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AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown

Property class: 4
4-star hotel near Dominican University of California

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Photo gallery for AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown

Bar (on property)
A modern outdoor seating area with cushioned chairs, round tables, and potted plants.
A hotel room with a large bed, a smaller bed, a desk with a chair, a TV, and a window with curtains.
A modern lounge area with sofas, armchairs, a coffee table, and a bar with a variety of bottles.
The exterior of AC Hotel San Rafael with a modern facade, large glass windows, and a welcoming entrance.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
1201 5TH AVENUE, San Rafael, CA, 94901
  • Place, Mission San Rafael Arcangel
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Dominican University of California
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)
    ‪56 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a window with a view of trees and buildings.

Room, 1 King Bed

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, and a sofa. There are two windows with curtains, and a view of the cityscape.

Room, 1 King Bed

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a window with a view of trees and buildings.

Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower, Mountain View

A hotel room with a large bed, two armchairs, a small table, and a desk.

Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower, Mountain View

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Mountain View

A hotel room with a large bed, two armchairs, a small table, and a desk.

Room, 1 King Bed, Mountain View

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, and a television.

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed

A hotel room with a large bed, two armchairs, a small table, and a desk.

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Mountain View

A hotel room with a large bed, two armchairs, a small table, and a desk.

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Mountain View

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Hearing Accessible

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, and a television.

Room, 1 King Bed, Hearing Accessible

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Hearing Accessible, Mountain View

A hotel room with a large bed, two armchairs, a small table, and a desk.

Room, 1 King Bed, Hearing Accessible, Mountain View

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower, Mountain View

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, and a sofa. There are two windows with curtains, and a view of the cityscape.

Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower, Mountain View

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, and a large window with a view of buildings and mountains.

Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds, Mountain View

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, and a large window with a view of buildings and mountains.

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Mountain View

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds, Hearing Accessible

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, and a large window with a view of buildings and mountains.

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Hearing Accessible

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds, Hearing Accessible, Mountain View

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, and a large window with a view of buildings and mountains.

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Hearing Accessible, Mountain View

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds, Roll-in Shower

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, and a large window with a view of buildings and mountains.

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Roll-in Shower

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds, Roll-in Shower, Mountain View

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, and a large window with a view of buildings and mountains.

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Roll-in Shower, Mountain View

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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About the area

San Rafael

Downtown San Rafael stay.With a stay at this Downtown San Rafael hotel, you'll be within 2 miles (3 km) of Dominican University of California and 6 miles (10 km) of Larkspur Ferry Terminal. San Francisco Bay is within 6 miles (10 km) and Muir Woods National Monument is within 12 miles (20 km).

What's nearby

  • Mission San Rafael Arcangel - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Falkirk Cultural Center - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Rebound Bookstore - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Dominican University of California - 15 min walk - 1.3 km

Getting around

  • Berkeley Station - 21 min drive
  • Oakland Intl. Airport (OAK) - 50 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Pink Owl Coffee - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Burren House - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Garden Cafe - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Double Rainbow Cafe - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Il Davide - ‬4 min walk

About this property

AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown

4-star hotel near Dominican University of California
There are 2 restaurants on site, along with a grocery/convenience store. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. A 24-hour business center and meeting rooms are available.

A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces. Event space at this hotel measures 925 square feet (86 square meters) and includes conference space. A rooftop terrace, multilingual staff, and tour/ticket assistance are also featured at the business-friendly AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown. Limited parking is available for a fee and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

This 4-star San Rafael hotel is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 140 guestrooms or units
  • 6 levels
  • 2 dining venues
  • Meeting rooms
  • 925 sq ft of conference space
  • 86 sq m of conference space
  • Built in 2023
  • Terrace on the roof
  • Charging station for electric cars
  • Business center (24 hours)
  • Conference space
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Convenience store
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown offers 140 air-conditioned accommodations with complimentary bottled water and coffee/tea makers. Accommodations offer separate sitting areas. Pillowtop beds feature premium bedding. 32-inch LCD televisions come with premium cable channels, pay movies, and Netflix. Bathrooms include showers with hydromassage showerheads, bathrobes, slippers, and designer toiletries.

This San Rafael hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access, with a speed of 500+ Mbps (good for 6+ people or 10+ devices). Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs, as well as phones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include hair dryers and irons/ironing boards. Hypo-allergenic bedding, change of towels, and change of bedsheets can be requested. Housekeeping is provided daily.

