What is Downtown San Rafael like?

Travelers to San Rafael's Downtown San Rafael neighborhood will be sure to enjoy a stay in this neighborhood. Are you looking for Downtown San Rafael travel tips? Be sure to check out Mission San Rafael Arcangel and San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park while you're in the neighborhood.

What's a favorite hotel to stay in Downtown San Rafael?

Based on Expedia customer reviews, AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown is the highest ranked property in Downtown San Rafael. This hotel offers 2 restaurants and a bar.

How many hotels are there in Downtown San Rafael?

Expedia has 7 Downtown San Rafael hotels and other accommodations, and one might make a good home base for venturing out into the greater San Rafael area.

If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Downtown San Rafael, will I receive a refund?

Yes, you'll find most hotel bookings are refundable provided that you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which in most cases is within 24 or 48 hours of your scheduled arrival. If you booked a non-refundable reservation, it might still be possible to cancel it and be given a refund within a 24-hour period of booking. Add your dates and click on "Search", then you can filter by "fully refundable" to view the best options available in Downtown San Rafael.

What is there to do around this San Rafael neighborhood?

Landmarks in Downtown San Rafael that you won't want to miss include Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Marin History Museum. You could also plan a visit to San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park or Rebound Bookstore while you're in the neighborhood. A few places to visit in the area around Downtown San Rafael include Marin Bocce Federation, Falkirk Cultural Center, and Barn Theatre. When you're sightseeing in San Rafael, Marin County Civic Center and Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market are also worth a stop.

10 Best Hotels in Downtown San Rafael, San Rafael for 2026

An aerial view of a city with a mix of modern and historic buildings, a prominent clock tower, and a hilly backdrop.

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Our top choices for Downtown San Rafael hotels

A rooftop terrace with outdoor seating, a fire pit, and a view of the surrounding landscape.

1. AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown

Downtown San Rafael

Courtney

CA $366 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 30 - Oct 31

A multi-level atrium with a central open space, seating areas, and a bar/lounge with a view of the surrounding floors.

2. Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center

Civic Center, 3.9 km from Downtown San Rafael

Shrleen

CA $261 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

A sign for Marin Lodge with a 'No Vacancy' message.

3. Marin Lodge

Lincoln, 1.5 km from Downtown San Rafael

Betsy

CA $190 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

A restaurant with wooden floors, black chairs, and tables. There are framed pictures on the wall and a window with curtains.

4. Villa Inn

Lincoln, 1.4 km from Downtown San Rafael

Robert

CA $161 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 6 - Oct 7

A circular fire pit with seating around it, surrounded by lush greenery and a pergola overhead.

5. Best Western Corte Madera Inn

4.7 km from Downtown San Rafael

Nathan

CA $241 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

A modern outdoor living area with a stone wall, wooden deck, and outdoor furniture.

6. The Evergreen

5.4 km from Downtown San Rafael

Merary Suyen

CA $213 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 14 - Oct 15

A bar area with multiple seating options and a well-stocked bar counter.

7. Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn

8.7 km from Downtown San Rafael

Robert

CA $245 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, a television, and a ceiling fan.

8. Marin Suites Hotel

4.4 km from Downtown San Rafael

Nicole

CA $255 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 2 - Nov 3

An outdoor seating area with wicker furniture, a fire pit, and umbrellas branded with "Tiburon."

9. The Lodge at Tiburon

12.4 km from Downtown San Rafael

Joy

CA $281 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

A marina with boats, palm trees, and a building with large windows.

10. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina

22 km from Downtown San Rafael

Martin

CA $204 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

A modern hotel lobby with a seating area, a bar, and large windows.

11. Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

20.9 km from Downtown San Rafael

Troy

CA $264 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 3 - Nov 4

A grand foyer with a chandelier, a staircase, and a seating area with a round table.

12. University Inn & Suites Berkeley

23.4 km from Downtown San Rafael

German

CA $171 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 20 - Oct 21

A modern hotel room with a bed, desk, and sofa.

13. Hotel Mira Vista

19.3 km from Downtown San Rafael

Sandy

CA $140 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a bathroom visible through an open door.

