Planning a trip to Novato might feel like uncovering a hidden gem in Marin County. There’s a charming mix of attractions and places to stay that cater to both relaxation and adventure seekers.
You’ll find a variety of hotels offering everything from cozy comfort to upscale experiences. Whether you’re visiting for a leisurely getaway or a business trip, Novato’s hospitality guarantees a stay to remember.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Residence Inn Novato Sonoma
If you’re staying in Novato, consider the Residence Inn. It’s perfect for both work trips and fun getaways. The hotel is in a great spot, nestled in Marin County, offering easy access to both city attractions and natural beauty. You can find more details about what to expect at this Residence Inn.
The hotel offers cozy suites designed to make you feel at home. Each suite comes with a full kitchen, making long stays more comfortable. You’ll also find a desk, living area, and free Wi-Fi, making it a breeze to balance work and relaxation.
Start your mornings right with a complimentary breakfast. Enjoy the fitness center to keep up with your exercise routine. There’s an outdoor pool to unwind during warmer months. It’s a welcoming place to recharge after exploring nearby attractions like Sonoma County’s vineyards or Marin’s hiking trails.
Rating: 3.7 (7 reviews)
Location: 7546 N Redwood Dr, Novato, CA 94945
Contact: (628) 587-0411
Website: Visit Website
Courtyard Novato Marin/Sonoma
When visiting Marin County, consider staying at the Courtyard Novato Marin/Sonoma. This hotel is situated in a peaceful area of Novato. Whether you’re on a getaway or a business trip, it provides the relaxation and convenience you need.
The location offers easy access to popular areas for dining and activities. Enjoy the nearby attractions that make Novato a great place to explore. It’s a welcoming spot where you can unwind after a day of adventures.
At Courtyard by Marriott Novato, you’ll find a range of amenities during your stay. The hotel provides all the comforts to make your visit pleasant and memorable. It’s a great choice for travelers looking to experience Northern California.
Rating: 4.2 (514 reviews)
Location: 1400 Hamilton Pkwy, Novato, CA 94949
Contact: (415) 883-8950
Website: Visit Website
Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn
When you visit Novato, California, the Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn offers a welcoming stay in Northern Marin County. You’ll find the hotel nestled among scenic hills, providing a relaxing escape with beautiful views.
This hotel is great for both business and leisure trips. It’s conveniently located close to local attractions and business hubs. Your room will have cozy beds to help you unwind after a long day of exploring.
While staying here, you can enjoy a range of amenities. These include an outdoor pool and a fitness center to keep up with your workout routine. Guests often appreciate the on-site dining options, which make grabbing a bite easy and convenient.
Rating: 4.5 (1,000 reviews)
Location: 215 Alameda del Prado, Novato, CA 94949
Contact: (415) 883-4400
Website: Visit Website
Inn Marin and Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection
When you’re visiting Novato, Inn Marin and Suites offers a warm and inviting stay. Nestled in a charming setting, this boutique hotel blends modern comfort with a peaceful ambiance. You’ll feel like you’re miles away from the city while enjoying all the necessary conveniences.
This hotel is perfect for travelers looking for relaxation and leisure. With cozy rooms and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot to unwind. You might enjoy exploring the nearby attractions or just spending some quiet time at the hotel.
You’ll find a range of amenities designed to make your visit enjoyable. Whether you’re here for a brief stopover or a longer vacation, this place ensures a pleasant experience. Think about plans for a fun stay in Novato, and Inn Marin and Suites might just be the spot to rest your head.
Rating: 3.8 (711 reviews)
Location: 250 Entrada Dr, Novato, CA 94949
Contact: (415) 883-5952
Website: Visit Website
Days Inn Novato
When you visit Novato, Days Inn could be the perfect place to stay. This hotel is a short trip from San Francisco and offers a comfortable setting for your travels. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, it provides a relaxing stay with easy access to both city activities and natural wonders.
You’ll find the location convenient if you want to explore nearby attractions like Muir Woods. The comfortable rooms and welcoming atmosphere make it a pleasant choice for rest and relaxation. Adding to its appeal, the hotel offers amenities that cater to different needs.
If you’re planning your stay, you might want to check the options available for additional services. There’s easy access to a range of amenities and experiences in and around Novato.
