What is the difference between a 3-star hotel and a motel in San Rafael?

Motels generally offer cheaper rates compared to hotels, which makes them excellent if you're exploring around San Rafael and sticking to a budget. A good option for overnight trips, these roadside accommodations come with simply furnished rooms, limited services and ample parking. Opt for a 3-star hotel and you can expect to pay extra for additional comfort, privacy and conveniences. Travelers can make use of things like a gym, free WiFi and meeting rooms at this property type.

Are there any 3-star hotels with free breakfast in San Rafael?

Keep your budget in check at one of our 3-star hotels with free breakfast in San Rafael. Jump out of bed and grab a coffee at Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn , which has a swimming pool and a barbecue grill. Acqua Hotel is another getaway that provides your morning food and drinks without charge.

Do any 3-star hotels in San Rafael have a pool?

Take dips in between tours and activities at Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael Marin County or Courtyard San Francisco Larkspur Landing/Marin County . They're leading 3-star escapes that have a pool in San Rafael. The summer months of June, July and August are a fabulous time to book a hotel with a pool here. If you arrive in the warmest month of September, you'll experience average temperatures of 57ºF at night to 73ºF during the day.

What 3-star hotels in San Rafael have an on-site restaurant?

Stay in one of Expedia's San Rafael escapes with an on-site restaurant and you won't have to venture far beyond your room when your tummy rumbles. Courtyard San Francisco Larkspur Landing/Marin County and Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael Marin County are two 3-star stays that have this convenience on the menu. The first also has amenities like a swimming pool and a cafe, while the second includes a swimming pool and pool sun loungers.

Do any 3-star hotels in San Rafael have WiFi?

Whether you want to keep in touch with friends and family, watch movies or access information on the go, browsing the internet couldn't be simpler at one of our 3-star hotels. You'll be able to hook up to the WiFi at Expedia's range of accommodations like Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael Marin County and Courtyard San Francisco Larkspur Landing/Marin County .

What 3-star hotels in San Rafael have parking?

If you're planning to get around San Rafael by car, Courtyard San Francisco Larkspur Landing/Marin County offers a space for your wheels. Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael Marin County is also a 3-star property with parking. Looking for some sightseeing opportunities away from the city? Slide behind the wheel and hit the highways. Stanford University and Californias Great America are favorite day trip options from the heart of San Rafael.

The Best 3 Star Hotels in San Rafael, CA from $79

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Our top choices for San Rafael 3-star hotels

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a large window with a city view.

1. Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Downtown San Francisco

Sebastian Pablo

$119 nightly

Nov 29 - Nov 30

Total with taxes and fees

A hotel reception area with a polished marble floor, wooden paneling, and a reception desk with a computer and a telephone.

2. The Pickwick Hotel

Downtown San Francisco

Jennifer

$134 nightly

Nov 12 - Nov 13

Total with taxes and fees

A hotel courtyard with a swimming pool, lounge chairs, and potted plants.

3. Handlery Union Square Hotel

Union Square

Kelly

$149 nightly

Nov 21 - Nov 22

Total with taxes and fees

A lobby with seating, a reception desk, and large windows.

4. Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

Union Square

Jamie

$98 nightly

Nov 8 - Nov 9

Total with taxes and fees

A hotel room with a sofa, armchair, and a bed. There is a view of the city through the window.

5. Sonesta Emeryville - San Francisco Bay Bridge

Emeryville

Bella

$133 nightly

Nov 26 - Nov 27

Total with taxes and fees

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

6. Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown

Downtown San Francisco

Jamaya

$170 nightly

Nov 22 - Nov 23

Total with taxes and fees

A spacious living area with a round seating arrangement, a wooden reception desk, and a staircase.

7. Tilden Hotel

Union Square

Kimberly

$67 nightly

Nov 22 - Nov 23

Total with taxes and fees

A bar area with a checkered floor, bar stools, and a bar counter with bottles.

8. Hotel Julian

Downtown San Francisco

Cayla

$136 nightly

Nov 23 - Nov 24

Total with taxes and fees

A modern bistro with a curved counter, a variety of food and drink options, and a seating area with tables and chairs.

9. Courtyard by Marriott Vallejo Napa Valley

Vallejo

Luis

$93 nightly

Nov 9 - Nov 10

Total with taxes and fees

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

10. Stanyan Park Hotel

Golden Gate

Kimberly

$244 nightly

Nov 11 - Nov 12

Total with taxes and fees

A modern reception area with a stone wall and a wooden ceiling.

11. Executive Inn & Suites Embarcadero Cove

San Antonio

Ronald

$131 nightly

Dec 8 - Dec 9

Total with taxes and fees

A restaurant with a classic interior, featuring wooden tables and chairs, chandeliers, and large windows with views outside.

12. The Mosser

Downtown San Francisco

Jiaqi

$84 nightly

Nov 22 - Nov 23

Total with taxes and fees

A modern kitchen with a bar area, featuring a long counter, bar stools, pendant lighting, and a view into the dining area.

13. King George Hotel

Union Square

Jessica J

$127 nightly

Nov 8 - Nov 9

Total with taxes and fees

A four-poster bed with a canopy, bedside tables with lamps, and a framed picture on the wall.

14. Hotel Majestic

Western Addition

Donald

$144 nightly

Nov 29 - Nov 30

Total with taxes and fees

An outdoor seating area with a fire feature and a mural.

15. Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco

Fisherman's Wharf

Jose Ignacio

$135 nightly

Nov 29 - Nov 30

Total with taxes and fees

A marina with multiple boats docked, a large hotel with a sign reading "Shandon," and a backdrop of green hills.

16. Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country Petaluma

Petaluma

Donald

$118 nightly

Nov 12 - Nov 13

Total with taxes and fees

A bar area with a wooden ceiling, a bar counter, and multiple bar stools.

17. The Phoenix Hotel

Downtown San Francisco

Katherine

$134 nightly

Dec 1 - Dec 2

Total with taxes and fees

An outdoor seating area with wicker furniture, fire feature, and umbrellas.

18. Hilton Garden Inn San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge

Emeryville

Yan

$114 nightly

Nov 22 - Nov 23

Total with taxes and fees

19. The Lodge at Tiburon

Tiburon

Tom

$264 nightly

Dec 8 - Dec 9

Total with taxes and fees

A hotel room with two beds, a wooden accent wall, a ceiling fan, and a large window with curtains.

20. Hotel 32One

Union Square

Braelyn

$119 nightly

Nov 22 - Nov 23

Total with taxes and fees

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Many 4-star hotels have the same amenities as 3-star hotels. See all 4-star hotels in San Rafael.

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

2500 Mason St San Francisco CA

$154 nightly

$181 total

Nov 8 - Nov 9

Total with taxes and fees

9/10 Wonderful! (7,740 reviews)

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Learn more about San Rafael

Just 20 minutes from San Francisco, this Marin County gem offers perfect access to Muir Woods' towering redwoods and Point Reyes' wild beaches. Explore the revitalized downtown's farm-to-table restaurants before catching an indie film at the historic Rafael Theater, where locals gather for post-screening discussions.

See all hotels in San Rafael

A long bridge spanning a body of water with mountains in the background during twilight.

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Three Star Hotel Guide for San Rafael

There’s a reason the top 3 star hotels in San Rafael, California are so incredibly popular: They combine comforting amenities and just-for-you service with some of the best rates and discounts the area has to offer. When you book a stay at a three star hotel in San Rafael, you’ll get access to perfect little perks like on-site restaurants and cocktail bars, well-appointed fitness centers, and spacious rooms.

Search for a cheap deal on a 3 star upscale hotel in San Rafael for the most elegant experience, or grab a low rate on one of the cheap 3 star hotels in San Rafael near the local attractions, if you want something a touch more unassuming. Whatever your traveling style, make sure to use the search tools at Expedia to track down prices, read more about amenities, and score a few local discounts.

From business trips to family getaways, the San Rafael 3 star hotels offer a fantastic home base for any type of vacation.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best 3-star hotels in San Rafael?

Our guests highly recommend Courtyard San Francisco Larkspur Landing/Marin County. It features hypo-allergenic bedding and a swimming pool, and is around 4 mi southeast of central San Rafael. Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael Marin County is another leading 3-star hotel. Located approximately 4 mi north of the downtown area, it offers a swimming pool and a garden.

How much does it cost to stay in a 3-star hotel in San Rafael?

Find the perfect combination of quality, comfort and affordability at a 3-star hotel in San Rafael with our filters. Enter your preferred travel dates and then fine-tune your search based on what you want to spend per night.

Search for the lowest price per night right now from $110

What is the difference between a 4-star and 3-star hotel in San Rafael?

The most obvious difference between a 3- and 4-star hotel in San Rafael will be the standard of service and availability of creature comforts. Three-star hotels are usually more wallet-friendly and come with the services and amenities you need to be comfy, such as breakfast, a gym and WiFi. You can count on a bit more at a 4-star hotel — think upscale furnishings, deluxe bathroom products and extra touches like on-site spa centers.

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Check availability on San Rafael 3 Star Hotels

Our top choices for San Rafael 3-star hotels

1. Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

2. The Pickwick Hotel

3. Handlery Union Square Hotel

4. Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

5. Sonesta Emeryville - San Francisco Bay Bridge

6. Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown

7. Tilden Hotel

8. Hotel Julian

9. Courtyard by Marriott Vallejo Napa Valley

10. Stanyan Park Hotel

11. Executive Inn & Suites Embarcadero Cove

12. The Mosser

13. King George Hotel

14. Hotel Majestic

15. Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco

16. Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country Petaluma

17. The Phoenix Hotel

18. Hilton Garden Inn San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge

19. The Lodge at Tiburon

20. Hotel 32One

Explore similar 4-star hotels

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Learn more about San Rafael

Top San Rafael Hotel Reviews

Find out more about San Rafael

Three Star Hotel Guide for San Rafael

Frequently asked questions

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Find 3 Star Hotels in San Rafael, CA from $79

Upfront pricing

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check availability on San Rafael 3 Star Hotels

Our top choices for San Rafael 3-star hotels

1. Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

2. The Pickwick Hotel

3. Handlery Union Square Hotel

4. Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

5. Sonesta Emeryville - San Francisco Bay Bridge

6. Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown

7. Tilden Hotel

8. Hotel Julian

9. Courtyard by Marriott Vallejo Napa Valley

10. Stanyan Park Hotel

11. Executive Inn & Suites Embarcadero Cove

12. The Mosser

13. King George Hotel

14. Hotel Majestic

15. Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco

16. Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country Petaluma

17. The Phoenix Hotel

18. Hilton Garden Inn San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge

19. The Lodge at Tiburon

20. Hotel 32One

Explore similar 4-star hotels

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Learn more about San Rafael

Top San Rafael Hotel Reviews

Find out more about San Rafael

Three Star Hotel Guide for San Rafael

Frequently asked questions

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