The Golden Gate Bridge at dusk with city lights in the background.

Cheap Hotels & Resorts in San Rafael from AU$129

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Check availability on San Rafael Cheap Hotels

Tonight
6 Sept - 7 Sept
Tomorrow
7 Sept - 8 Sept
Next weekend
11 Sept - 13 Sept
In two weeks
18 Sept - 20 Sept

Our top choices for San Rafael cheap hotels

1. Villa Inn

Villa Inn
Lincoln
United States
cassandra
AU$157
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
Villa Inn

2. Marin Lodge

Marin Lodge
Lincoln
United States
kay
AU$201
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
Marin Lodge

3. North Bay Inn

North Bay Inn
Canal
United States
Eric
AU$183
includes taxes & fees
7 Oct - 8 Oct
North Bay Inn

4. Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center
Las Gallinas
United States
Alexis
AU$242
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center

5. Marin Hilltop Hotel

Marin Hilltop Hotel
North San Rafael Town Center
United States
Kristen
AU$251
includes taxes & fees
13 Sept - 14 Sept
Marin Hilltop Hotel

6. AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown

AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown
Downtown San Rafael
United States
Alex
AU$315
includes taxes & fees
9 Sept - 10 Sept
AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown

7. Extended Stay America Suites San Rafael Francisco Blvd East

Extended Stay America Suites San Rafael Francisco Blvd East
Southeast San Rafael
United States
Katherine
AU$206
includes taxes & fees
4 Oct - 5 Oct
Extended Stay America Suites San Rafael Francisco Blvd East

8. SureStay Hotel by Best Western San Rafael

SureStay Hotel by Best Western San Rafael
Canal
United States
mirela
AU$175
includes taxes & fees
20 Sept - 21 Sept
SureStay Hotel by Best Western San Rafael

9. Panama Hotel

Panama Hotel
Gerstle Park
United States
finn
AU$129
includes taxes & fees
7 Oct - 8 Oct
Panama Hotel

10. Designer Apartment < 1 Mile to Downtown San Rafael

Designer Apartment < 1 Mile to Downtown San Rafael
Lincoln
AU$585
includes taxes & fees
14 Sept - 15 Sept
Designer Apartment < 1 Mile to Downtown San Rafael
View all properties

Find out more about San Rafael

Discover cheap things to do in San Rafael

San Rafael, California, offers a wealth of affordable experiences perfect for budget-conscious travellers seeking quality. Begin your exploration at the stunning Marin Civic Center, designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll around its beautiful grounds without spending a penny. Nature lovers will appreciate the expansive China Camp State Park, which features scenic hiking trails and stunning views of the bay – perfect for a family picnic without breaking the bank. For art enthusiasts, the Marin History Museum presents intriguing exhibits on local history and culture, and many of its events are free or low-cost. Foodies can delight in the vibrant farmers' market held each Thursday, where fresh produce and local delicacies can be sampled at bargain prices. Finally, the charming downtown area, with its eclectic shops and cafes, invites you to explore at your own pace; consider grabbing a coffee while people-watching in the park. Staying near the downtown area not only puts you in nearby these attractions but also offers a selection of budget-friendly hotels that provide quality service and convenience, ensuring your family enjoys a comfortable and memorable stay.

Find the best cheap hotels in San Rafael

For budget-conscious travelers heading to San Rafael, California, these hotels offer great value without compromising comfort. Each hotel provides essential amenities to ensure a pleasant stay.Marin Lodge

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Marin Lodge is an excellent choice for budget travelers, with a stellar review rating of 9.6. This charming lodge offers essential amenities like free Wi-Fi, free toiletries, and complimentary self-parking, making it a straightforward option for travelers looking to save while enjoying their stay in San Rafael.
  • Other amenities: Guests can expect daily housekeeping services to keep their rooms tidy and comfortable. The lodge also features a microwave for added convenience, ensuring that travelers can prepare simple meals or snacks during their stay. With a child-friendly window design and free cribs available, families will find this location particularly accommodating. The self-parking options and uncovered parking spaces add further ease for those travelling with their own vehicles.
  • Nearby attractions: Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market - 1.8 km, Dominican University of California - 1.2 km, Mission San Rafael Arcangel - 1.8 km

Four Points by Sheraton San Rafael Marin County

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: For those seeking a slightly upgraded budget experience, the Four Points by Sheraton San Rafael Marin County stands out with a solid review rating of 8.6. This hotel combines affordability with comfort, offering travelers free Wi-Fi, complimentary toiletries, and free self-parking, making it perfect for cost-effective stays without sacrificing amenities.
  • Other amenities: Guests can enjoy a delightful outdoor pool and hot tub, perfect for relaxation after a day of exploring. The hotel features a terrace and patio, offering spaces to unwind outdoors. For those who love the outdoors, nearby hiking and biking trails provide ample opportunity for adventure. A poolside restaurant and a 24-hour fitness centre ensure travelers have options for dining and staying active during their visit.
  • Nearby attractions: Marin County Civic Center - 2 km, Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market - 2.1 km, Dominican University of California - 4.1 km