Rating: 3.6 (512 reviews)
Location: 8141 Redwood Blvd, Novato, CA 94945
Contact: (415) 493-0114
Website: Visit Website
Marinwood Inn & Suites
Nestled in the serenity of Marin County, Marinwood Inn & Suites offers a relaxing stay in Novato, California. This boutique hotel provides easy access to cultural attractions in San Francisco and the beautiful vineyards of Napa Valley. Perfect for a peaceful getaway, you will enjoy cozy accommodations at an affordable price.
Rooms are equipped with modern comforts such as pillow-top mattresses, flat-screen TVs, and air-conditioned spaces. You’ll also find conveniences like a microwave, refrigerator, and coffee machine in each room. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, you’ll appreciate the thoughtful amenities that make your stay comfortable.
Enjoy your downtime at the heated outdoor pool or take a short walk to the nearby Pacheco Ranch Winery. With attractions like Muir Woods and Sonoma Raceway close by, you have plenty of options for exploration. Complimentary parking and Wi-Fi add to the ease of your stay.
Rating: 3.1 (272 reviews)
Location: Marinwood Inn & Suites
Contact: (415) 883-2406
Website: Visit Website
America’s Best Value Inn Novato
Visiting Marin County offers a cozy stay at America’s Best Value Inn Novato. This hotel is a great spot if you’re looking to explore wine country or enjoy San Francisco. Nestled near popular sites like Muir Woods and Point Reyes, the inn provides a comfortable base.
The hotel boasts a heated outdoor pool and hot tub where you can relax. If you need anything, the 24-hour front desk is always ready to help. Enjoy modern conveniences such as free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and a coffeemaker in every room.
Nearby, you’ll find delicious dining options like Mills Restaurant and El Palmar. If you have a furry friend, dogs are welcome in certain rooms for a small fee. For a special stay, consider upgrading to a suite with added amenities.
Website: Visit Website
Overview of Hotels in Novato
Novato has a solid mix of places to stay, from boutique hotels with a bit of flair to simple, wallet-friendly motels. Whether you’re here for business or just want to check out Marin County, you’ll find something that fits.
Boutique and Luxury Options
The Inn Marin & Suites, part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, is one of Novato’s standout boutique hotels. It’s got a relaxed vibe, with stylish rooms and well-kept grounds—definitely feels like a retreat, not just a place to crash.
Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn brings upscale touches but keeps things familiar if you like big-brand consistency. Rooms are modern and comfortable, some with pretty nice views of the hills. The staff pays attention to details, too.
Luxury properties here usually throw in perks like:
- Complimentary breakfast
- Swimming pools
- Business centers
- On-site restaurants
- Fitness facilities
Most of the high-end hotels stay away from the highway, so you don’t have to deal with traffic noise. Expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $250 a night, depending on the season and what’s included.
Click here to see our article on Marin County Boutique Hotels.
Mid-Range Options
Courtyard Novato Marin/Sonoma gives you dependable comfort and the kind of amenities business travelers expect. The location makes getting around pretty easy, too.
Mid-range hotels here generally offer good value—clean, comfortable rooms without breaking the bank. Most have:
- Free Wi-Fi
- No-charge parking
- Basic breakfast options
- Decent bedding
- Mini-fridges and microwaves
They’re usually close to Highway 101, so it’s simple to get to Sonoma or around Marin. Prices hover between $100 and $150 a night, but you’ll see some swings depending on the time of year.
Staff at these spots typically know the area and can point you toward good eats or things to do.
Click here to see our articles on Marin County Hotels and Marin County Bed and Breakfasts.
Budget Options
Americas Best Value Inn Novato Marin Sonoma is a go-to for affordable stays. You get the basics: clean rooms, the essentials, and easy highway access—nothing fancy, but it gets the job done.
Budget hotels in Novato usually offer:
- Free parking
- Basic Wi-Fi
- Simple furnishings
- TV
- Coffee makers
Rates typically start around $78 and top out near $100 per night. It’s a solid pick if you’re just passing through or want to save on lodging.
Sure, you won’t find high-end extras, but most budget places here keep things tidy and the staff is generally helpful. Honestly, a lot of these spots are kept up better than budget hotels in other towns.
Staying a week or more? Some budget hotels offer weekly rates that can save you a chunk of change compared to paying nightly.
Click here to see our articles on Marin County Budget Lodging and Marin County Motels.
Hotel Amenities and Services
Novato hotels cover the basics and then some, depending on where you stay. Most places offer what you need, while the nicer hotels throw in a few extras to make things more comfortable.
Free Parking and Accessibility
Free parking is the norm in Novato, which is a huge plus if you’ve ever paid $40 a night to park in San Francisco. