The 7 best Bed and Breakfast Inns in Marin County, United States

April 23, 2023 Flossie Demartino

Some say it’s different, but residents of Marin County like their home that way. We’re betting you will too! Nestled between San Francisco and the Napa Valley, Marin County includes the cities of Tiburon, San Anselmo, San Rafael and Corte Madera. Activities in Marin County include the highly anticipated Concours d’Elegance, a festival of pre-1978 vehicles and British Sports Cars. Held at the Marin County Fairgrounds in May, the event features a wine-tasting, fine food and “The Drive,” a parade of classic cars winding their way through the scenic back roads of Marin and neighboring Sonoma Counties ending with a lunch reception in San Rafael. In July, be sure to head to the Marin County Fair and in August hit the San Rafael Food and Wine Festival. Treat yourself to some of the world-renowned local wine and watch the sun go down over the hills. Of course, there’s no shortage of natural beauty in Marin County. Beach lovers will enjoy Stinson Beach or Point Reyes National Seashore where wildlife abounds. Here you just might spot some Elephant Seals or Tule Elk among the rugged terrain or, from Point Reyes Lighthouse, catch a glimpse of a pod of whales. Go butterfly or bird watching and enjoy the many natural wonders of California’s Northern Coast. For some, no vacation would be complete without a round of golf. If you’re a golf aficionado, Marin County will not disappoint you. The area boasts several public and private courses in a variety of settings, including San Geronimo Golf Course. Situated on 150 acres of stunning landscape, this is a challenging course designed to test your game! Or, try the StoneTree Golf Club, a daily fee, 18-hole championship course. If hiking is more your style, check out Angel Island State Park. Accessible only by ferry, Angel Island offers spectacular views of most of the Bay Area, including San Francisco. Fishing more your style? Try McNear’s Beach Pier in San Rafael.
Things to do in Marin County

1. The Gables Inn Sausalito

62 Princess St, Sausalito, CA 94965-2219
Excellent
63%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 365 reviews

The Gables Inn Sausalito

Indulge yourself… The Gables Inn Sausalito welcomes you! Perfectly located in a quiet setting amongst a small grove of Buckeye trees on Princess Street, but only a minute walk to the San Francisco Ferry, art galleries, and world-class restaurants in the center of downtown Sausalito. In contrast to the activity in the nearby shops along Bridgeway Street, guests are immersed in tranquility by our peaceful location and setting. Return from your daily activities to relax around the fireplace and socialize or unwind in your exquisite room submerged in the oversized bathtub with spa jets. The spectacular amenities will inspire and re energize.Our genuine passion for providing a wonderful guest experience is evidenced in the brilliantly personalized service and attention to detail. It is our pleasure to host your next visit to Sausalito.

No Breakfast at this “B&B”

Reviewed By N295VInathand

If you are looking for a place to lay your head for the night, the Gables Inn will do. If you are looking for an “experience”, I recommend you look elsewhere! Rooms are badly outdated with tons of deferred maintenance. Carpet was pretty badly stained in many areas. Very little in the form of amenities here. The biggest issue for me was the non-existence of their famed “wine & cheese hour” or “delicious continental breakfast”. Apparently, they quietly stopped offering these perks sometime in the past few months. I re-checked their website and found no mention of wine hour or breakfast — that being said, it is ALL OVER THE INTERNET that they provide a wine reception in the evening and a nice breakfast in the mornings. I know the hotel is not responsible for what others post online, but it seems a bit disingenuous to coast off of old reviews. When I asked about breakfast, the lady working acted as if it was a ridiculous question…. No explanation, no apology, not even a suggestion of somewhere to eat instead. It really left a bad taste in my mouth, and next time I visit Sausalito I will be staying somewhere else.

