hotel with spa in San Rafael, CA

1. Courtyard by Marriott Novato Marin/Sonoma (3-star hotel)

About this hotel

This modern hotel is 5 miles from Stonetree Golf Club and 9.3 miles from Stafford Lake Park.Contemporary rooms offer free WiFi, desks with ergonomic chairs, flat-screen TVs with premium cable channels, minifridges and coffeemakers. Suites add separate living areas and microwaves.Social spaces include a living room-style lobby. The American restaurant serves breakfast and dinner as well as all-day drinks, including Starbucks coffee. There’s also a business center with workstations and printers, and 2 meeting rooms. Other amenities include a seasonal outdoor heated pool, a whirlpool and an exercise room, plus free on-site parking.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the clean rooms
  • 4 min drive to the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Some guests complained about the bathrooms
  • 12 min walk to nearest train station
  • Guests praised the friendly service
  • The fitness center has weight machines and free weights

Feedback From Real Customers

Jim McIlvaine

This property is unsafe and that is the only reason for the low rating It is modern, rooms are clean, beds are comfortable, TV station options are limited, Internet speed is decent, but the property is not safe and I will not stay there again I certainly would not want my wife or daughter to stay there alone

The first night there, I was waken by a woman’s screams from the parking lot When I looked out the window, there were three police cars in the parking lot with lights flashing and a homeless woman screaming at the officersApparently, she came onto the property and started smashing out windows of multiple vehicles She told law enforcement she was “looking for her dog” She obviously had other issues In talking with other guests, they were told this was not the first such issue the hotel had They had a security guard on the property, but with multiple windows smashed, security was clearly inadequate

Drew Honson

Seconding the reviews of others, this area is unsafe There’s nothing wrong with the hotel itself, rooms are clean and staff seems kind and attentive During my stay I noticed a couple in the stairwell as I was leaving

My door had failed to latch in the past so when I hit the bottom of the stairs I decided to go double check it By the time I was back up the couple was in my room Once I unlocked the door they pushed past me and bolted from the building, but I was pretty shaken I told the front desk and they immediately did a sweep of the place, but I would not recommend anyone stay here

Lucas Reyes

Had the worst experience here Came for a 3 night stay before a wedding and didn’t even make it too the ceremony after a horrible customer service interaction The only plus to this hotel is that it is right next to McDonald’s and a Safeway

$1300 for avacado toast at their “Bistro” and Novato is far from LA for prices like that

2. Pelican Inn

  • Address: 10 Pacific Way, Muir Beach, CA 94965
  • Phone: (415) 383-6000
  • Ratings: 4.4 (1029 reviews) Very good
  • Website : Pelican Inn
  • Check-in time: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out time: 12:00 PM
  • Quick Summary: Warm rooms in an inn with old-English style, plus a pub offering British fare & free breakfast.

About this hotel

Across the street from the Dias Ridge section of the California Coastal Trail, this quaint inn with classic English style is 0.6 miles from Muir Beach and 2.7 miles from Muir Woods National Monument.The 7 cozy guestrooms feature antique furniture, canopied half-tester beds and free Wi-Fi. They do not include phones or TVs.Complimentary amenities include parking and full English breakfast. The inn’s Tudor-style pub offers classic British fare.

Things You Need to Know

  • 7 min drive to Muir Woods National Monument
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a restaurant
  • Guests mentioned beaches 37 times
  • Guests mentioned “picnics” 11 times
  • Guests liked the breakfast
  • Guests praised the nightlife
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a bar

Feedback From Real Customers

Adam Jost

Stayed at the inn and ate dinner and breakfast there Pros are the environment is exactly as disheveled as you’d want an English beach pub to be The ambiance is great

Food and drink selection are great too Being so close to the beach and getting a private parking spot if you stay the night is really nice Room was nice and getting a special hangout with the other room hotel guests was very funCons are they need more employees I’d guess but the servers that are there are great The location drives up the prices And we did not get the full English breakfast that was advertised

Patricia Kittredge

Absolutely love this Inn, it is so authentic, I feel that I went all the way to England However, I wish it was better managed Staff is friendly and trying their best but so many little things are not right: garbage on the lawn that needs to be picked up (incl

cigarette buds, they mention Complimentary Tcho chocolate and Spring water in the room nowhere to be found, fluorescent lights in shower and hallway, leaky faucet in bathroom and more…) For over $300 a night, these little details should be taken care of Still love the authenticity and the original story

Noah Swanson

Such a cute little pub with really great outdoor areas perfect for a sunny day We had the beef Wellington and I will dream about it, it was so delicious Great drinks although I would stick to the beer and wine

The cocktails were just ok On top of all of that the staff was friendly and knew what they were doing This will be a spot for us to come to again and again

3. Marin Lodge (3-star hotel)

  • Address: 1735 Lincoln Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901
  • Phone: (415) 578-2827
  • Ratings: 4.6 (241 reviews) Excellent
  • Website : Marin Lodge
  • Check-in time: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out time: 11:00 AM
  • Quick Summary: Understated rooms with microwaves & minifridges in a motor lodge offering free Wi-Fi.

About this hotel

Less than a mile from Highway 101, this unassuming motor lodge fronted by palm trees is 14 miles from the Muir Woods National Monument and the Sonoma Raceway, and a mile from Marin County Civic Center.Accessed by exterior corridors, the understated rooms feature free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, along with coffeemakers, minifridges and microwaves.Parking is complimentary.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the clean rooms and the beds
  • Guests praised the bathrooms
  • 4 min drive to the Mission San Rafael Arcángel
  • Guests praised the friendly service
  • Guests mentioned “pastries” 12 times
  • Guests praised the breakfast
  • Guests praised the bar

Feedback From Real Customers

Cecilia Teixeira

Very clean and exceptional service The towels were brand new and if good quality The room has everything you need

It’s a simple place and it’s an excellent choice for those who want to be close to attractions and don’t want to deal with parking problems and inflated rates in the downtown area of San FranciscoI highly recommend this place!I feel sorry that I left without leaving a tip When I noticed I was already too far to return there I will do it in the next time

REV

Rooms were clean, beds comfy, the young man working the desk was very friendly and kind but the older gentleman was rude, threatened to tow our cars because we had more than one, we traveled hours from Nevada to stay here I paid for 2 adults we met up at the lodge in our own cars just to be met with a rude guy threatening to tow our cars because we had more than one Worst part there were open spaces all night so our second car wouldn’t have inconvenience anyone instead we had to park our car at a nearby hotel our friend was staying at This older man really shouldn’t be working in a customer service environment

All Options

Marin Lodge

4. The Lodge at Tiburon (3-star hotel)

  • Address: 1651 Tiburon Blvd, Tiburon, CA 94920
  • Phone: (800) 762-7770
  • Ratings: 4.1 (624 reviews) Very good
  • Website : The Lodge at Tiburon
  • Check-in time: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out time: 12:00 PM
  • Quick Summary: Craftsman-style hotel offering refined rooms, free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool & a chic tavern.

About this hotel

Set on 3 acres in the sailing village of Tiburon, this upscale, Craftsman-style hotel is 8 miles from Sausalito and 16 miles from San Francisco.The refined rooms and suites come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, iPod docks and workstations with ergonomic chairs. Most have patios/balconies with bay or mountain views. Suites add living rooms with pull-out sofas and kitchenettes. Room service is available for a fee.There’s a business center, a fitness center and a DVD loaner library, plus free parking. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, a patio with fire pit, and a tavern with a chic vibe.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests mentioned the rooms are large
  • 16 min drive to Golden Gate Bridge
  • Guests liked that this hotel is near shopping
  • One of the few hotels in the area with room service
  • Guests mentioned the service is friendly
  • Guests liked “Patio”, mentioned 10 times in reviews
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a pool
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a bar

Feedback From Real Customers

Allen Ng

Good location, clean, quick and easy check in/out I can see that this would be a nice spot for company retreat or off-site meetings Shower water pressure is one of the worst I’ve experienced – no pressure at all, reminds me of some of the cheap hotels in 3rd world countries

House keeping needs to be requested, which is understandable given current situation but they didn’t provide bottle water

Super Girl

I love everything about the Tiburon lodge and while the rooms are not cheap every single stay has been absolutely wonderful It has a beautiful seaside feel to it with low pile indoor outdoor carpeting, outdoor pool hot tub and super comfy beds and they pet friendly!! Over the years they have welcomed both of my big dogs to come stay with me The Tiburon tavern has such amazing food and sometimes live music and a neat outdoor diningarea

For me coming from a rural area Tiburon itself is an oasis of peaceful calm in the middle of the crazy busy congested Bay area, and that alone is worth the price of admission One time we were there over Christmas and they had a very soulful hometown kind of sing-along caroling tree lighting event downtown that was cool Now you may like to always pick something different to do but Im the sort of person that likes doing what is familiar and only feel happy if I get to stay at the Tiburon Lodge whenever I travel to the San Francisco Bay area and I recommend all my friends stay there too I have so many great memories there over the years and if you have time you can go walk along the bay or go visit The hippy swinging tree on the top of Tiburon, we’ve also hopped on the ferry right there and gone over to Angel Island for a day it’s a great hub point for different activities

5. Waters Edge Hotel (3-star hotel)

  • Address: 25 Main St, Tiburon, CA 94920
  • Phone: (415) 789-5999
  • Ratings: 4.8 (127 reviews) Excellent
  • Website : Waters Edge Hotel
  • Check-in time: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out time: 12:00 PM
  • Quick Summary: Boutique hotel offering chic rooms & suites with fireplaces & bay views, plus free in-room breakfast.

