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

Search Cheap Hotels in San Rafael

  • Change your mind

    Book hotels with free cancellation

  • Treat yourself

    Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
    Sign in

  • Be picky

    Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check availability on San Rafael Cheap Hotels

Tonight
29 Aug - 30 Aug
Tomorrow
30 Aug - 31 Aug
Next weekend
4 Sep - 6 Sep
In two weeks
11 Sep - 13 Sep

Our top choices for San Rafael cheap hotels

A multi-level atrium with a central open space, seating areas, and a bar/lounge with a view of the surrounding floors.
A modern bar area with a long counter, multiple bar stools, and a seating area with sofas and chairs.
A modern hotel lobby with a high ceiling, multiple floors, and a large digital art display.
A multi-level atrium with a central open space, tiered seating, and a variety of seating arrangements.

1. Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center
Las Gallinas
United States
Alexis
฿5,132
฿5,757 total
includes taxes & fees
31 Aug - 1 Sept
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center
A sign for Marin Lodge with a 'No Vacancy' message.
A person standing at a reception desk with a television mounted on the wall above, a thermostat, and a computer monitor to the right.
A covered outdoor seating area with a table and chairs, a wheelchair-accessible entrance, and a building with a tiled roof and greenery.
A building with a sign labeled "OFFICE" on the front door, a "NO SMOKING" sign, and a welcome sign.

2. Marin Lodge

Marin Lodge
Lincoln
United States
kay
฿3,609
฿4,042 total
includes taxes & fees
31 Aug - 1 Sept
Marin Lodge
A two-story building with a balcony and a porch, surrounded by potted plants and trees.
A balcony with wicker furniture and a glass table.
A living room with a sofa, a television, a kitchen area, and a dining table.
A compact living space with a kitchenette, a dining area, and a sofa.

3. Panama Hotel

Panama Hotel
Gerstle Park
United States
Verne
฿2,848
฿3,195 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Sept - 28 Sept
Panama Hotel
A hotel room with two beds, a desk, and a window with curtains.
A modern bathroom with a black countertop sink, a mirror, and a shower area with a towel rack.
A hotel entrance with a covered driveway, a sign for 'SureSt Hotel', and a view of parked cars.
A residential area with a well-maintained lawn, a palm tree, and a house with a tiled roof and a metal fence.

4. SureStay Hotel by Best Western San Rafael

SureStay Hotel by Best Western San Rafael
Canal
United States
mirela
฿3,716
฿4,162 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Sept - 14 Sept
SureStay Hotel by Best Western San Rafael
A restaurant with leather booths, wooden tables, and hanging light fixtures.
A modern bar area with multiple seating options, including leather booths and tables, and a bar counter with a variety of bottles.
A modern living room with a fireplace, a sofa, a coffee table, and a desk with a computer.

5. Marin Hilltop Hotel

Marin Hilltop Hotel
North San Rafael Town Center
Canada
Ivan
฿5,331
฿5,981 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Sept - 7 Sept
Marin Hilltop Hotel
A restaurant with wooden floors, black chairs, and tables. There are framed pictures on the wall and a window with curtains.
A reception area with a wooden reception desk, a red carpet, a comfortable armchair, and a potted plant.
A hotel room with a large bed, two bedside tables with lamps, a small table with chairs, and a window with curtains.
A Villa Inn motel with a signboard, surrounded by greenery and a mountainous backdrop.

6. Villa Inn

Villa Inn
Lincoln
United States
cassandra
฿3,755
฿4,205 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Aug - 31 Aug
Villa Inn
A rooftop terrace with outdoor seating, a fire pit, and a view of the surrounding landscape.
A modern hotel with a glass facade, a prominent entrance, and a corner location.
A modern lobby with sofas, a bar area, and a coffee table.
A reception area with a marble counter, wooden paneling, and a receptionist.

7. AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown

AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown
Downtown San Rafael
United States
Alex
฿6,688
฿7,504 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown
A swimming pool with clear blue water, surrounded by a tiled floor and beige walls. There are yellow chairs and a small planter with plants near the pool.
A hotel with a parking lot, a covered entrance, and a building with multiple windows and balconies.