2. Mill Valley Inn

165 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941-1909
Excellent
69%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 387 reviews

Mill Valley Inn

Mill Valley Inn is the one and only hotel in downtown Mill Valley. This intimate property is tucked away in a redwood grove at the foot of majestic Mt. Tamalpais. Just steps away from the bustling town plaza, guests of Mill Valley Inn enjoy convenient access to galleries, fine restaurants, boutiques and theaters, as well as close proximity to the many hikes and scenic vistas that Mt. Tamalpias has to offer. Mill Valley Inn combines the sophistication of a small European hotel with the cozy charm of a historic California mill town.

The perfect fusion of charm and luxury

Reviewed By Jalor8

My husband and I stayed here for our anniversary. Delighted. If you love charm and nature, this is for you. We stayed in the Penthouse suite for the first part of our week. It was previously booked for the weekend so the last 2 nights of our trip we stayed in a king deluxe room. Both rooms were so beautifully appointed and luxuriously comfortable. The penthouse suite has a spa shower and bath to die for. The personal deck, the kitchenette. I felt like royalty. The penthouse suite does have an A frame ceiling so just be aware in some corners if you're tall. The king deluxe room- has the most delightful deck. The fireplace in the room added such functional aesthetic. It was a win. The location was perfect. So easy to get to CA 101 and connect to everything. Yet the town of mill valley offered so much of its own, you didn't have to go anywhere. One last note: We had a minor miscommunication on charges while there and the attention to the matter was immediate and professionally handled with courtesy and genuine care. I was won over by the small town attentiveness, the smiling faces, and royalty treatment. Will recommend highly.

3. Villa Inn

1600 Lincoln Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901-1931
Excellent
17%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
27%
Poor
21%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

3 based on 90 reviews

Villa Inn

Villa Inn is an excellent choice for travelers visiting San Rafael, offering a budget friendly environment alongside many helpful amenities designed to enhance your stay. Rooms at Villa Inn offer a refrigerator, air conditioning, and a seating area providing exceptional comfort and convenience, and guests can go online with free wifi. A 24 hour front desk is one of the conveniences offered at this inn. Free breakfast will also help to make your stay even more special. If you are driving to Villa Inn, free parking is available. Given the close proximity to Bartolini gallery, Marin Center (1.3 mi), guests of Villa Inn can easily experience one of San Rafael's most popular landmarks. If you’re looking for a diner, consider a visit to Lundy's Home Cooking, Le Croissant Restaurant, or Black Bear Diner, which are all conveniently located a short distance from Villa Inn. If you are interested in exploring San Rafael, check out one of the history museums, such as Museum of International Propaganda and Marin History Museum. Enjoy your stay in San Rafael!

Nice room, but thin walls and clogged shower drain

Reviewed By cqfp123

Spent one night. The location is quiet, but the walls are very thin, and one can hear conversations in the other rooms. Fortunately it quieted down after hours. The room was attractive, spacious and clean, with comfortable bed and pillows. Room amenities included refrigerator, coffee maker and microwave. Plenty of conveniently located power jacks. Shower with excellent water pressure, but the drain was clogged (not with hair or anything that I could remove) - the water drained very slowly, and the base filled up quickly, so I had to turn the water off every couple of minutes to avoid overflowing. Not sure how housekeeping didn't notice if they cleaned the shower. Wifi worked well. Convenient parking.

4. San Anselmo Inn

339 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, CA 94960-2647
Excellent
47%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
7%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 119 reviews

San Anselmo Inn

Located in a historic, turn of the century building, in the quaint and charming town of San Anselmo, our Inn offers the very best in hospitality and personalized service. We provide the comfort and modern amenities that insure your stay in the San Francisco Bay Area will be memorable and satisfying and a generous breakfast buffet is included with your room. While our staff is at your service to plan side trips, tours to the wine country, or other exciting adventures, business travelers will also find the casual, quiet atmosphere and central location ideal for productive work days, and our proximity to great dining within walking distance, the perfect place to relax. Homemade chocolate chip cookies served fresh every afternoon!Free wi-fi and free overnight parking. Try our VALENTI & CO, our new restaurant by Chef Duilio Valenti, born and raised in Milan, who brings to San Anselmo the cuisine inspired by the love of his homeland and the incredible quality of our Northern California wholesome ingredients.