North Bay Inn

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: North Bay Inn is a solid budget-friendly option with a review rating of 7.8, making it a reliable choice for cost-conscious travelers. Guests will appreciate the free Wi-Fi and complimentary toiletries, alongside free self-parking for added convenience during their stay.
  • Other amenities: This hotel features daily housekeeping to ensure a tidy room and includes a microwave for travelers looking to prepare light meals. The air conditioning provides comfort during warmer months, and the sofa bed offers additional flexibility for accommodating extra travelers.
  • Nearby attractions: Dominican University of California - 3.1 km, Mission San Rafael Arcangel - 3.3 km, San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park - 3.8 km

Top San Rafael Hotel Reviews

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

8/10 Good
"Holiday Inn San Francisco-Golden Gateway Review 5/5 Stars — Exceptional Location and Value Staying here with family was an absolute pleasure, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Perfectly situated in Nob Hill, the hotel puts you within a very short walk to fantastic dining options along Polk Street. Getting around the city is effortless, with convenient access to public transit right outside, plus reliable car service availability via Waymo and Uber. The property offers great amenities for families and travelers alike. The pool and gym access are fantastic, with the gym open 24 hours and a convenient laundry facility on-site. The on-site restaurant delivers great meal service, making dining in exceptionally easy after a long day of exploring. Additionally, having a hospital nearby adds an extra layer of peace of mind. Considering the unbeatable location, excellent amenities, and very reasonable room rates, this hotel easily earns a 5-star rating. Highly recommended for families visiting San Francisco!"
Janice 4-night trip
Posted 1 hour ago
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

10/10 Excellent
"Amazing and great location and the Buffett breakfast was awesome"
KariAnn 4-night trip
Posted 1 hour ago
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Handlery Union Square Hotel

Handlery Union Square Hotel

8/10 Good
"Céntrico,"
BLANCA PATRICIA JUAN 3-night trip
Posted 2 hours ago
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Grand Hyatt San Francisco

Grand Hyatt San Francisco

10/10 Excellent
"Definitely staying here again, I had an issue with my airline that delayed the flight one day and the hotel kept my reservation intact so I could check in a day after. We loved the hotel and the surrounding area, staff is always super friendly, looking forward to returning!"
Hans Roberto 6-night trip
Posted 2 hours ago
Grand Hyatt San Francisco
The Pickwick Hotel

The Pickwick Hotel

10/10 Excellent
"Welcoming ,"
Stephanie Marin 2-night trip
Posted 3 hours ago
The Pickwick Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina

10/10 Excellent
"Deepa from the boathouse and Lynn the guy at breakfast was very pleasant and hospitable. Thank you this was my second time staying here and it was a wonderful experience."
Dilasha 3-night trip
Posted 4 hours ago
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina
The Marker Union Square San Francisco

The Marker Union Square San Francisco

8/10 Good
"Great hotel, but near an area of San Francisco with lots of homeless and drugged out folks. You can walk the other way, but make sure you are heading away from the “Tenderloin” area"
Allison 2-night trip
Posted 5 hours ago
The Marker Union Square San Francisco
Stanford Court San Francisco

Stanford Court San Francisco

10/10 Excellent
"We had a wonderful stay at this hotel! The room was comfortable, clean, and welcoming, but the highlight was definitely the beautiful view. Waking up and relaxing in the room while enjoying the scenery made the stay feel extra special. The location was convenient, the staff were friendly and accommodating, and everything was well maintained. Overall, it was a relaxing and enjoyable experience, and we would definitely consider staying here again. Highly recommended, especially if you can get a room with a view!"
Jonnel 3-night trip
Posted 5 hours ago
Stanford Court San Francisco
Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Hyatt Regency San Francisco

10/10 Excellent
"This is a great hotel to stay for business or vacation! rooms with good view of the ferry building and bay bridge.. very nice breakfast selection in addition to that is a very huge and beautiful lobby! The location is tough to beat! :)"
Jonnel 1-night trip
Posted 5 hours ago
Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Frequently asked questions

What is San Rafael like for travellers on a budget?
San Rafael has cheap accommodation options and a variety of places to visit, making it a budget-friendly holiday choice. In addition to its well-known attractions such as San Francisco Bay, this destination is home to Gerstle Park and Field of Dogs Dog Park, which you can enjoy while spending very little.
What's the best budget-friendly accommodation in San Rafael?
Based on our traveller reviews, Villa Inn is a top choice for a less expensive stay.
When is the best time for a budget trip to San Rafael?
Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to San Rafael, but bear in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually September and August, with an average temperature of 17°C, while the coldest months are January and February, with an average of 11°C. Average annual precipitation for San Rafael is 543 mm.
What is there to see and do in San Rafael?
San Rafael attracts visitors with its major shopping area and fantastic dining options, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the popular local attractions that are highest on your list, such as Pier 39 and Oracle Park, and choose other low-cost activities to fill your itinerary. Head to Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market and Chestnut Street for some bargain shopping, or hunt for deals at Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience.
How can I get to San Rafael and get around on a budget?
Scoping out the transportation options in San Rafael is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The closest airport is 25 mi (40.3 km) away from the centre in Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.). However, if that doesn't suit your budget, you can book a flight to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), located 25.9 mi (41.7 km) away. San Rafael might not have very many public transport choices so a rental car could be an economical alternative to see the area.

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