About this hotel

At the side of a harbor dock, this upscale boutique hotel is a 2-minute walk from the town’s shops and galleries and is served by a ferry that runs to San Francisco’s financial and shopping districts, and Fisherman’s Wharf.Chic modern rooms and suites decorated in earth tones have pillow-top mattresses, fireplaces, free WiFi, iPod docks and flat-screen TVs. Suites offer views of Angel Island and the city skyline.Complimentary continental breakfast is served in-room and there’s an evening wine and cheese reception. Amenities include a waterfront deck and meeting space.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the rooms
  • 17 min drive to Golden Gate Bridge
  • Guests praised the service
  • Guests mentioned “wine” 23 times
  • Guests mentioned “a bay” 11 times
  • Guests praised the breakfast
  • Guests praised the views
  • Guests praised the bar

Feedback From Real Customers

Robert Heider

Wow! This is a really great hotel Small property with spacious beautiful and clean rooms The bed was maybe the most comfortable bed my wife and I have ever had the pleasure to sleep upon

The level of hospitality is very high here and so is the attention to detail The welcoming goody bag, with excellent wine and snacks and the morning breakfast are excellent amenities We stayed in a View King room which had a small balcony with unobstructed views of the San Francisco skyline and bay (picture is from our private balcony) Really no worries with booking this hotel, we will be repeat guests next time we choose to visit the Bay Area

Eddie Melvin

I wasn’t sure what to expect from a boutique hotel, not part of an upscale chain I was pleasantly surprised Unlike a large upscale hotel chain, they delivered

Morning breakfast was on-time The room was comfortable We booked the largest suite with the large private balcony, and we liked it a lot Sausolito is not within walking or short biking distance There is no direct ferry connection either This helps to keep the very small business district relatively quiet

Big Mike

Been there a few times I’m kind of local only live a couple hours away Love to stay there when visiting angel island

Can’t beat enjoying a glass of wine on the deck looking at the night lights of sf and the bay Short walk to the ferry Great staff did however miss the wine and cheese hour this trip Loved the breakfast Now the negatives Which aren’t deal breakers I need and got a Ada room Sadly I have a lot of stuff and the end tables just don’t do it Need to be bigger, by the time you place a cpap machine lay out your meds ect I’m placing things on my wheelchair 2nd thing beds are to soft You sink down 4 inches Need to be a little firmer I would have loved the bed being a foot higher with my bum legs But split the difference 6 inches would have been helpful Something for them to consider Like I said not a deal breaker When I’m back that way I will be checking in again

6. Panama Hotel

  • Address: 4 Bayview St, San Rafael, CA 94901
  • Phone: (415) 457-3993
  • Ratings: 4.3 (239 reviews) Very good
  • Website : Panama Hotel
  • Check-in time: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out time: 12:00 PM
  • Quick Summary: Antiques-filled rooms in a refined Victorian-style inn with an organic restaurant & breakfast.

About this hotel

Occupying a Victorian-style inn dating from 1910, this upscale inn is 4 blocks from the restaurants and shops of downtown San Rafael, and a mile from Highway 101.Individually decorated with antiques and art, the cozy rooms have patios or balconies, plus minifridges, microwaves and coffeemakers. They also have TVs and Wi-Fi. Most rooms have en suite bathrooms; others share facilities.Continental breakfast is available. A gourmet organic restaurant offers a seasonal menu and live music. Pets are also catered for.

Things You Need to Know

  • 10 min drive to the Marin County Civic Center
  • Guests mentioned the rooms are unclean
  • Guests liked the service
  • Guests liked the gourmet restaurant
  • Guests praised the breakfast
  • Guests praised the nightlife
  • Guests praised the bar

Feedback From Real Customers

Irene de Arcos

We were expecting more The room we had booked was “not available” when we arrived, but we heard someone watching a film inside… we were supposed to get a sms with the instructions of the check in because we arrived after 6pm but we didn’t and waited one hour outside Rooms and atmosphere were fine

Hot water came after many several minutes and breakfast was short (fruit and yogurt ok but no bread or solid apart from cereals :S) And no real plates or forks, just plastic and paper ones!!!

Trinity Ostberg

I stayed for two nights and overall I loved it The room I stayed in didn’t have a bathroom, but there were two bathrooms outside of the rooms with showers There were sitting areas with little coffee pots and tea bags, it was adorable

The rooms are slightly small, I didn’t mind it, and the balconies give you a darling view It’s a quaint, cozy hotel

Dravis Lutherin

Let me put it like this; it was genuinely one of the worst hotel experiences I’ve ever had For paying over $140 a night the continental breakfast was a coffee jug placed out in the restaurant bar No, like literally that was the continental breakfast

Terrible service as well The room was infested with ants! I had ants still crawling out my MacBook on the way back home Workers also weren’t helpful and often left you with judgemental looks as you walk past them Don’t come here unless you’re looking for a bad experience overpriced for a definitely overdue “4-star” hotel inspection Not worth the price nor the stresses of the poor hotel and restaurant management here

7. Steep Ravine

About this hotel

Rocky Point Rd, Stinson Beach, CA 94970(415) 388-2070

Things You Need to Know

  • 22 min drive to Muir Woods National Monument
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a beach

Feedback From Real Customers

Tara Sosa (Tara Boo)

Been here numerous times over the past maybe 25-ish decades Im now 32 and first started coming here around age 9/10/11 (can’t remember exactly) and first stayed in #10

I have since stayed AT LEAST a handful of times maybe closer to 6ish but don’t remember exact amount of times Anyways it’s a very special place for me and was very healing to come back after my mom unexpectedly passed and also to be able to bring my 4 yr old for his first “camping” experience I’ve only stayed in the cabins in the first row closest to the ocean so I consider myself very lucky for that I’ve stayed in all 4 in front row at least once (so #7,8,9 & 10) 7 and 10 only have 2 cabins on 2 sides vs others (mostly 5) have a cabin surrounding each side This year (Feb 2022) is by far the GREENEST and only time I’ve ever seen the entire hillside around cabins covered in lush green grass as anyone from previous years knows it used to be just dirt/dead grass and not anything like you can see in photos I posted Anywho it’s great for anyone who’s lucky and fast enough to snag a spot The campground seems nice but have never stayed there but it’s easier to book and is only $25/night compared to pricey cabins at $100/night It gets super duper cold here especially at night being it’s location so BE PREPARED EVEN IN SPRING/SUMMER! Wood is avaliable in parking lot for $10 a bundle CASH ONLY, and unless you bring some it completely nesscary for warmth You will need to bring some curtains, blankets, sheets, towels ect to hang on little clips they provide around the windows for privacyit would be rather awkward/awful to not have curtains up IMO Obviously you need some lanterns, candles (flameless prob best if not ones with holders) and/or flashlights or headlamps for when it’s dark cos it gets DARK as there is NO MEANS of any electricity at all on entire camp grounds including host Lots of wildlife and deer in the EARLY AM Saw a dead whale on rocky point beach near campground when I was a kid Overall this place is a slice of heaven but not all may agree but nonetheless so beautiful I would suggest a cabin not so close to others if bringing children or if your party of 5 is going to be loud Quiet hours btwn 10pm & 6am Cabin #5 is almost directly behind I think #9 6 isn’t as close but a bit behind #7 Unfortunately the cabins furthest way from others are the most popular but might be something to keep in mind if you have loud kids/toddlers/babies Def must keep eyes on kids almost 24/7 as inside oven can get super hot to the touch and it’s right next to picnic table Also there are also of huge boulders and rocks to climb over/on to get down to beach but I saw a family with 3-4 toddlers and maybe a 5 yr old go down there and didn’t seem to be super hard for them Can’t think of much else to say or point out just giving tips I think would be helpful for anyone going there Definitely wouldn’t suggest going if your baby/toddlers are screamers and not sure if they will be able to or do fully sleep thru the quiet hours As my 4 yr old started running around and making noise early but thank God it was right around 6 but I still felt bad Anyways be prepared for any situation and don’t bring more than 1 car down leave others across the road from the gate near entrance to steep ravine trail! Which looks amazing but is supposedly crowded but leads to another trail that leads all the way to Stinson!

Ben Needham

On separate occasions in 2020, I stayed at campsites #2 and #6 during the mid-weekI miraculously got a site reservation in early March before the pandemic lockdown hit us In retrospect, this experience feels like a distant dream

The air temperature and skies were perfect I didn’t need a rainfly for my tent And the view of the Farallon Islands was crystal clear for onceAside from the campsites, there’s plenty too see and do in the vicinity such as Red Rock Beach, Steep Ravine Trail, and Stinson BeachI definitely preferred site #2 since it was 1) closer to the ocean; 2) had shade from nearby trees; and 3) while directly against site #3 had an overall better vibe Site #6 is nested amongst low shrubs and therefore has no natural sun cover Plus at night, the raccoons have too many entry points into your site with low cover all around the siteSite #6 is still a good option and worth taking if you’re lucky enough to find an open reservationYou want the experience of being so far and yet so near Steep Ravine is 10/10 would do again and again

Kristopher Hong

Steep Ravine is wonderful There are normal campsites that are $30 a night and the cabins are $100 a night Both are very hard to get reservations for but they’re worth the effort! The cabins are simple with raised wooden platforms for beds

2 two person platforms and 2 single person platforms There’s no electricity or running water but there are bathrooms close by and water spigots Each cabin also has a charcoal grill outside of itThe views are amazing as you’re on the cliffs overlooking the coast You can scramble down over some rocks to get the the beach too I saw some seagulls attacking a crab thereThe Steep Ravine trailhead is across from the entry gate and leads to the Dipsea, Matt Davis and other trailsIf you camp in the sites near the edge, it gets very windy so be sure to pack accordingly!

8. Lodge at the Presidio

About this hotel

Set within the Presidio of San Francisco national park along San Francisco Bay, this upscale hotel in a stately red-brick building overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge is 1 mile from the Palace of Fine Arts Theater and 3 miles from the Pier 33–Alcatraz Island ferry terminal. The nearest bus stop is a 3-minute walk away.Featuring bridge or bay views, the elegant rooms with contemporary decor offer free Wi-Fi, Internet-connected TVs, and tea and coffeemakers, as well as minibars. Suites add living areas and sofabeds.Breakfast is included. There’s a lounge, a porch, and a patio with a fire pit, as well as regular socials with cheese and wine.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the rooms, which have minibars
  • Walking distance to The Walt Disney Family Museum and Crissy Field
  • Guests praised the service
  • Guests liked “wine”, mentioned 20 times in reviews
  • Guests praised the breakfast
  • Guests praised the bar

Feedback From Real Customers

Matthew Jentsch

What can I say, the location is incredible (the views are breathtaking), the service was top notch, and the rooms were wonderful! This was the perfect place for my family of 4 to stay while we were in San Francisco! It was such a unique place to stay, with coffee and breakfast included each morning and convenient and cheap parking! We also loved how accessible it was to Golden Gate and the surrounding area Was truly a great experience ans would love to return in the future!

