This is a nice little motel lodge with street parking off the street behind the trees. It's quiet and clean and nice. I liked the little kitchen counter area but the tile floor portion is slippery with socked feet. In the morning the tiny lobby has coffee, pastries, fruit and if you ask, hot water if you have your own tea bag. One thing I wish they had was a pool/hot tub/exterior restroom. read more

See all

Charming place and very convenient for getting on the road and driving a bit to do nature walks and open space preserves. The decor outside at the Lodge as well as inside is charming. We will be returning here next time we visit north of San Francisco. read more

We've stayed here a few times now, whenever there's a job nearby for fire safety inspections. The guy who checked us in last night and Norma from this morning were (and always) genuinely friendly and welcoming. They feel and look like family lol. The rooms are always clean, cozy, and comfortable with modern touches. They kind of look like cabins from the outside, surrounded by trees. Be sure to bring your own facecloth for makeup removal. I'm glad I did, cause they will charge $25 for heavily soiled towels or linens. You have to ask for cleaners to help if you make big messes. There's a sign posted. I think this is fair since I've been to other hotels that had stained towels, and it's gross. We went into the office around 9am, but there weren't any danishes or muffins out. Norma kindly offered to bring some out, saying they went fast this morning, but luckily, she saved some. They were great, especially the almond danishes. Oh, there was a house centipede in the shower last night. We looked it up since we've never seen one before. Don't kill them - they eat pests like cockroaches! We left it alone, said goodnight, and it was gone in the morning. We'll always choose this place when in the area. I tried last weekend, but they were booked. read more

See all

A clean, comfortable, well-maintained classic motel with lots of little touches. I'll stay every time I'm in the area.

Clean and reasonably priced. I would definitely stay here again. The layout is a motor lodge, where your room is right off the parking lot. The property is secluded from Lincoln Ave with big trees and feels very safe. You also feel safe and secluded in your room as each room window has small trees in front of them so people can't really see in to your room, even if you have the curtains open for natural light. Most of the parking spaces are decently wide, so no worries about someone parking too close to your car and door-dinging you, and you can park right outside your room to keep an eye on your car. The room is very clean and well appointed with both a mini fridge and a microwave. I used both as I got a dinner delivered to my room via UberEats and had some leftovers. It's very easy for food delivery drivers to drive right up to your room door. Note that there is some street noise here as this property is close to Highway 101, and also Lincoln Ave is fairly busy street. This is way less at night however and can hardly be heard with the room window closed. Pro tip- using the fan on the in-room air conditioner helps drown out any street noise. The bed is very comfortable and seems to be similar to a Tempurpedic mattress. I slept really well. The rooms seem well-insulated as I could not hear any neighbors at all. The staff here is very friendly and a free soda or water upon check-in, and the coffee and pastries in the morning in the lobby are certainly very welcomed. I will say that the internet access went down at about 10pm. The wi-fi still connected, but the actual access was down. Maybe they turn it off at night? A bit odd if so. All in all, they have done a great job with the Marin Lodge and I can recommend them highly. For reference, I am someone who used to work in the hotel and customer service field for Hyatt Regency. read more

Great customer service. Room was nice ,clean and quiet. Free parking . We would definitely stay again in our next trip to San Rafael. read more

A very nice place to rent. The quality you get for the price gets an A grade. My only complaint is there are no nightlights in the bathroom. Which is typical, though this Lodge is above typical. And those lights are very bright, especially in the wee hours. And the owners / managers are kind and personable. read more

This is one of those places that I hesitate to rave about because I don't want to let the secret out that this is an amazing deal in Marin County. I have stayed here twice. The owners are super attentive, friendly and accommodating. It is a pleasure to stay here. This is a no frills place to stay. You get a nice clean room and a pretty darn good continental breakfast. I feel safe staying here alone. I love this little gem. read more

From the moment they called to check on my late arrival, I felt genuinely cared for! Check-in was a breeze--they had everything ready when I pulled up. The room smelled amazingly fresh and was spotless. Bonus: the "queen" bed turned out to be a super comfy king--I haven't slept that well away from home in ages! The space was roomy, quiet (even near the highway), and perfect for relaxing or getting a little work done, with a microwave and fridge, too. The Lodge is charming, cozy, and I'd absolutely stay again! read more

Nice quaint lodge. It was clean and the service was excellent! Good value and the location was very convenient.

