What is Downtown San Rafael like?

Travellers to San Rafael's Downtown San Rafael neighbourhood will be sure to enjoy a stay here. Are you looking for Downtown San Rafael travel tips? Make sure that you visit Mission San Rafael Arcangel and San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park while you're in the neighbourhood.

What's a favourite place 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 can I expect to find in Downtown San Rafael?

Expedia has 7 Downtown San Rafael hotels and other accommodation options, 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! The majority of room reservations are refundable if you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which in most cases is within 24 or 48 hours of your check-in date. If you have a non-refundable reservation, it might still be possible to cancel it and receive a refund within 24 hours of booking. Put your dates in and click on "Search", then use the "fully refundable" filter to get the best options available in Downtown San Rafael.

What is there to do around this San Rafael neighbourhood?

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 neighbourhood. 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.

Top 10 Downtown San Rafael Hotels of 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

includes taxes & fees

11 Oct - 12 Oct

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

2. Marin Lodge

Lincoln, 1.5 km from Downtown San Rafael

Kayla

includes taxes & fees

29 Sept - 30 Sept

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

3. Villa Inn

Lincoln, 1.4 km from Downtown San Rafael

Robert

includes taxes & fees

28 Sept - 29 Sept

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

4. Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center

Civic Center, 3.9 km from Downtown San Rafael

Shrleen

includes taxes & fees

30 Sept - 1 Oct

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

5. The Evergreen

5.4 km from Downtown San Rafael

Rod

includes taxes & fees

28 Sept - 29 Sept

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

6. Best Western Corte Madera Inn

4.7 km from Downtown San Rafael

Nathan

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 Oct

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

7. Marin Suites Hotel

4.4 km from Downtown San Rafael

Jocelyn

includes taxes & fees

5 Oct - 6 Oct

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

8. Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn

8.7 km from Downtown San Rafael

Robert

includes taxes & fees

11 Oct - 12 Oct

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

Kristen

includes taxes & fees

25 Oct - 26 Oct

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

10. Hotel Mira Vista

19.3 km from Downtown San Rafael

Sandy

includes taxes & fees

28 Sept - 29 Sept

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

Thorsten

includes taxes & fees

18 Oct - 19 Oct

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

12. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina

22 km from Downtown San Rafael

Joseph

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 Oct

A living room with a sofa, armchair, coffee table, and a wine bottle.

13. Cow Hollow Inn & Suites

20.7 km from Downtown San Rafael

Radu

includes taxes & fees

27 Oct - 28 Oct

A compact hotel room with a kitchenette, a bed, and a view of the outdoors.

14. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Berkeley by IHG

23.7 km from Downtown San Rafael

Myles

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 Oct

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk with a chair, a TV, and a view of the city.

15. Comfort Inn by the Bay

21 km from Downtown San Rafael

Michael

includes taxes & fees

25 Oct - 26 Oct

An outdoor seating area with wicker furniture and a fire feature, adjacent to a bar and dining area with modern decor.

16. Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown

24.5 km from Downtown San Rafael

Greg

includes taxes & fees

17 Oct - 18 Oct

A buffet counter with coffee machines, a TV, and various food items.

17. Stanyan Park Hotel

23.6 km from Downtown San Rafael

Arielle

includes taxes & fees

12 Oct - 13 Oct

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

18. San Remo Hotel

21.2 km from Downtown San Rafael

Doug

includes taxes & fees

28 Sept - 29 Sept

A cobblestone street lined with flower-covered buildings, a welcoming archway, and a sign reading "Office."

19. Marina Motel

20.6 km from Downtown San Rafael

Natasha

includes taxes & fees

5 Oct - 6 Oct

A spacious lobby with large windows, a seating area with a sofa and chairs, and a counter with a coffee station.

20. LUMA Hotel San Francisco

25 km from Downtown San Rafael

Jennifer

includes taxes & fees

2 Oct - 3 Oct

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Where to stay in Downtown San Rafael

Find the best Downtown San Rafael areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Southeast San Rafael

While there might not be top attractions in Southeast San Rafael, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Larkspur Ferry Terminal and Marin Country Mart.

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Rolling green hills with a mountain range in the background.

Terra Linda

Terra Linda might not have many top sights, but Marin County Civic Center and American Legion Log Cabin are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

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Dominican

While Dominican isn't home to many top sights, Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Marin County Civic Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

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Lucas Valley-Marinwood

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Lucas Valley-Marinwood and surrounding area, you can visit Marin County Civic Center and Mission San Rafael Arcangel.

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Santa Venetia

Though Santa Venetia may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Marin County Civic Center and Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market.

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Top Downtown San Rafael Hotel Reviews

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina

10/10 Excellent

"Clean room"

The Pickwick Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Was nervous about my trip to San Francisco and wanted a good place to stay that was close to everything I wanted to see. Pickwick’s location was ideal for my trip, the room was small but had everything we needed (minus a microwave and fan). The staff was always helpful and helped ale our stay comfortable. Room was tidy and had everything we needed for the stay. Only thing I didn’t like was the old building smell."

Stanford Court San Francisco

10/10 Excellent

"Great stay at the top of Nob Hill! My husband and I were tourists of SAN Francisco. The Hotel is located in a great spot for catching the cable cars to get around! We loved the breakfast even though it wasn’t complimentary it was delicious! However drinks were free with our room reservations. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Our last day there we wanted to tour a little more after checkout and they held our bags for us."

Hilton San Francisco Union Square

8/10 Good

"The reason for 4 stars in an otherwise great hotel is that the bathroom doors in our room were not staying shut because the spring on the door was broken. Upon confirming that it could not be fixed, we were allotted a different room. The front desk was really helpful in getting this sorted, kudos to them. I am taking away the one star for the inconvenience we faced."

Hotels in Downtown San Rafael

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Our top choices for Downtown San Rafael hotels

1. AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown

2. Marin Lodge

3. Villa Inn

4. Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center

5. The Evergreen

6. Best Western Corte Madera Inn

7. Marin Suites Hotel

8. Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn

9. The Lodge at Tiburon

10. Hotel Mira Vista

11. Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

12. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina

13. Cow Hollow Inn & Suites

14. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Berkeley by IHG

15. Comfort Inn by the Bay

16. Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown

17. Stanyan Park Hotel

18. San Remo Hotel

19. Marina Motel

20. LUMA Hotel San Francisco

Where to stay in Downtown San Rafael

Southeast San Rafael

Terra Linda

Dominican

Lucas Valley-Marinwood

Santa Venetia

Top Downtown San Rafael Hotel Reviews

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina

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