David Weinberger

A wonderful hotel right in middle of the historic Presidio The views of the Golden Gate Bridge are kind of hard to believe, and to be honest I still wasn’t used to the sight after my 4 night stayThe nightly rate is a little pricey, but worth it for the prime location, amenities and cheap parking ($10 per night)

Free EV charging (level 2 j1772) is available in the adjoining parking lot behind the hotel The park itself is a beautiful place with more than enough to explore over a weekend The staff is wonderful and made everything super easyComplimentary breakfast and wine & cheese round out the experience to make it a pretty sweet deal I highly recommend and can’t wait to go back!

Kenneth Stevens

Enjoyed our stay here Had a standard room which was a bit small Remember though that this was an old room for soldiers so I get it

The view made up for it The room was very clean as well We could see the Golden Gate Bridge from our window The staff are very attentive My wife cannot drink alcohol and we were celebrating our 30th Anniversary The Inn replaced the sparkling wine with sparkling lemonade They also replaced the cheese with a fruit bowl The decor highlights the history of the building and the Presidio The Inn is also right next door to the Walt Disney Family Museum!

9. Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael Marin County (3-star hotel)

About this hotel

A 5-minute walk from the Marin County Civic Center, this contemporary hotel with a tropical atrium is 4 miles from the Mill Valley Film Festival.Polished suites offer kitchenettes, dining tables and separate living areas with pull-out sofas, plus 2 flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi. Many have bay views, and upgraded suites add Keurig coffeemakers.Cooked-to-order breakfast is complimentary, as are evening receptions with snacks and drinks. There’s an atrium with a waterfall, and an American grill restaurant, plus an indoor pool, a whirlpool and a gym. Additional amenities include a 24/7 business center and 10 meeting rooms, including a ballroom.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the large rooms, which have TVs
  • 3 min drive to the Marin County Civic Center
  • One of the few hotels in the area with room service
  • Guests praised the American restaurant
  • Guests mentioned “waterfalls” 16 times
  • Guests praised the breakfast
  • Guests praised the fitness center, which has free weights
  • One of the few hotels in the area with an indoor pool

Feedback From Real Customers

Kevin Olsen

What a fantastic experience Everyone who works here was absolutely fabulous – from check in, to house keeping, to the bartenders and the breakfasts staff The lobby is modern and inviting, the rooms are large and clean, bathrooms were immaculate, beds comfortable and breakfast delicious

They pay attention to detail and the value is unreal Happy hour nightly with 2 free drinks per guest(tip your bartenders!) and breakfast had a ton of options and was delicious(tip the folks working to clear r the tables!) The employees here work hard and seem genuinely happy to be there Highly recommend and would stay again

april Keene

This was my first group event since March 2020 so I was a little tentative I received very credible assurances on the safety protocols and felt comfortable bringing in 25 corporate guests for 3 days The hotel appeared fully staffed (some don’t these days) and the group coordinator was helpful and competent

The rooms were updated, clean, and comfortable The restaurant offers an excellent, cooked-to-order breakfast I did one Italian buffet dinner which was delicious and service was flawless Embassy Suites continues to be my choice for corporate groups

Candice Bowen

Had the best time with my husband and son Beautiful modern style furniture Very clean and simple

They were so accommodating, hands down some of the best room service food I’ve ever eaten That says a lot we’ve traveled around the world They also gave us complimentary drinks (2) each which is typically unheard of drinks were perfect not too strong or too sweet We will definitely be returning

10. East Brother Light Station

  • Address: 1900 Stenmark Dr, Richmond, CA 94801
  • Phone: (510) 233-2385
  • Ratings: 4.8 (64 reviews) Excellent
  • Website : East Brother Light Station
  • Check-in time: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out time: 11:00 AM
  • Quick Summary: East Brother Island Lighthouse is a lighthouse located on East Brother Island in San Rafael Bay, near the tip of Point San Pablo in Richmond, California. It marks the entrance to San Pablo Bay from San Francisco Bay.

About this hotel

In a lighthouse station on East Brother Island in San Francisco Bay, this quirky B&B is 3 miles from I-580 and 11 miles from Wildcat Canyon Regional Park. Marin Island National Wildlife Refuge is 13 miles away.Individually styled rooms with bay views and quaint, homey decor provide shared, private or en suite bathrooms; some have views over the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge and San Francisco. Baths and showers are available to guests staying 2 nights or more.Breakfast includes fruit, pastries and homemade granola. Champagne and a 4-course dinner, as well as a guided tour, parking and boat transfers to and from the island, are included.