8. Extended Stay America Suites San Rafael Francisco Blvd East

Extended Stay America Suites San Rafael Francisco Blvd East
Southeast San Rafael
United States
Katherine
฿4,593
฿5,153 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
Extended Stay America Suites San Rafael Francisco Blvd East
A reception desk with a sign reading "NORTH BAY INN" above it.
A North Bay Inn sign with a vacancy message, surrounded by landscaping and a building with a red-tiled roof.
A hotel reception area with a television displaying a news program, a vase with flowers, and a water dispenser.
A hotel room with a bed, a sofa, a nightstand, and a table with a tray.

9. North Bay Inn

North Bay Inn
Canal
United States
Roseanne
฿3,932
฿4,404 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Aug - 31 Aug
North Bay Inn
A modern kitchen with a central island, built-in cabinetry, and a dining area with a round table and chairs.
A dining area with a glass table, wooden chairs, and a view of a garden through glass doors.
A spacious living room with a wooden entertainment center, a dining area with a glass door, and a white shelving unit with decorative items.
A modern kitchen with a central island, a dining area with a glass table, and a cozy living room with a sofa and fireplace.

10. Designer Apartment < 1 Mile to Downtown San Rafael

Designer Apartment < 1 Mile to Downtown San Rafael
Lincoln
฿6,390
฿13,962 total
includes taxes & fees
14 Sept - 15 Sept
Designer Apartment < 1 Mile to Downtown San Rafael
View all properties

Top San Rafael Hotel Reviews

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

8/10 Good
"Clean and comfortable overall. The walls are thin so you can hear other guests if they’re not considerate of others."
Giovanni 2-night trip
Posted less than an hour ago
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf

8/10 Good
"Property was in a good location. Very close to Fisherman’s Wharf and walkable to many other locations. Staff was very friendly. Hotel was very well maintained and nice. Parking onsite at the hotel is expensive. Our room looked directly out on an apartment, so that wasn’t ideal, but it is a downtown area."
Ginny 1-night trip
Posted 1 hour ago
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf
Fairmont San Francisco

Fairmont San Francisco

10/10 Excellent
"This is a beautiful historic hotel. We stayed on a Sunday night and we’re disappointed to find out the Tonga room is not open Sunday through Wednesday however the wonderful lady that checked us in arranged for a private tour of the Tonga room. We also took advantage of the rooftop garden, enjoying a bottle of wine and charcuterie. The concierge’s recommended a perfect walking distance little boutique Italian restaurant. We were traveling with my 85-year-old mother who cannot walk very far so this restaurant was a gem. I will definitely stay at the Fairmont again and hopefully come Wednesday through Saturday to enjoy the Tonga room."
sarah 1-night trip
Posted 3 hours ago
Fairmont San Francisco
Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Hyatt Regency San Francisco

10/10 Excellent
"We were blown away by the service from valet, to front desk, to housekeeping, to the bartenders. This was old-fashioned, customer-first service. Our balcony view was breathtaking and the bed and room comfortable and enormous. Bathroom upgraded. So fantastic. I am sad we only stayed one night. We cannot wait to come back."
JENNIFER 1-night trip
Posted 3 hours ago
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

10/10 Excellent
"We loved our stay. The hotel is clean and bright and comfortable. Breakfast buffet was amazing! It is situated an easy walk away from Fishermans Warf and the Pier. Travelling with kids, this made it easy. Parking is a bit expensive, but there are off site lots close by to choose from if preferred. Highly recommend!"
Nicole 2-night trip
Posted 4 hours ago
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

10/10 Excellent
"Great experience"
Jacqueline 1-night trip
Posted 9 hours ago
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
InterContinental Mark Hopkins by IHG

InterContinental Mark Hopkins by IHG

10/10 Excellent
"Perfect location! Lovely room with traditional decor and amenities including dresser drawers, hangers, iron as well as a tub mat to prevent slipping and modern charging station, large desk. Staff was wonderful in all areas. Icing on the cake was the views from the Top of The Mark. We could not have been happier in our 6 days at the hotel and will definitely return to this hotel."
Madelyn 6-night trip
Posted 10 hours ago
InterContinental Mark Hopkins by IHG
The Pickwick Hotel

The Pickwick Hotel

10/10 Excellent
"Staff was friendly and the room was clean."
Steven 1-night trip
Posted 15 hours ago
The Pickwick Hotel
Hilton San Francisco Union Square

Hilton San Francisco Union Square

10/10 Excellent
"Higher floor and city view are recommended."
THAWEECHOKE 2-night trip
Posted 1 day ago
Hilton San Francisco Union Square

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.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia