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

Find Cheap Hotels in San Rafael, CA

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November 2026

December 2026

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Our top choices for San Rafael cheap hotels

A reception area with a wooden reception desk, a red carpet, a comfortable armchair, and a potted plant.

1. Villa Inn

Lincoln

Jack

￥20,069 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 12 - Nov 13

A sign for Mur Woods Lodge with a stone pillar and a wooden signboard.

2. Muir Woods Lodge

Almonte

Edmund

￥14,507 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 25 - Nov 26

An outdoor seating area with wicker furniture, a glass-top fire pit, and potted plants.

3. Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf

Patricia

￥28,661 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 30 - Dec 1

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

4. Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Downtown San Francisco

Laura

￥22,195 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 29 - Nov 30

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk with a chair, a TV, and a view of the city.

5. Comfort Inn by the Bay

Cow Hollow

Grace

￥19,192 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 1 - Dec 2

A white car parked in a modern indoor space with a circular ceiling, large windows, and potted plants.

6. Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHG

Fisherman's Wharf

Angelo

￥30,240 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 29 - Nov 30

A spacious lobby with modern seating, a large abstract sculpture, and a high ceiling with linear lighting.

7. Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Downtown San Francisco

Joceline

￥38,718 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 13 - Nov 14

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, and a view of a cityscape.

8. Hotel Caza Fisherman´s Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf

Allyson

￥28,913 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 25 - Nov 26

A modern building with a prominent 'Inn' sign, featuring a mix of contemporary and classical architecture, located at a street corner with a clear view of the sky.

9. Inn on Broadway

Pacific Heights

Pedro A

￥15,704 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 29 - Nov 30

The exterior of the Chancellor Hotel with a green awning, a 'No Parking' sign, and a 'Restaurant & Bar' sign.

10. Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

Union Square

Jamie

￥19,240 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 22 - Nov 23

View all properties

Top San Rafael Hotel Reviews

Villa Inn

Lincoln

10/10 Excellent

Terri

A hotel room with a bed, a desk with a laptop, a TV, and a shower area.

Geary Parkway Motel At Mine Hospitality

Richmond District

10/10 Excellent

keren

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHG

Fisherman's Wharf

10/10 Excellent

Denise

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf

10/10 Excellent

JAMES DANIELS,

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Downtown San Francisco

10/10 Excellent

Marc

A wooden deck with a door, a bench, a chair, and a table.

San Remo Hotel

North Beach

10/10 Excellent

Nena

Hotel Caza Fisherman´s Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Comfort Inn by the Bay

Cow Hollow

10/10 Excellent

Comfort Inn was an excellent stay - so conveniently located. We were able to walk to fisherman’s wharf, scenic Lombard st is a few steps away and public transportation is easy to use and access right by the hotel that takes you to many of the must sees like Golden Gate Bridge painted ladies etc. Breakfast was good standard eggs, sausage/bacon and other options. There’s a make your own waffle area which foreigners seemed to be very fascinated with so that made a line but otherwise it was great....

Gloria

Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

Union Square

10/10 Excellent

My stay was fantastic. The only negative thing I experienced was that they removed the US flag from its place of honor at the peak of their hotel in order to fly a pride flag in its place. As a veteran whos friends gave their lives for the US and whos coffins were draped with that flag, this was intolerable. There were plenty other places they could and did fly the pride flag. It should never fly in lieu of the Stars and Stripes.

Chase

A neatly made bed with white linens and a wooden headboard, a bedside table with a lamp, and a wardrobe to the right.

Francisco Bay Inn

Cow Hollow

10/10 Excellent

Quyen

A rooftop terrace with outdoor seating, a potted plant, and a view of surrounding high-rise buildings.

Club Quarters Hotel Embarcadero, San Francisco

Downtown San Francisco

10/10 Excellent

Adonis

A reception area with a wooden counter, a globe, a television, and framed pictures on the wall.

Castle Inn

Downtown San Francisco

10/10 Excellent

Marc

A modern lounge area with a large window, a blackboard with a map, and a seating arrangement with orange cushions.

Samesun San Francisco - Hostel

Cow Hollow

10/10 Excellent

Kyle

A hotel room with a bed, a nightstand, a lamp, a sofa, and two framed pictures on the wall.

Lombard Plaza Motel

Marina District

10/10 Excellent

Isela

Inn on Broadway

Pacific Heights

10/10 Excellent

Bobilyn

A historic building with a corner entrance, large windows, and a fire escape.

Chapter San Francisco - Hostel

Western Addition

10/10 Excellent

Michael

A living room with a sofa, armchair, coffee table, and a wine bottle.

Cow Hollow Inn & Suites

Marina District

10/10 Excellent

Shermaine

Frequently Asked Questions

What is San Rafael like for travelers on a budget?

San Rafael has cheap accommodation options and a range of things to see and do, making it a budget-friendly vacation choice. In addition to its well-known attractions like 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 place to stay on a budget in San Rafael?

Based on our traveler 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, and keep 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 temp of 63°F, while the coldest months are January and February with an average of 51°F. Average annual precipitation for San Rafael is 21 inches.

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 Muir Woods National Monument and Pier 39, 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 Square.

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 nearest airport is 25 mi (40.3 km) away from the center in Oakland Intl. Airport (OAK). However, if that doesn't suit your budget, you can book a flight to San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO), located 25.9 mi (41.7 km) away. San Rafael might not have many public transportation choices so a car rental could be an economical alternative to see more of the area.

Find Cheap Hotels in San Rafael, CA

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

Our top choices for San Rafael cheap hotels

1. Villa Inn

2. Muir Woods Lodge

3. Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

4. Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

5. Comfort Inn by the Bay

6. Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHG

7. Hyatt Regency San Francisco

8. Hotel Caza Fisherman´s Wharf

9. Inn on Broadway

10. Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

Top San Rafael Hotel Reviews

Villa Inn

10/10 Excellent

Frequently Asked Questions

What is San Rafael like for travelers on a budget?

What's the best place to stay on a budget in San Rafael?

When is the best time for a budget trip to San Rafael?

What is there to see and do in San Rafael?

How can I get to San Rafael and get around on a budget?