Hotels in San Rafael

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Prices may change – pop in your dates for the best estimate. Note that prices are based on previous traveller searches and partner prices.
Prices may change – pop in your dates for the best estimate. Note that prices are based on previous traveller searches and partner prices.
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Luxury stay or budget getaway?

Whether you're after 5-star comfort or ease on your wallet, we do the searching so you can sleep easy during your stay in San Rafael.

Find a San Rafael hotel in the heart of the action

Beat the queues at the top San Rafael attractions by staying close to them.

Fast facts

Sleep easy, armed with the stuff that's good to know before you go.
Highest rated hotelMarin Lodge – 4.8
Cheapest month to bookApril
Average 4 star hotel price$264 per night

How to find the best hotel deals in San Rafael

Want to use the same magic that powers our award-winning flight search to find the best room rates on the internet? Here are a few tips to help you search and save in seconds.

How to find the best hotel deal in San Rafael

  • Want to find hotel deals as quickly and easily as flights? Our clever search engine takes care of it all. Here's how you can save time and money when searching for your San Rafael hotel.

  • Lock in the best San Rafael hotel prices by organising things ahead. Hotels sometimes offer early booking discounts to fill rooms before the busy season starts.

  • However, you can still get lucky with last-minute deals. Although prices generally rise closer to your stay, some places drop rates a day or two before to fill vacant rooms, especially when it's quiet.

  • Another travel tip for cheaper hotels? Stay flexible. If your plans aren't fixed, check rates across different dates and discover what kind of savings are on offer.

  • Skip the risk of extra fees by searching for stays with free cancellation. If your travel dates shift or you find a better deal, you can cancel without penalty.

Where to stay in San Rafael

Central San Rafael

  • Choose the city centre and you'll never be far from your next adventure. Take your pick of these stays that keep you near the main attractions in central San Rafael.

  • Find a room at SureStay Hotel by Best Western San Rafael if you'd like to be near Marin County Open Space District. Roughly 5 kilometres from this leading sight, this San Rafael hotel puts you in a prime location.

  • China Camp State Park on your itinerary? AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown has you covered for comfort and location. This hotel in San Rafael is roughly 0.32 kilometres away.

  • Or experience what the city has to offer from one of the hotels near Mission San Rafael Arcangel. Marin Lodge is 2 kilometres or so from this well-known sight.

Best hotels in San Rafael

Best budget hotels

  • Make your money go further by choosing from around 20 budget San Rafael hotels. Ideal for when you want to spend less on where you sleep and more on seeing the sights, these stays come with essentials like linens, toiletries, and simple breakfast options.

  • Marin Lodge is a 3-star option that keeps things fuss-free and easy on the wallet. Wi-Fi in designated areas and a lobby bar are among its amenities.

  • Alternatively, find a room at Courtyard San Francisco Larkspur Landing/Marin County. Featuring conveniences such as a laundry and a fitness centre, this 3-star San Rafael hotel delivers what you need, without overdoing it.

  • You'll also like the prices at San Anselmo Inn, which is rated 2 stars. It features luggage storage and a television.

Best 4-star hotels in San Rafael

  • Searching for hotels in San Rafael that offer more than just the essentials? A 4-star stay makes perfect sense. With around four to choose from, they come with appealing extras like spas, gyms, and on-site dining. You get top quality without the top-end price tag.

  • AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown delivers the kind of stay that leaves a lasting impression. Bathrobes and a restaurant add to the 4-star guest experience here.

  • Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael Marin County is another inviting option. Make the most of thoughtful amenities such as room service and an indoor swimming pool at this San Rafael hotel.

  • Panama Hotel is one more tempting addition to your list. It keeps guests satisfied with a lobby bar, a restaurant and more.

Best hotels in San Rafael for families

  • Going away with the kids? You need a hotel that offers more than just a bed. Baby-sitting services, high chairs, connecting rooms, and kids' menus make family getaways easier. You'll find roughly six family-friendly hotels in San Rafael ready for your crew.

