Scenic Hillside Retreat • Pool, Privacy & Views

Guest house perfectly located for exploring Bret Harte

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Photo gallery for Scenic Hillside Retreat • Pool, Privacy & Views

Property grounds
Property video
Outdoor pool
Terrace/patio
1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, travel crib, free WiFi

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Parking available
  • Laundry
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
San Rafael, CA
  • Place, Marin Country Mart
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Mission San Rafael Arcangel
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)
    ‪54 min drive‬

Room options

About the area

San Rafael

Bret Harte stay.Your stay at this Bret Harte guesthouse places you within 3 miles (5 km) of San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park and Marin Country Mart. Larkspur Ferry Terminal and Mission San Rafael Arcangel are also within 3 miles (5 km).

What's nearby

  • Marin Country Mart - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
  • San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park - 3 min drive - 2.9 km
  • Mission San Rafael Arcangel - 4 min drive - 3.2 km
  • Dominican University of California - 4 min drive - 3.6 km
  • Falkirk Cultural Center - 4 min drive - 3.6 km

Getting around

  • Berkeley Station - 22 min drive
  • Oakland Intl. Airport (OAK) - 51 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Burger King - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Gott's Roadside - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Shake Shack - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Taqueria Mi Familia - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Scenic Hillside Retreat • Pool, Privacy & Views

Relax here after FIFA. Private hillside retreat with sweeping views, heated pool (May–Sep), & a standalone guesthouse all to yourselves. Ideal for couples seeking a peaceful escape, yet minutes from Marin's trails, charming towns, & easy day trips to San Francisco, Napa, Sonoma. Enjoy the privacy of a secluded getaway with the confidence of a top rated local host, personal recommendations, and a curated guidebook to help you experience the very best of the area. Marin's 1st Green Business Certified vacation rental.

Popular single-story place for recovering from medical care - close to Greenbrae Surgery Center, Marin Health Hospital, and UCSF Parnassus Hospital.

Separate building from main house. TV: Netflix, Hulu, PBS, more+!

Why do guests love the Casita experience?

- Sunset treetop views high above the twinkling lights of San Rafael
- Private entrance + separate building = your own peaceful, private retreat
- Large saltwater pool with a view (heated May–September)
- Marin experts – Get insider recommendations, a curated local guidebook, and personalized tips to help you make the most of your stay
- Exceptional hospitality from local hosts who genuinely love welcoming guests
- Guest favorite
- Remodeled, uncluttered, and thoughtfully designed space
- Central location with easy access to San Francisco, Napa, Sonoma, Marin trails, and waterfront towns
- Pet & family-friendly
- Dedicated parking
- Self check-in
- Early check-in available when possible—just ask!
- Fast Wi-Fi
- Streaming TV
- EV charging available (additional fee)

Marin's first Certified Green Business vacation rental. Sustainability is built into how we host, and I helped create Marin County's certification program for short-term rentals.

I'm happy to help you plan your adventure. I live locally, enjoy helping guests, maintain a curated guidebook and know Marin!

The Space
500 sqft 1-Bedroom Single-Story Guest House

Perfect For
• Couples seeking a peaceful getaway with pool access, privacy, and scenic views
• Solo travelers looking for a quiet retreat while exploring Marin, San Francisco, Napa, or Sonoma
• Small families (2 adults + 1 child) with space for a crib or air mattress
Maximum occupancy: 3 guests, including children

Living Room
Open floor plan with space for food prep and a table for two that doubles as a work-from-home office

Kitchen
- 2-burner electric stove & microwave
- Refrigerator & freezer
- Toaster, coffee maker, kettle, rice cooker
- Cookware, pots, pans, storage containers
- Dinnerware & silverware for 4 people
- Coffee, tea, sugar, creamer
- Basic spices, olive oil, paper towels

Bathroom
- Complimentary shampoo, conditioner, body soap, hand soap

Bedroom
• Sliding glass door opens to your private deck with treetop and city views
• Comfortable queen bed for restful nights and slow mornings
• In-unit washer & dryer
• Iron & ironing board
• Optional twin air mattress with linens
• Optional Pack-n-Play crib

Pool Area
• Large saltwater pool with panoramic hillside views
• Heated May–September
• Pool towels and toys provided
• Access via stairs from the Casita
• Shared only with our family, so it remains quiet and uncrowded

Heat & Air
- Bay breezes and shade from the trees usually keep the Casita cool, plus there are portable fans. (no air conditioning)
- Central heating

Accessibility: Works well for guests with a walker or limited mobility. Not wheelchair accessible. Single story, zero-step entry. 36-inch doors (do not open beyond 90 degrees). Bathroom NOT wheelchair accessible. Stairs to pool.

Conveniently located between San Francisco, Napa, and Sonoma, with easy access to Marin's best towns, trails, and waterfront destinations:
San Francisco (Golden Gate Bridge): 15 min
Downtown San Rafael: 8 min
Larkspur Ferry Terminal: 7 min
Marin Health Medical Center: 9 min
Greenbrae Surgery Center: 7 min
San Anselmo: 10 min
Sausalito: 20 min
Mill Valley: 25 min
Muir Woods: 35 min
Stinson Beach: 40 min
Sonoma: 35 min
Napa: 45 min
San Francisco (downtown) / Moscone Center: 40 min (or ferry!)

Special Note: Gender-Affirming & Abortion Care Support. If you’re coming to California for gender-affirming care or abortion care, ask about a discounted stay and post-op care package. We’re happy to help.

Travel Insurance Recommended. For max coverage, consider Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) insurance

House Rules: Only registered guests allowed on the property – No parties.

Licensed Short-Term Rental, City of San Rafael.

You belong here! We welcome every guest—of any race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age—with respect, and without judgment or bias. We are 100% committed to inclusivity and to you feeling great about your time here.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Internet access

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Things to do

  • Books
  • Outdoor pool
  • Stereo

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 1 accessible parking space
  • Front entrance ramp
  • No elevator (single-level property)
  • Single level property
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Private pool
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dining table
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

More

  • Cleaning products are eco-friendly
  • Composting
  • Dryer
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Living room
  • Recycling
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
Guests can access their accommodation through a private entrance
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Private entrance

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Maximum 1 pets
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses some solar energy
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
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 private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. This property uses solar energy. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Property Registration Number STR24-000044

Frequently asked questions

How close is Scenic Hillside Retreat • Pool, Privacy & Views to the airport?

This guesthouse is 31.1 mi (51-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 Scenic Hillside Retreat • Pool, Privacy & Views?

As of Jun 11, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Scenic Hillside Retreat • Pool, Privacy & Views on Jun 15, 2026 start from CA $347, 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 Scenic Hillside Retreat • Pool, Privacy & Views have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this guesthouse.

How close is Scenic Hillside Retreat • Pool, Privacy & Views to the beach?

This guesthouse is 16.3 mi (35-min drive) from Ocean Beach and 7.1 mi (21-min drive) from McNears Beach Country Park. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Scenic Hillside Retreat • Pool, Privacy & Views offer free breakfast?

This guesthouse does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Scenic Hillside Retreat • Pool, Privacy & Views?

No, there is no casino at this guesthouse, but San Pablo Lytton Casino (21-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at Scenic Hillside Retreat • Pool, Privacy & Views?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Scenic Hillside Retreat • Pool, Privacy & Views?

Free parking is not available at this guesthouse.

Does Scenic Hillside Retreat • Pool, Privacy & Views have a pool?

This guesthouse features an outdoor pool.

Does Scenic Hillside Retreat • Pool, Privacy & Views have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this guesthouse.

How close is Scenic Hillside Retreat • Pool, Privacy & Views to downtown San Rafael?

This guesthouse is 1.6 mi away from San Rafael.

Scenic Hillside Retreat • Pool, Privacy & Views Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 10 out of 10 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 10 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 10 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 10 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 10 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

monica v.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The best

An ideal getaway. So quiet and serene. The pool is delightful. Clean and comfortable. Thank you for having us! We hope to return!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautifu; clean space. We notified the hosts at the last minute that we were bringing our dog, and they had a bed and treats waiting. Very attentive.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic stay over the past weekend. Property is clean, quiet and offers great views on the drive up and from the pool area. Check in was communicated clearly and we had no issues accessing gate or front door. The Casita has a comfortable, roomy layout with lost of thoughtful touches. Our normally anxious pup loved the pet bed/toys and settled in quickly. Thanks for a great stay, Melodie!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Theresa B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Melodie is SO SWWEEEETTTTT! She left simple instructions and the place is PERFECT! Intimate, at the end of the road, nature views and a small private deck. Beautiful experience!!!!!! Thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marina N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely Stay

Exactly what I was looking for! I was visiting family over the holidays and needed a place to stay nearby. The Casita exceeded my expectations. Quiet, clean, easy check in, comfy bed, treats, toiletries and a great layout. Melodie is the most responsive host I’ve ever interacted with. I will absolutely stay here again on my next visit.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jimmie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

I will be seeking this place again

This place was like a retreat. I loved it. No traffic noise. Open windows. Nice cool breeze. A place to relax. It was awesome! I even saw a deer lurking about.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

DE B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A gem of a property in beautiful Marin county. Super quiet and peaceful. Impressive views of downtown San Rafael. A clean and updated mid-century modern property that is cozy and it's own private balcony. A wonderful heated pool that is large enough for lap swimming. Host provided all the necessities along with snacks, premium coffee, and a bottle of bubbly. Onsite EV charger was convenient, just paid the local utility rates.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alee K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely respite less than an hour from SF

We needed an escape from fireworks in Oakland on the Fourth of July and this place more than delivered. It's quiet, the neighborhood is lovely and still accessible to day hikes, markets and food in the North Bay. The pool is, in a word, awesome. Warm and inviting, lots of fun stuff to play with like pool noodles and these toy water guns that 10-year-old me would've lost his mind over. Perfect summer activity.Melodie is a fantastic and attentive host. Check in was seamless. I also appreciate how accommodating she was for our dog. She offered a bunch of helpful supplies to make his stay with us more comfortable.Would gladly return to this property. Thanks again for a lovely summer stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025