14. La Casa Inn

20.9 km from Downtown San Rafael

Kim

CA $198 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

A wooden deck with a door, a bench, a chair, and a table.

15. San Remo Hotel

21.2 km from Downtown San Rafael

Doug

CA $135 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

A rooftop terrace with a table and chairs, a potted plant, and a view of tall buildings.

16. Club Quarters Hotel Embarcadero, San Francisco

22.6 km from Downtown San Rafael

itzel

CA $211 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 18 - Oct 19

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a bathroom.

17. Greenwich Inn

20.8 km from Downtown San Rafael

Jenine Louise

CA $140 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 5 - Nov 6

An outdoor patio area with a fire pit, seating, and a pergola structure.

18. HYATT house Emeryville/San Francisco Bay Area

25.3 km from Downtown San Rafael

Ramamurthy

CA $243 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 29 - Oct 30

A pool area with lounge chairs and umbrellas.

19. Hotel Caza Fisherman´s Wharf

20.8 km from Downtown San Rafael

David

CA $286 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

A dining table with plates of food, two wine glasses, and cutlery, set against a cityscape view.

20. Marines Memorial Club & Hotel

22.8 km from Downtown San Rafael

Michael S.

CA $255 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 17 - Oct 18

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Where to stay in Downtown San Rafael

Find the best Downtown San Rafael areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Downtown San Rafael

Southeast San Rafael

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Southeast San Rafael and surrounding area, you can visit Larkspur Ferry Terminal and Marin Country Mart.

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Rolling green hills with a mountain range in the background.

Terra Linda

Discover the Mall at Northgate, Marin County's only enclosed mall, featuring a 15-screen theater complex and anchor tenants like Macy's. Nearby, admire the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Marin County Civic Center building.

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Dominican

While there might not be top attractions in Dominican, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Marin County Civic Center.

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Lucas Valley-Marinwood

Lucas Valley-Marinwood might not have many top sights, but Marin County Civic Center and Mission San Rafael Arcangel are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

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Santa Venetia

When in Santa Venetia, you can plan a visit to Marin County Civic Center and Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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Top Downtown San Rafael Hotel Reviews

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

10/10 Excellent

"Location and amenities"

Hotel Zephyr San Francisco

10/10 Excellent

"Loved this quirky hotel. In the perfect location close to Pier 39 trams and cable cars. Staff very helpful. Love the games room and the outside entertaining area with the fire pits. Our room was a little noisy with the person above us walking around non stop. But other than that would definitely stay here again."

The Marker Union Square San Francisco

10/10 Excellent

"The Marker is a nice retreat a couple of blocks off of Union Square. It's a short walk down to Market for Muni rides or over to Powell to catch the cable car. The room was well appointed with a comfortable bed and pillows. I appreciated the water bottles in the room that the staff refreshed daily as I used them. Water pressure in the shower was excellent. The library in the lobby was a nice place to hang out for a bit rather than sitting in the room. Not to detract from a free perk, but the complimentary coffee manged to taste watered down but burnt at the same time. After dumping that out I bought a $9 12oz latte at Tratto that was also underwhelming. After that, I went elsewhere for breakfast. Overall, I would happily stay here again."

Hotels in Downtown San Rafael, San Rafael

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Our top choices for Downtown San Rafael hotels

1. AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown

2. Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center

3. Marin Lodge

4. Villa Inn

5. Best Western Corte Madera Inn

6. The Evergreen

7. Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn

8. Marin Suites Hotel

9. The Lodge at Tiburon

10. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina

11. Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

12. University Inn & Suites Berkeley

13. Hotel Mira Vista

14. La Casa Inn

15. San Remo Hotel

16. Club Quarters Hotel Embarcadero, San Francisco

17. Greenwich Inn

18. HYATT house Emeryville/San Francisco Bay Area

19. Hotel Caza Fisherman´s Wharf

20. Marines Memorial Club & Hotel

Where to stay in Downtown San Rafael

Southeast San Rafael

Terra Linda

Dominican

Lucas Valley-Marinwood

Santa Venetia

Top Downtown San Rafael Hotel Reviews

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

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