜHLE, GENERAL MANAGER, THE CASA MADRONA HOTEL & SPA
REGION: Sausalito, CA

A note from the Publisher: When traveling throughout California Wine Country, I must tell you that I don't exclusively scout "destination" wineries for The California Directory of Fine Wineries. I also explore and recommend local hotels and resorts—clean and comfortable places at which I would stay myself.

My mission is quite simply to help do the legwork for visitors looking for extraordinary accommodations and memorable tasting rooms. This week's guest blogger is the historic Casa Madrona Hotel in Marin County, USA. This beautiful property, with spectacular views of the San Francisco skyline, has always proved itself to be exceptional. It's location is ideal for many who wish to split their time between exploring downtown Sausalito, the city of San Francisco, and the renowned wine regions just to the north: Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino counties.

When I heard the exciting news of the hotel's dramatic renovation, I invited General Manager Stefan Mühle to share the details with followers of our wine country blog. Thank you Stefan for describing to us what is to come this winter.

—Tom Silberkleit, Publisher
The California Directory of Fine Wineres

Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa Debuts New Mansion,
Hillside Cottages and Event Space For Winter 2013

Sausalito, CA—Nestled hillside in Northern California's beautiful Sausalito, Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa is announcing the renovation of its historic mansion, upper hillside cottages, and meeting and event space set to debut this winter.

Exemplifying innovation, technology, luxury, service and style, the unveiling will showcase a number of notable highlights including the complete renovation of its historic mansion built in 1885, the restructuring and redesign of the Mansion's 11 rooms including the new, standout 5,000-square-foot Alexandrite Suite and the 1,700 square-foot Junto meeting and event space, plus the renovation of its seven upper hillside cottages.

Built in 1885 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the former mansion was originally designed as a private residence for William Barrett, Secretary-Treasurer for the San Francisco Gas and Electric Company. The Mansion and its new offerings are currently being updated and perfected by a world-renowned design team, and will be seamlessly paired with leading, cutting-edge technology, the finest amenities, and brilliant views of the Richardson Bay and the San Francisco skyline.

The Mansion & Alexandrite Suite

The Alexandrite Suite includes 3,500 square feet of indoor living space, and 1,500 square feet of outdoor entertaining and relaxation areas all wired with the latest technology.The space is designed to create a strong connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces with an open kitchen and dining room area that connects with an expansive outdoor patio. The gourmet kitchen is fit for a chef with exquisite appliances including a top-of-the-line range, convection oven and cappuccino machine. Ideal for entertaining, the dining room is set against a sparkling backdrop of panoramic bay views.

The Alexandrite Suite includes a master bedroom, a guest suite, and 2.5 bathrooms, plus a private office and personal fitness center. A secret door, leading to the second floor of the Mansion, has been designed to appear as a cabinet in the fitness center but is only noticeable and accessible by those staying in this suite. As a result, the two-bedroom suite can be transformed into an 11-room mansion, perfect for corporate retreats, destination weddings, and multi-generational family getaways.

Junto Event Space

Named Junto after Benjamin Franklin's diverse cooperative for mutual improvement, Casa Madrona's new event space is designed to foster innovation, inspiration and collective efforts towards positive outcomes. The 1,700-square-foot boardroom and event space will showcase panoramic views of the bay and features advanced Samsung, Apple, and Control4 technology systems and equipment, including the striking 9-panel media wall, and multi-point video conferencing capabilities.

Upper Hillside Cottages

Located on a pathway near the Mansion are seven upper hillside cottages that have been redesigned with new interiors featuring king beds, spacious rooms, hardwood floors and some with full kitchens and spectacular bay and city views. Similar to the Mansion guestrooms, the decor and color palettes will feature a hybrid of authentic historic touches paired with a clean and contemporary design.

The Mansion at Casa Madrona, Junto event space and the upper hillside cottages will be complete in winter 2013. For more information, please call 415.332.0502 or visit www.casamadrona.com.