Very clean, comfy and cute rooms. Front desk lady went above and beyond. Will definitely stay again!!!!

Our room was nice and clean, plenty of room for 2 people, the only things I would recommend are adding a door sweep to the bottom of the door to the room because if it were cold or hot, or if bugs wanted to get in, that could be a problem. Also, the phone didn't work, which wasn't a big problem, but we had to walk a short distance to the office to ask a couple questions. Overall, it was a great place to stay. They allowed us to check in early, they gave friendly service, the selection of pastries and fruit was good as well as the coffee. They even 1 free water or soda per person per day. We would definitely come back and would recommend! read more

I stayed at the Marin Lodge for three nights while attending a poetry workshop in downtown San Rafael. It was a perfect place for me in so many ways. As many others have noted, the lodge is not fancy, but it's very clean, safe, comfortable and quiet. The location is quite near downtown San Rafael, but you still feel kind of like you're out in the woods. The owners are right on the premises and happy to help with anything one needs. I was mainly there in the mornings until about 9:30 am and the evenings after about 7 pm. There is some noise from Lincoln Avenue, but it all died down after commute hours, and that gave me welcome quiet time to write and wind down. The place does not offer free full breakfast, but the coffee was drinkable, and the morning muffins and fruit were very welcome. I would definitely recommend this motel and stay there again! read more

I need to make it clear - this is a great motel but the road noise is significant! You will need earplugs to sleep and enjoy your room. The small rooms are well appointed, lots of counter space and two chairs. The lighting is plentiful and well designed. The frig works and the in room coffee actually tastes good. Beds are comfortable. The grab and go goodies and drinks including fruit in the office was a nice touch. This is a five star hotel but due to road noise i rated it four stars read more

Marin Lodge - Hotels Near Me - San Rafael, California

Totally recommend! So happy with the Marin Lodge! My little family of 3 travels to UCSF every 3 months for C* scans and it is always a pain, especially when appts are early because we need to find a place to stay so we dont have to drive 3.5+ hours first thing in the morning. Staying in SF is hellish, expensive and there's always a big parking fee included. Plus you never know what kind of fentanyl Freddies you will run into. Had the brilliant idea (finally!) to find something that puts most of our drive behind us and we just love the Marin Lodge. Small place, not too many rooms but they are so nice at check-in, rooms are clean, bed is comfy and so are the pillows. Literally 2 mins from freeway access yet you can't hear anything! I would suggest a sleep mask or binder clips to keep the drapes closed better since there are lights outside the rooms at night, but that is just my recommendation for those who could be disturbed by light. This will be our new go-to and so grateful to find this safe, sweet, cozy spot! Thank you, Marin Lodge! read more

This was a wonderful affordable small motel close to downtown San Rafael and easily accessible to the area's recreation. The room was very nicely updated and clean and spacious. They offered individually wrapped pastries, granola bars, fruit, and coffee in the morning. They offered free water bottles and soda in the lobby area. They also had a water/ice dispenser for water bottle refills. The owners were nice and happy to help. It's in a residential area so it was quiet, no freeways to keep you up at night! Highly recommend! (I should add I'm picky about motels/hotels and have stayed in a variety of places. The motels are mostly mediocre at best. This one is hands down better than most and definitely one we will return to!) read more