Things You Need to Know

  • 22 min drive to the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge
  • Guests praised the service
  • Guests praised the breakfast
  • The hotel has a game room

Feedback From Real Customers

Natalie C

I had such a terrific time at the lighthouse with my mother for her belated Mother’s Day/birthday present This not-so-hidden gem is absolutely spectacular in its views, the quaint ambiance, its history, and the phenomenal partners that are currently running it – Stephanie and Bryan Not to mention, the food is amazing!!! It was all home made! We had a delicious appetizer, followed by a dinner of lentil soup, (so good even my mom liked it – who normally hates lentils) stuffed mushrooms, sole, and an English version of a Panna Cotta

Breakfast the next morning was a spinach and egg souffle-type concoction, fresh fruit, almond cake, and fried tomatoes I cannot emphasize enough what a wonderful place this is! I’m planning on returning!

Evan Huntzinger

Wife and I visited in May 2022 and stayed in the Marin Room The first story rooms have limited views and the SF Room, although a second story room, has limited SF view because of Richmond Bridge Marin Room has unobstructed view of Mt Tamalpais and West Brother Island

Bed too soft and small for my taste, but was adequate for one night I always bring my rock pillow when I travel Good thing I did for this trip because the lighthouse pillows were flat Our caretakers were knowledgeable, engaging and good chiefs If you’re a snacker, bring your supply For clothes, pack layers, bring a wind breaker, bring hats/beanies, assume it’ll be windy and assume it’ll be chilly NOTE: between October 1st and April 31 (verify end date) the fog horn blows for 5 seconds every 30 seconds, 24/7!

M S

Had an absolutely wonderful time! Spectacular service, uniqueness of everything from the boat ride to the rooms, nature, dinner and breakfast The hor d’oeuvre platter with champagne welcome was great! There are souvenirs you can purchase The demonstration of the fog horn was LOUD (ear protection is given) but so neat! Dining at the table and meeting the other guests was enjoyable, and before the meals, a bell 🔔 is rung outside to let you know when the meal is ready

So cool to escape to a cute island Red or white wine is served after champagne and that is refilled often with the bottles downstairs if you’d like more Coffee is ready at 6am, breakfast is 820am Seals, pelicans, seagulls, ospreys, oh my! Hehe binoculars are in all the bedrooms Wear layers, it gets chilly with the consistent wind Need was comfortable, sheets were quality and smooth So lucky and fortunate to be able to stay here If love to come back again for another chill, lovely time Thank you, Brian and Stefanie! They’re so knowledgeable, kind, warm and such wonderful hosts Learning about the history, the mechanics of how the fog horn works The detail of the napkins and how they were folded to look like a sailing boat ⛵️ You two really rock! Thank you both for such a memorable time and to all of the volunteers & people that do the upkeep of this precious and rare landmark!

11. The Gables Inn Sausalito (3-star hotel)

About this hotel

A 5-minute walk from the Sausalito ferry terminal, this refined historic hotel was built in 1869 and is 2 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge and 8 miles from Alcatraz Island.Elegant rooms include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers and designer toiletries. Many rooms feature fireplaces and/or whirlpool tubs. Several have patios or balconies, and some offer views of San Francisco Bay and the city skyline.Freebies include continental breakfast and evening wine-and-cheese receptions. Parking is available for a surcharge.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests liked the rooms
  • 6 min drive to Golden Gate Bridge
  • Guests praised the friendly service
  • Guests mentioned “wine” 15 times
  • Guests praised the breakfast
  • Guests praised the views
  • Guests liked the bar

Feedback From Real Customers

Nathan Driver

If you are looking for a place to lay your head for the night, the Gables Inn will do If you are looking for an “experience”, I recommend you look elsewhere!Rooms are badly outdated with tons of deferred maintenance Carpet was pretty badly stained in many areas

Very little in the form of amenities hereThe biggest issue for me was the non-existence of their famed “wine & cheese hour” or “delicious continental breakfast” Apparently, they quietly stopped offering these perks sometime in the past few months I re-checked their website and found no mention of wine hour or breakfast — that being said, it is ALL OVER THE INTERNET that they provide a wine reception in the evening and a nice breakfast in the mornings I know the hotel is not responsible for what others post online, but it seems a bit disingenuous to coast off of old reviews When I asked about breakfast, the lady working acted as if it was a ridiculous question… No explanation, no apology, not even a suggestion of somewhere to eat instead It really left a bad taste in my mouth, and next time I visit Sausalito I will be staying somewhere else

Sarah Emery

If I could, I would have stayed longer The Gables is set in the perfect location of town (walkability score 10/10) The staff are so accommodating and delightful

We stayed in the Magnolia Room – more than enough space Equipped a king bed, fireplace, tub with spa jets and a balcony with a beautiful view of the city Do yourself a favor and make a reso’ here

Janna Smith

I just found this place to be, okay I didn’t the staff to be overly friendly or supportive, and I personally did not find this place to be worth the price you pay I have found other places to be much more thoughtful and thorough about thinking through many of small details that make a stay pleasant/meaningful

For instance, I arrived to the room and it was set to 78 degrees, which was way too hot for my taste There was no way to cool the room down, given that there was no AC unit and if you opened the window it was next to a very loud outside fan of some kind There was also poor signage to the room I had, and no staff available for support upon arrival (because I arrived somewhat later in the evening around 8:45 pm)I think there could many improvements to make this place worth the stay and price

12. Hotel Shattuck Plaza (4-star hotel)

  • Address: 2086 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94704
  • Phone: (510) 845-7300
  • Ratings: 4.3 (842 reviews) Very good
  • Website : Hotel Shattuck Plaza
  • Check-in time: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out time: 12:00 PM
  • Quick Summary: Stately hotel offering modern quarters with free Wi-Fi, plus a refined restaurant & a bar.

