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

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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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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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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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Gerstle Park

While Gerstle Park might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Falkirk Cultural Center.

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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

Club Quarters Hotel Embarcadero, San Francisco

10/10 Excellent

"very easy check-in. The rooms were very clean, and the beds were comfortable as well."

Stanford Court San Francisco

10/10 Excellent

"Had a wonderful stay at the Stanford Hotel in San Francisco. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-appointed, with a cozy bed that made for a great night's sleep. The staff were friendly and attentive, always ready to help with recommendations or requests. The location was convenient, putting us within easy walking distance of great restaurants and local attractions. A great value for the price, and we'd happily stay here again on our next visit to the city."

Handlery Union Square Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"We were so lucky to choose the Handlery Hotel on our first visit to San Francisco. The location was perfect! Down the road from every kind of transit & most importantly, steps from the Nintendo Store! We had a two queen suite & to our surprise a sliding glass door that revealed a beautiful view of the city. Not quite a balcony, but very close & we loved it so much. There was even a vanity which came in handy with teenage girls. The hotel itself had two sections and we were in the Premier section. There was two flights of stairs to take with all our luggage & a vintage elevator that no one could figure out how to use, so up the stairs we went. At least at the top we got to walk by the heated, outdoor pool. We didn’t have time to enjoy it, but we saw other guests having a great time. The staff were friendly and polite and brought up extra amenities quickly when asked. We would 100% stay at this hotel again ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"

FOUND Hotel Carlton, Nob Hill

8/10 Good

"Nice boutique-hotel, good location, close to bus stops or can easily get a Uber. Yes it's close to the Tenderloin neighborhood but I never felt unsafe. Staff was helpful. We appreciated the coffee machine in the lobby. Room was also good overall, spacious and clean would have appreciated and extra chair. A fridge is provided which is a major plus. Shower curtain had littler holes in it. Nothing major but can easily be changes. The bed itself was comfortable and perfectly fine. One small thing I didn’t particularly like was the bedding setup: the comforter was placed between two flat sheets rather than being enclosed in a duvet cover. Overall, I'd say that I recommend this hotel. It's all about managing expectations"

Frequently asked questions

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 Marin History Museum 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.

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. Marin Lodge

3. Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center

4. Marin Suites Hotel

5. Best Western Corte Madera Inn

6. The Evergreen

7. Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn

8. The Lodge at Tiburon

9. Hotel Mira Vista

10. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina

11. Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

12. Lombard Plaza Motel

13. Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf

14. Cow Hollow Inn & Suites

15. Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown

16. Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHG

17. Marina Motel

18. Club Quarters Hotel Embarcadero, San Francisco

19. San Remo Hotel

20. Hotel Zephyr San Francisco

Where to stay in Downtown San Rafael

Southeast San Rafael

Dominican

Terra Linda

Gerstle Park

Santa Venetia

Top Downtown San Rafael Hotel Reviews

Club Quarters Hotel Embarcadero, San Francisco

Frequently asked questions