  • Set aside more for the kids' favourite activities by choosing Travelodge by Wyndham Mill Valley/Sausalito. This affordable 2-star option has amenities like air conditioning and baby-sitting.

Best hotels with a spa

  • Plan for more than just sightseeing. Book one of the eight or so San Rafael hotels with a spa and build in time to truly relax. Saunas, plunge pools, and indulgent massage therapies are the types of features they come with.

  • Ready to hit pause for a while? Come rest at Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa. This 4-star option has a fireplace and massage services.

  • Or get comfortable at Mountain Home Inn. With a lounge and massage services, this 3-star hotel in San Rafael offers the perfect setting to relax and unwind.

Best hotels with a pool

  • Add an extra splash of fun to your trip with a pool. If you go for a city hotel, expect indoor or rooftop options. Resorts? They often go all out with expansive outdoor setups and maybe even a swim-up bar. There are at least ten pool hotels in San Rafael ready for your next adventure.

  • Spend long, lazy days by the water at Courtyard San Francisco Larkspur Landing/Marin County. As well as an outdoor swimming pool, this San Rafael hotel offers Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk.

  • Bring your swim gear and soak up the vibes at Best Western Corte Madera Inn. An outdoor swimming pool, a lounge and express check-out are just the start of what this place packs in.

  • The Lodge at Tiburon is one more stay with the highlights you want. This hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a restaurant.

Best pet-friendly hotels

  • With at least ten pet-friendly San Rafael hotels, your best buddy can travel with you. Many have outdoor areas or nearby parks for exercise, and some even offer things like grooming or pet-friendly menus. A few house rules may apply, but most places go out of their way to make your furry friend feel at home.

  • You pack the treats, Mill Valley Inn will handle the rest. Amenities like internet access and ironing services add to the experience of this pet-friendly hotel in San Rafael.

  • Acqua Hotel is another place where four paws are as welcome as two feet. This popular option offers accessible parking and air conditioning.

  • AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown is one more place that gets what pet owners need. Amenities here include room service and bicycle rentals.

Finding cheap hotels in San Rafael: FAQs

In San Rafael, the expected average temperature in April is 12°C. The warmest month is typically September, which averages 24°C. The coolest month is January, with temperatures averaging 6°C. The rainiest month is February, and the driest month is July.
You can always cancel or amend your hotel reservation if you need to, but look out for hotels in San Rafael with free cancellation or flexible booking options if you want to protect your money. Some hotels allow you to cancel and get your money back if your plans change.
Of course - the cheapest hotel deal we found within the next seven days is $118 per night. If you need somewhere in the next 24 hours, we've found you somewhere to stay for $141 per night.
The average price of a hotel during the week is $228 per night, and the average price on weekends is $225. Overall, it looks like the cheapest day to stay in San Rafael could be Sunday.
The nearest airport to San Rafael is Oakland Metropolitan Oak Airport (OAK), which is 39.2km from the city centre.

Other airports include:

Concord Airport, which is 41.7km from the city centre.
San Francisco International Airport, which is 41.7km from the city centre.
San Carlos Airport, which is 56.9km from the city centre.
Santa Rosa Airport, which is 64.4km from the city centre.
San Jose International Airport, which is 86.0km from the city centre.
We crunched some numbers on our calendar and found that Sunday is the cheapest day to stay in San Rafael. And the most expensive day seems to be Friday
The average price of a 3-star hotel in San Rafael is currently around $245 per night. And the cheapest 3-star hotel we found is $155 per night.
The average price of a 4-star hotel in San Rafael is currently around $296 per night. And the cheapest 4-star hotel we found is $113 per night.
The cheapest month to stay in a hotel in San Rafael is April, with an average price of $205 per night. The most expensive month is June, when the average room rate can rise to $269 per night. These average prices are based on all the hotels we found – from hostels through to fancy 5-star hotels.
The average price of a hotel in May is $234 per night, which is around 1% lower than the rest of the year.
If you're planning a trip with the whole family, the best rated hotels for you near San Rafael are Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center, Marin Hilltop Hotel and Extended Stay America Suites - San Rafael - Francisco Blvd East.