The staff of this small family owned/operated lodge are very welcoming, helpful, and personable. We had a room with two double beds which was very large, pristinely clean and very well-appointed. Two large counter spaces, one ideal for computer work and another for food prep featuring two bars stools and a nice desk chair. Basic microwave oven and mini fridge were ideal for our needs. Both double beds had a nightstand on either side with nice lamps and a vacant outlet for phone chargers etc...And the beds were very comfortable- a big deal to me. Comfortable bed linens and very plush towels were appreciated. The lodge is quiet. Single-story so no one above or below you. The office had coffee and tea available ( "coffee bag" basic coffee maker and supplies are in the room, which worked until real coffee became available at 7:00 am) as well as delectable individually wrapped pastries, whole fruit, Clif bars, bottled water and soda. They also have a filtered water and ice machine in the office to fill your own water bottles, and I'm all about that, so that's cool. Parking is free (we paid $60/night to park in the city, so really appreciated this savings.) Only negative was that the hangers in the closet annoyed me - they're those metal kind that are permanently attached so you have to do all sorts of contortions to get your clothes hung properly. Probably had jerks steal good ones, so switched to these and I get it, but...No dresser either, but there were two very small drawers in the closet. Iron/board in room. We liked the Marin Lodge so much that instead of staying in the city on our second night, we extended our stay here and had a fancy dinner with the money we saved! They were very accommodating, making a couple of changes in order for us to keep our same room. Not sure but guessing there are fewer than 20 rooms here, so book well in advance. This is our new go-to place to stay when visiting San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. read more

This place is fantastic. It is clean, the visual aesthetics are pleasing to the eye, and the room was very spacious.

This is one of the best places, and it is  fantastic. It is clean, the visual aesthetics are pleasing to the eye, and the room is very spacious. The fridge works, and the in-room coffee actually tastes good. Beds are comfortable. They have a nice continental breakfast every morning! One of the places we  have stayed in many years! Highly recommend! read more

Amazing place to stay! It's refreshing to find an older lodge that is so clean and in pristine condition. The rooms look brand new and are spacious and comfortable. Even though this lodge is in the city, with the trees around it and along the rooms you get the feeling you are in the woods!. They have a nice continental breakfast every morning! One of the places we have stayed in many years! Highly rated! read more

This place is a gem. Clean, comfortable and well-maintained. Beds very comfortable. Showers great. Rooms have microwave and small fridge, as well as a desk area. Breakfast is provided. Norma and the other staff are attentive and helpful. It's also a very good value given it's location in the center of Marin. Easy access to 101 and downtown San Rafael. I highly recommend it! read more

The hotel is located within minutes of downtown San Rafael. Plenty of restaurants and shops near by. The staff was friendly and helpful - definitely a plus. The room was surprisingly spacious. We had plenty of room to feel almost like a suite. Will recommend to anyone who visits this area and Muir Woods National Monument. read more

Marin Lodge - Bed #1 - Hotels Near Me - San Rafael, California

See all

This little hotel is a real "gem", we spent two comfortable days on a short roadtrip to San Francisco from Los Angeles. The staff were helpful, and we really enjoyed the amenities provided (free sodas, water, Starbucks coffee and pastries!). The price, for the value was quite reasonable, and we were very close to the Muir Woods, a prime spot for our visit. I would highly recommend this establishment and we will certainly stay again next time we visit! read more

This was such a great find on Hotels.com!!! From now on, I will continue to stay here as long as my kids have dance competitions in San Rafael. First off, the hotel managers, who are also the co-owners of this place, are the nicest people ever! The grounds are well kept and unblemished. The rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable. Our room was equipped with a mini Frigidaire, microwave, and coffee maker. The location is conveniently located near the freeway, mall, and the Marin Veteran's Memorial Auditorium where my children compete in dance. The lodge offers snacks in the office lobby. Parking can pose to be a tad bit stressful since the spaces are quite tight for such a gigantic boat of a truck like mine, but nothing to fuss over. The price point is not too shabby given the place is really pleasant and cozy with such a hospitable staff. I would most definitely suggest this place to travelers of the area. read more

Highly recommend this clean, quiet, cozy Inn. Older style building immaculately maintained and clean. Absolutely 0 flaws or imperfections, looks like new, but vintage/retro. Rooms are a bit on small size, as is TV/display. Comfy bed/furniture, sheets. 2 small bath towels. Could use more towels and larger towels. 3 star amenities and price but 4 star personal service. This punches above it's weight. 5 star value. Palo, the owner went above & beyond to make our stay enjoyable. I would absolutely stay here again if life brings me back this way. Rare to find this level of cleanliness and service for such a reasonable rate. Really for the price, convenience, value, cleanliness should give 5 stars, but did not want to confuse with more upscale accommodations. read more