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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Grocery/convenience store
  • In-room crib
  • Mini-fridge
  • Soundproofed rooms

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 500+ Mbps (good for 6+ people or 10+ devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Height restrictions apply for onsite parking
  • 24-hour offsite parking (USD 14 per day)
  • Street parking available
  • Covered, secured self parking on site (USD 29 per day)
  • Limited onsite self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily self-serve breakfast available 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: USD 18 per person
  • 2 restaurants
  • A bar/lounge
  • Couples/private dining

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator (36 inch wide door)
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Hardwood flooring in room
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business center
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (36 inches high)
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 32-inch LCD TV with premium cable channels
  • Netflix
  • Pay movies
  • Streaming services

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Free crib
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Hydromassage showerhead
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Mini-fridge

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Electrical adapters
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Mobile key entry
  • Phone
  • Recycling
  • Separate sitting area
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 1:00 AM
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Guests are recommended to download the property's Bonvoy mobile app before check-in
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: USD 50.00 per accommodation, per night
  • Maximum 2 (weight limit: 50 lbs per pet)
  • Pets cannot be left unattended
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 2 children 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Free cribs (infant beds)!

Property payment types

  • American Express
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • JCB International
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for self-serve breakfast: approximately USD 18.00 per person
  • Covered self parking fee: USD 29 per day (in/out privileges)
  • Nearby parking fee: USD 14 per day(656 ft away; open 24 hours)
  • Pet fee: USD 50.00 per accommodation, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and mobile payments; cash is not accepted
Mobile payment options include: Apple Pay
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
Long-term renters welcome
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB International, mobile payments, and Apple Pay. Cash is not accepted. This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival. Long-term renters welcome.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions and guests can access their rooms with a mobile device.

We should mention

  • Up to 2 children 17 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • To make arrangements to bring your pet, contact the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Ac Rafael Downtown Rafael
AC Hotel by Marriott San Rafael
AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown Hotel
AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown San Rafael
AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown Hotel San Rafael

Frequently asked questions

How close is AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown to the airport?

AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown is 31.5 mi (50-min drive) away from the Oakland Intl. Airport (OAK) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown?

As of Oct 25, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown on Nov 20, 2026 start from CA $349, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown.

How close is AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown to the beach?

This hotel is 19.7 mi (52-min drive) from Stinson Beach and 11.6 mi (18-min drive) from Point Molate Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown, but self-serve breakfast is offered for a fee of USD 18.00 per person. It's available every day from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a casino at AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown?

No, there is no casino at this hotel, but San Pablo Lytton Casino (19-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 1:00 AM.

Is there free parking at AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown?

Free parking is not available at this hotel. Self parking is available for USD 29 per day.

Does AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown have a pool?

AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown does not have a pool.

Does AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown have a restaurant?

There are 2 onsite restaurants, offering options like happy hour and light fare.

Does AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown to downtown San Rafael?

AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown is 0.1 mi away from San Rafael.

AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 268 out of 362 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 54 out of 362 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 16 out of 362 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 13 out of 362 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 11 out of 362 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Exellent hotel
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
As a solo traveler I found the hotel safe clean wonderful staff… will come back again for sure
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I had a wonderful stay here, room was cozy, cool & clean. Plan to stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff. Great location. Very clean and super comfortable beds/ with nice pillows / sheets .
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very nice hotel in a great location walkable to restaurants
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
clean, convenient, friendly staff, great rooftop that we didn't get to use.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice place to stay. Will come again!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The place was great and clean. Just one problem was the parking is limited.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Roof bar was great Everything was spotless
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Modern design , great location, like the bar a roof terrace. Overall a beautiful hotel. Would like to buy it. This is how impressed I am with it. Unique among Marriott hotels. Very European style.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean property, really fast check in, our room was very nice also. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The European buffet breakfast was excellent and economical. Rooms were super quiet. Great rooftop bar
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean room, pleasant staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It's San Rafael's best secret, a 3 star that acts like a 5 star. Room amenities and sheets for a king. Nightly cheese and dessert are amazing. I always love staying here and always come back.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Roof top!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Perfect location, beautiful, modern, convenient parking, proximity to shops, dining and entertainment was so great!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful hotel and roof top!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was clean, the staff was friendly and helpful, we were happy to find this location. Location. We will be back here several times over the coming months and look forward to our business days in this nice location.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The room was truly spotless, quiet, good shower, nice European modern design throughout. Everything one needed was there including easily maneuvered carts to move luggage to and from ones room. Great stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful hotel
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable and clean overall. Convenient attached paid parking. Central location with lots of restaurants within walking distance.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was nice. The room was clean but just ok. The location is convenient.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Super clean and comfortable room. Very nice lobby and bar area. Very friendly staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything great except minimal parking and very tight fitting spots.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026