About this hotel

Set in a mission-style building dating from 1910, this sophisticated hotel is less than a block from the Downtown Berkeley BART station and a 5-minute walk from UC Berkeley.Modern rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and iPod docks, plus coffeemakers, and desks with ergonomic chairs. Some rooms have views of San Francisco Bay. Suites add separate living spaces. Room service is available.Perks include a fitness center, a restaurant featuring organic California cuisine, and a lounge offering hand-crafted cocktails.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests liked the clean rooms but some thought they were small
  • Guests liked the beds
  • 4 min walk to the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive
  • Guests liked the friendly service
  • Guests mentioned “cocktails” 10 times
  • The hotel has a boutique store

Feedback From Real Customers

Jacob Mata

Wonderful on every level A kind and caring staff Great bar in the lobby

Cozy rooms and great prices The staff really makes the experience the best They really want to make sure you are having a good time, not just in the hotel but when you leave as well They always welcome you back and wish you a good day or night when you go out Will definitely come back

Joanne Carusi

The hotel is very pretty and has held onto the original charm The staff is also very kind!The room was furnished nicely but was on the smaller side The door that connected our room with the one next door had a 2+ inch gap at the bottom and you could see into the next room, we stuffed a blanket under it to keep out the excess noise and from the people staying in the room from seeing into our space

The walls are thin so both our neighbors chatting sounded like people were in the room with us The bathroom was tiny and not practical at all There was no bathroom counter space as the bowl sink took up almost all the room and there were no hooks anywhere to hang your towels so we ended up grabbing hangers from the closet and hanging our towels from the shower curtain, otherwise our towels never dried on the shelf provided The TV barely worked and was glitchy every time we tried to use it The neighborhood is super convenient with delicious restaurants and coffee all around but it’s not super safe and very dirty If your looking for a quiet/private stay and for your room to be more then just aesthetically pleasing then this is not the place for you The price is too high for what is offered here I wouldn’t stay again unless it was a very short stay and/or the price was decreased by at least 1/3

Bill Leys

Beautiful hotel right downtown in Berkeley Easy walk to restaurants and shops in the neighborhood and Bart is right there at the corner for access all around the bayGreat old hotel with beautiful details and it’s obviously well cared for and loved

It’s clean it’s appealing the rooms are nice great bed to sleep onDefinitely worth the money when compared to other hotels in the area and the reviews they haveWill be back next time I’m coming to Berkeley

13. Hilton Garden Inn San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge (3-star hotel)

About this hotel

This waterfront hotel with views of San Francisco’s skyline is 3.3 miles from downtown Berkeley and 8.3 miles from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.Stylish rooms include free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs with premium channels, plus desks and custom-designed beds. They also come with microwaves, minifridges and coffeemakers. Suites add separate living/dining areas and pull-out sofas.A free local shuttle is offered. There’s an American bar and grill with cooked-to-order breakfast (fee), as well as a 24-hour pantry. Additional amenities include a gym and a hot tub, plus 3 meeting rooms and a 24/7 business center.

Things You Need to Know

  • The rooms have TVs and microwaves
  • 4 min drive to the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge
  • 14 min walk to nearest train station
  • One of the few hotels in the area with room service
  • Guests liked the professional service
  • Guests mentioned lobbies 38 times
  • Guests praised the fitness center, which has weight machines
  • Guests praised the nightlife

Feedback From Real Customers

David Poole

Newly renovated, unlike some Garden Inns, this hotel has truly upscale accommodations I had a splendid stay until I went down for breakfast, finding a breakfast policy with absolutely no continental option for your $10 credit I had unknowingly walked in and acknowledged my credit at check in, declining the points add back offered

This was an annual Honors stay offered for Diamond members, the only redemption to this story If I had paid for this room I would be much more feisty 😇

David Bunjac

Very good hotel for the price point and very conveniently located in Emeryville close to the Bay Bridge and Oakland Inside, it’s quiet, clean and most importantly, the beds are very comfortable! The neighborhood is safe with good shopping very close The downside is the property is aging and is showing signs of wear

Good maintenance is trying to keep up, but there are still flaws that will only be corrected with a major rehab No safe in the room and aging furniture Water pressure so-so $20 breakfast buffet that was not much better than what you’d see for free in other properties, so the dining room was empty at breakfast time with hot trays full standing for who knows how long But despite those problems, I would stay again It’s a good base to explore SF or the rest of the Bay Area and not too expensive That’s why I give four stars