I have learned to only reserve one star reviews for the really bad ones. This is the worst place I have seen in 38 years of being here. The owner placed my two employees in one room with ONE bed, even though I had booked two rooms. Why? I do not know. He just hung up on me when confronted. Do not believe me? Check out the place before you book. Maybe talk to the owner/manager? Say something he does not like and see how it goes. read more

Been here a few times and this is still an awesome little motor inn on Lincoln ave in San Rafael right off the 101. Very clean and neat, with well appointed rooms. Heavy linens, towels and comfortable bedding. Rooms have a work station and chair, mini fridge, microwave and coffee maker. A sitting area with wall mount flat screen and a large bathroom and large walk in shower. The king bed was quite comfortable though a little hard for my personal preference. Parking is tight and small but very convenient, literally right outside your door. The owners are on property and very friendly and helpful, and again made us feel welcome for stopping for the evening. Easy access to the highway both off and on. The noise level is minimal for being so close to the highway, the motel is located within a residential neighborhood and is situated nicely into the hillside. There are lots of places to stay in the area that are much more money, but if you are looking for a nice comfortable and reasonably priced place to stay close to the bay, about 10-12 minutes to the G.G. bridge, the Marin lodge is a great choice. This is my go to place to stay whenever we are staying in the north bay area. You will be glad you did too. A solid 5 star motor inn read more

See all

One of the true hidden gems of the No Cal SF San Rafael area!!! Super nice rooms, great parking, good size breakfast bar and hosts that are 5 star folks! Each time that I go to SF to visit or for biz, my HOME base is the Marin Lodge! *Rates are amazing too!!! read more

Drove out to the Bay Area for a car show. We weren't going to be at the hotel much, just to sleep after the show days and get back up super early to head back out, so we didn't need a big fancy hotel. When booking we knew we weren't getting a (big name) hotel, but that was okay. After a long 5hr drive in our show cars through the snow, rain and muck. We arrive, first thing....the drive way is so steep we can barely get into the drive way, ruining my front bumper and rear bumper on the ways in and out, I had to have some other people help lift my car to get me out. When we got there checked in all was good "so I thought" , they came and knocked on our door to notify me that we can not have more than 1 car. Mind you this is not posted anywhere when booking or on their website. Knowing they charge a different price for 1 person in a room vs 2 people in a room (for the same room) I am completely distraught. They are charging me extra for 2 people, but yet I still can't have an extra car. They also told me "Not to freak you out, but we do tow cars". I am completely freaking out, how do you expect me not to I have no where to park, no where to go, I don't know the area and I live far away and you're telling a paying customer you are going to tow them. WTF.... Thankfully another local hotel let me keep my car on their lot under surveillance. Ladies..... bring your own towels, if there is the slightest bit of make up on their towels they fine you. I guess their washing machines don't work very well. Which is concerning since you kinda need them to take a shower, and your also sleeping on their linens at night... Also bring your own blow dryer. The one in our room had a bunch of hair stuck in it, thank goodness I brought my own. The area is pretty scary, we went to find somewhere to eat and the roads are complete trash and the amount of homelessness and sketchy people we saw was insane. I didn't feel comfortable at all. I won't be returning. Hotels are suppose to be a safe place for you and your belongings, when you are away from home.And I couldn't even have my belongings (car) with me... Lesson learned... read more

See all

BED BUGS. We had a Sunday wedding that I was a bridesmaid in and didn't want to drive all the way home through the city late at night, so we booked a room. I chose this place because it had very good cleanliness ratings. I walked into the room and went the pull down the sheet and there was a BED BUG crawling on the top sheet. I let front desk know and she was extremely rude and pushy. There was no apology, no remorse for our ruined night. We had to put all of our things in garbage bags and take them to the laundry mat the next day to dry on high heat because I didn't want to chance bringing them into my home. I have never been so disgusted. She refused to give us trash bags at first and only would after we asked multiple times. While we were bagging our things up she stayed in the room watching us. This is the worst experience I have ever had at a hotel. The poor customer service made the whole situation worse. I had to demand a refund for a room we couldn't even stay in. read more