Most inhospitable inn in recent memory

Reviewed By chumbud

The so-called inn is really the back of a restaurant , complete with all the smells from the kitchen. There is old, faded furniture and a ratty old rug in the room, not to mention the crabbiest of managers. Don't bother considering this place

5. Fairfax Inn Bed and Breakfast

15 Broadway Blvd, Fairfax, CA 94930-1622
Excellent
17%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
23%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 30 reviews

Fairfax Inn Bed and Breakfast

Fairfax Inn Bed and Breakfast is an excellent choice for travelers visiting Fairfax, offering a romantic environment alongside many helpful amenities designed to enhance your stay. Rooms at Fairfax Inn Bed and Breakfast provide air conditioning, and guests can stay connected with free wifi. Need a place to park? Free parking is available at Fairfax Inn Bed and Breakfast. Travelers looking to enjoy some crab can head to Hummingbird Cafe or Barefoot Cafe. Otherwise, you may want to check out a Mexican restaurant such as Mas Masa, Good Earth Natural Foods, or Avatar Punjabi Burritos. If you’re looking for things to do, you can check out Cataract Falls (0.1 mi), Marin Museum of Bicycling and Mountain Bike Hall of Fame (0.1 mi), or Mine Gallery (0.1 mi), which are popular attractions amongst tourists, and they are all within walking distance. Enjoy your stay in Fairfax!

Has seen better times long ago...

Reviewed By CBOPrivat

This motel has maybe seen better times, but many years ago! Dark rooms, which really need to be renovated. Dirty floor, dirty bedsheets, dirty bathroom. Very loud neighbors, no privacy. You can not call the breakfast “breakfast”, it’s just long-standing coffee and donats packed in plastic. Open fire place, air condition and WiFi out of order. I can not recommend this motel.

6. The Gables Inn Sausalito

62 Princess St, Sausalito, CA 94965-2219
Excellent
63%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 365 reviews

The Gables Inn Sausalito

Indulge yourself… The Gables Inn Sausalito welcomes you! Perfectly located in a quiet setting amongst a small grove of Buckeye trees on Princess Street, but only a minute walk to the San Francisco Ferry, art galleries, and world-class restaurants in the center of downtown Sausalito. In contrast to the activity in the nearby shops along Bridgeway Street, guests are immersed in tranquility by our peaceful location and setting. Return from your daily activities to relax around the fireplace and socialize or unwind in your exquisite room submerged in the oversized bathtub with spa jets. The spectacular amenities will inspire and re energize.Our genuine passion for providing a wonderful guest experience is evidenced in the brilliantly personalized service and attention to detail. It is our pleasure to host your next visit to Sausalito.

No Breakfast at this “B&B”

Reviewed By N295VInathand

If you are looking for a place to lay your head for the night, the Gables Inn will do. If you are looking for an “experience”, I recommend you look elsewhere! Rooms are badly outdated with tons of deferred maintenance. Carpet was pretty badly stained in many areas. Very little in the form of amenities here. The biggest issue for me was the non-existence of their famed “wine & cheese hour” or “delicious continental breakfast”. Apparently, they quietly stopped offering these perks sometime in the past few months. I re-checked their website and found no mention of wine hour or breakfast — that being said, it is ALL OVER THE INTERNET that they provide a wine reception in the evening and a nice breakfast in the mornings. I know the hotel is not responsible for what others post online, but it seems a bit disingenuous to coast off of old reviews. When I asked about breakfast, the lady working acted as if it was a ridiculous question…. No explanation, no apology, not even a suggestion of somewhere to eat instead. It really left a bad taste in my mouth, and next time I visit Sausalito I will be staying somewhere else.

7. Ayenda Marlon

Cr 19 # 17-45, Sausalito, CA 500001
Ayenda Marlon

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