Kristina Boler

The location is very convenient and the hotel is nice in appearance The staff was friendly and helpful and the rooms were cleanPlease note that you do have to pay $20 a day for parking which though I did notice that when we made the reservation, I thought that was a lot just to park

In my opinion, it should be free for choosing to stay there The breakfast was good but again, over priced They don’t have a pool but I was okay because I looked forward to the hot tub which was sadly closed when we were staying there So lots of plus’s and minuses but the location was worth it for our travel plans

14. Courtyard by Marriott San Francisco Larkspur Landing/Marin County (3-star hotel)

About this hotel

Off the Redwood Highway, this modern hotel is a 2.1-mile drive from shopping at The Village at Corte Madera and an 8.9-mile drive from Muir Woods National Monument.Contemporary rooms offer free WiFi and flat-screen TVs, plus desks, minifridges and coffeemakers. Some rooms offer pull-out sofas, as do suites, which also add living areas.Social spaces include a living room-style lobby, an American restaurant serving breakfast and dinner, and an on-site Starbucks. There’s also a business center and 2 meeting rooms, plus a seasonal outdoor pool with a hot tub, an exercise room and free parking.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the beds
  • Guests praised the rooms, which have coffee makers
  • 12 min drive to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area
  • Guests liked that this hotel is near shopping
  • Guests praised the friendly service
  • The fitness center has elliptical machines and treadmills
  • One of the few hotels in the area with an outdoor pool

Feedback From Real Customers

Nicki Hodgson

Stayed here for a wedding Breakfast should have started at 0630 but I came down at 0730 and it still wasn’t open Couldn’t wait around for long so decided to buy a juice at the front desk

The lady that served me was more worried about guests not paying for coffee that a lovely worker had put out while they waited for food instead of ringing up my juice Seemed like she didn’t really know how to use the machine My shower didn’t drain well and there was no tea/coffee in the room, nor a safe for valuables (the safes at the front desk were fully used) Same hotel chain as the one I stayed at earlier in the week but service couldn’t be more different!

CYC

Great location across the street from a convenient shopping center with great restaurants Walking distance to ferry terminal with a great waterfront view The property is clean and well maintained

The daily complementary coffee in the morning gets you started! The staff is extremely helpful to find us a room suiting for our needs I’d like to thank the front desk staff Maria who has gone above and beyond to help us even after our stay! Highly recommended

15. Hotel Zephyr San Francisco (4-star hotel)

About this hotel

A 3-minute walk from Pier 41 in the Fisherman’s Wharf district on San Francisco Bay, this hip, nautical-themed hotel is a mile from the Exploratorium museum and 5 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge.Bright, sophisticated rooms offer free Wi-Fi and smart TVs, plus minifridges and coffeemakers. Upgraded rooms add balconies, some with bay and wharf views. The 1- and 2-bedroom suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows and sitting areas.Amenities include a colorful gym, and an airy, contemporary lounge/game room with a pool table, as well as a furnished terrace with fire pits, seating and sculptures. Parking is available for a fee.

Things You Need to Know

  • Some guests complained about the air conditioning
  • Some guests complained about the bathrooms
  • Walking distance to Pier 39 and the Aquarium of the Bay
  • Guests mentioned “shuffleboard” 25 times
  • Guests praised the lobby and the grounds
  • Guests praised the views

Feedback From Real Customers

Trever Furnish

Great location Fun lobby Great outdoor courtyard, including several fire pits and a unique form of ping pong in a tube — very fun! Fun game area inside with pool tables, ping pong, a selection of board games, TVs, etc – plenty of kids clearly loving it

Room was basic but niceUnexpectedly hard to sleep in the mornings with the sea lions on Fisherman’s Wharf constantly making a ruckus — but that’s just part of the location

Jose Alvarez

Overall my stay here has been disappointing I paid close to 300 dollars for a room without a working refrigerator This place also charges a 35 dollar ammendities fee

I contacted the front desk to which the receptionist was quick to send someone with a replacement By the time someone came in with a fridge the employee checked the current fridge and said it was still good To add a dash of condescension he stated “hotel fridges aren’t like home fridges” he then left in less than a minute and did not switch the fridge I have been to multiple hotels before so I know how “hotel fridges function” Fast forward 3 hours later my items in my fridge are still room temp At this point I have decided it’s not worth my time to pursue this further I will never return to this hotel and I recommended anyone considering coming here also consider that staff may be short and condescending To top things off the restroom exhaust fan stopped working mid day I assume at one point this place was a quality hotel For 300 dollars I expect a hospitality to match

Justin Perreault

Excellent location to use public transit and see fisherman’s wharf Lobby was fun and playfulRoom was missing a fridge, mentioned this to the front desk and was told it was because we booked through a third party site

Showed our reservation, and was given more attitude and told the fridges are just for the higher end rooms Carpet was coming up in the room and sink didn’t drainNot afraid to pay but i do expect a bit better treatment**In response to Tony, just to clarify, we booked directly through Hotel Zephyr’s website, and the confirmation listed a fridge as an in room amenity When this was shown to your staff, the attendant replied that only high end rooms have fridges We enjoyed SF, but felt the impression has already been made unfortunately

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