Vacation Rentals by Owner

The Best Sausalito Experience

Guest: Ken S. (Andover, MA USA)
Date of Stay: 01/20/12 Review Submitted: 02/22/12

From the initial walk down the "gardener's dream" flower and plant lined dock, past unique houseboat, after houseboat, to the last day of our stay, this special San Francisco area stay proved to be an exceptional experience. The pictures tell it all, and the listings descriptions were spot on. There are many special features of the home, including multiple windows - that provided light and warmth, a unique birch tree branch divider, teak floors, a living room fireplace - that we used many nights, a wrap around glass enclosed dining area - that provided spectacular views, a step up, fully equipped kitchen, comfortable sleeping quarters, a relaxing jetted jacuzzi tub, and one of the best rooftop decks of all the houseboats in the marina - with stunning views, and a super comfortable double sized couch. You could not put a price on the killer views from this boat. They were 360 degrees, and included the water, boats, mountains, and the sky. This home was clean, had plentiful linens, had all the amenities like cable, wifi, and reading material, had a detailed home info packet, with local info, and tourist info, and was stocked with everything we needed to cook with. The boat's location turned out to be really great. It was just a three minute drive to the highway. San Francisco was ten minutes away. And all the attractions were a short car ride away. Shannon, Tobiko's owner, was extremely accessible, and answered all of our communications and questions, in a timely, and satisfying fashion. Additionally, she provided us with back up phone numbers of others, in case we might have had any issues, and she was not available, or accessible. We did not have any reason to use them. Our favorite locale restaurant was aptly named "Fish." The friendly, and informative front counter person added to our experience. Their menu changed by the day, each dish of food we had was fantastic, their daily changing beer was cold and tasty, and their desserts were deadly. There is a wonderful food market nearby named Mollie Stone's. It is well run, and had everything we needed. Our Sausalito Tobiko houseboat experience was great, and we would (and have already) highly recommend it to anyone, and everyone. We would definitely stay here again...

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Tobiko

Guest: Laurence (Marseille France)
Date of Stay: 10/29/11 Review Submitted: 11/07/11

Tobiko est un fabuleux houseboat situé à Sausalito. Nous y avons passé un mois en octobre, et avons adoré l'expérience. C'est une maison très confortable dotée d'une terrasse grandiose avec une vue sur toute la baie... Nous avons profité de cette terrasse ensoleillée mais également de la cheminée très agréable pendant les soirées plus fraîches. La maison est entièrement équipée et il ne manque rien pour y passer un long séjour en tout confort. Shannon, la propriétaire est très accueillante, arrangeante et fort sympathique. Les voisins, eux aussi, sont extrêmement gentils et bienveillants. Ce fût une expérience inoubliable que l'on espère renouveler. Sausalito est un charmant village très proche du Golden Gate, une voiture est nécessaire pour visiter San Francisco et ses alentours, mais le parking gratuit et très accessible situé à l'entrée du deck permet de garer sa voiture sans problème. La vie dans les houseboats est tellement agréable et hors du commun: si proche de La Ville et permettant aussi de se promener en kayak directement de la maison, pour saluer les phoques et les pélicans dans la baie. Un petit paradis!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Tobiko

Guest: Laurence (Marseille France)
Date of Stay: 10/29/11 Review Submitted: 11/07/11

Tobiko is an amazing and very charming houseboat in Sausalito. We spent one fabulous month there. It is a very cozy place, with everything you need. Shannon , the owner is so welcoming and friendly! The neighbours also are very helpful and friendly. Living in a houseboat is a great experience, we felt at home and did not want to leave! We would definitely renew the experience. Sausalito is a great place close to the golden gate, although you definitely need a car to be able to hang around and visit San Francisco and the beautiful places around. There is a very accessible and free parking lot at the entrance.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The Joy of EXPLORATION

Guest: VAN (East Coast)
Date of Stay: 07/01/11 Review Submitted: 09/24/11

I spent several weeks recently on Tobiko. The houseboat was very clean, up-to date, spacious and private. I have spent time on several houseboats in this community; I will definitely be seeking more time aboard Tobiko. Both beds are extremely comfortable and the linens were lovely! The bathroom is roomy with a jet tub. The kitchen is equipped for a gourmet chef..wonderful cookbooks were also a bonus. The view from Tobiko is amazing wherever you may be on this boat. The upstairs deck is tranquil yet the perfect setting to entertain. Fabulous restaurants and night life are within walking distance. I fell in love with the band called Fiver Brown and the Sinners, they rocked the SEAHORSE rest./bar just a hop, skip and a jump from Tobiko! As an artist, my work took on a new positive change. The light and atmosphere aboard this houseboat impart a spiritual quality. The Aspen trees next to the staircase dance with the beautiful breeze that flows from bow to stern. The possibilities found everywhere aboard the boat and in the surrounding sights and scenes are endless; allow yourself the time to enjoy exploration aboard Tobiko.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Floating Merrily Upon the Sausalito Sea...

Guest: LadyLuck (Charleston, SC)
Date of Stay: 04/22/11 Review Submitted: 04/26/11

We floated Merrily upon the Sea with "Tobiko" last month...What a Lovely Memorable Vacation. The Floating Home was Spectacular. I was told by a resident of the docks that it has the best rooftop deck of all the houseboats and it does...You feel as if you are On Top of the World...and You Are! The house is Dreamy, Fresh and Filled with Warmth. The Home brought so much to our Stay in SF/Suasalito and with out "Tobiko" our trip would have been much less. I am already planning on how soon i can come back to "Tobiko"....it is Now my "Happy Place on the Sea!"

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Great Stay on the Tobika

Guest: Mo (Florida)
Date of Stay: 11/08/10 Review Submitted: 04/26/11

I loved my stay on the Tobika! The boat had plenty of room for the four of us. The online photos that are provided accurately reflect the appearance of the house boat. It is extremely clean, very comfortable and welcoming. Great clean kitchen to entertain in. My favorite part was the gorgeous veiw from every angle; whether you were up on the roof top deck, sitting at the kitchen table or in the living room area the sights were spectacular. We look forward to our next stay on the Tobika. How I miss sitting on the daybed with a glass of wine and gazing into the fireplace. Oh, I must not forget to mention the owner - Awesome and a joy to work with!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

TOBIKO FOREVER

Guest: Rambler (Florida)
Date of Stay: 10/15/10 Review Submitted: 04/27/11

The listing is absolutely accurate, including the photos, the clean and well maintained interior and exterior of the houseboat.The view is spectacular from the rooftop couches and from the kitchen and dining area. The owner was gracious and helpful and left nothing undone. I would highly recommend Tobiko to anyone. As a matter of fact, I believe my daughter and son-in-law and their family are going aboard in July.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Lovely, Clean and Unique

Guest: Toots (Florida)
Date of Stay: 10/14/10 Review Submitted: 04/29/11

Most memorable time was had with my family on this lovely, clean, unique houseboat. The eating area, with wrap around panorama views of the bay will be remembered forever. Every morning Fluffy the Seagull, was perched on the deck railing to remind me of how perfect our now was and the preciousness of each moment on our vacation and the memories to follow. Hopefully we will rent this houseboat in the fall.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Anna (Long Island)

Guest: Anna (Huntington, NY)
Date of Stay: 09/25/10 Review Submitted: 10/18/10

We spent a wonderful week on the Tobiko. The houseboat was exactly as described, spotlessly clean with all the creature comforts of home. The kitchen was well stocked including fabulous cookbooks. My favorite spot was on the roof deck in the early evening watching the sun set. Walking along the dock to the houseboat was an adventure. Each houseboat we passed has it's own character and appeal. Fragrant potted plants, lemon trees and desert plants line the dock for all to enjoy. The next time we are in the Sausalito area we hope the Tobiko will be available.

Owner response:Thanks Anna. You're welcome back anytime!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

amazing week

Guest: travelers (weimar, germany)
Date of Stay: 04/29/10 Review Submitted: 04/23/11

I stayed at Tobiko for 6 nights with my parents and daughter and we had an amazing time. The Boat was incredible well set up, accommodating and cozy. It was a week my folks and I will never forget. Highlights were the friendly neighbors, the roof sun deck, kayaks and location, specially for all the sunsets. I'm already planning to come back soon. Shannon the owner was very friendly and respectful. It felt like we were part of the houseboat family all around us.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Steve
Date of Stay: 04/08/10 Review Submitted: 05/07/10

We had a fantastic time. There's plenty of room for our family of four and we really enjoyed the roof deck. The owner was also very accommodating and we felt taken care of. We'll be back!

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The Perfect Sanctuary

Guest: Quinn M. (Boston)
Date of Stay: 12/01/09 Review Submitted: 05/05/10

I stayed here for two weeks and it was a truly wonderful experience. We sat on the beautiful roof deck at night and watched the sunset over the the city, watched the birds fishing during the day, went kayaking to dinner and played with the seals, and came back at night and curled up next to the fireplace!! This house is so full of charm. It is a very magical, relaxing, and beautiful place! I hope my family and I can come back again soon!!!!!

Owner response:Thanks Quinn. I hope you make it back soon too. Tobiko will be waiting!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.