Stayed at this renovated 1950's family run motel for two nights. Just off of Lincoln Avenue in San Rafael and sheltered fro the street by a lot of trees and shrubs. It's quiet even though the street is busy during the daytime. Nicely appointed yes rooms that are extremely clean - this motel punches above its star rating. Lots of parking and a small office that does close and none pm. This is where you get breakfast as well - Starbucks coffee along with an assortment of pastries. Bottled water and pop are available throughout the day. One computer in the office are for general usage. The Wifi is quite strong. Reasonable price for Marin County. A hidden gem - would definitely stay again! read more

Friendly service, lots of extras we did not expect like free pastries and soda. Clean rooms, convenient location, although we ran into some sketchy people just outside the property. Overall it was a great experience, would highly recommend if you are staying in San Rafael. read more

This place was great. Rooms were spacious, very clean , beds and pillows were comfy. Would for sure stay here again.

We're here for just one night to attend a family wedding. We were able to check in early to dress for the wedding and the staff were so nice! The room was spacious and comfortable, there's plenty of parking, the price was good and the snack room was fully stocked. If you need a clean, comfortable room at a good price- stay here! read more

This is a wonderful place. Situated off the freeway and has first floor accommodations for all guests. The room is clean, comfortable and the staff very welcoming. Stayed at the Marin Lodge last year and returned this year for several stays. Highly recommend it. Minutes from Central San Rafael, ten minutes from Corte Madera. Check it out. read more

We all know how hard it is to get a room for one night. Had a wedding near by and was able to get one night for a great "bay area" price. They let us check in early so we could get ready after our 2.5 hr drive. Clean, quiet and kind of cute little place. Better than those big chains! Would stay again if needed to be in the area. Thank you!! read more

We enjoyed our stay. The staff were friendly, and the rooms were clean. It was useful to have a dorm-sized refrigerator and a microwave. The only small thing was that the rooms were a bit small, but we have no major complaints. I'd consider staying here again if we were in the area. read more

We stayed here once when the power was out at our house and it was a nice surprise. Nothing too fancy but nice and clean and a great value. We asked for a discount for locals under the duress in a bad storm and no power, and my husband need electricity due to medical needs , and while they didn't do anything in that front, the rate was low as it was. So that was ok. We had a queen room right by the front desk. The room was comfy and nice , w a huge bathroom, but I will caution that the family who runs the place lives above it, and we heard them loud and clear early the next day as they were getting up and moving around and talking loudly. They have continental breakfast there in the front desk / lobby area and noise from that wasn't bad , but just be aware that there will be people going in and out if you stay in the adjacent room. We had to go to work so it wasn't an issue the day we were there. The breakfast was fine. Danish and some coffee and juice. And some toast / bread products. They're trying but don't expect a feast ! All in all we were pleasantly surprised. It's convenient and close to north gate mall and restaurants. A good in expensive options for guests from out of town or ppl wanting to do Marin and wine country as it's centrally locates for those things. The family running it is nice and really ties to make it a nice experience. read more

We (me plus 2 coworkers) stayed here for 2 nights for a 2 day training, this location is perfect very close to our training location! About a mile to downtown. We had an excellent experience from the first phone call through to check in, comp breakfast (excellent coffee) and check out. Our rooms were very clean (especially the bathroom) and very accommodating and there was no noise. The service, exceptional, the beds and pillows were very comfy and clean. A most comfortable stay!  Note, this is not a 4/5-star hotel or so, but the atmosphere and the service is so special that it really felt like home. All respect for the staff and owners (who treated us like friends and family with an over the top accommodation!) who do a great job here; a true sample of excellent hospitality! read more

Rude, poor customer service, no patience while inquiring about prices via phone, interrupts while speaking and rushes you off the phone. I was going to book a room, but don't feel comfortable to do so now. read more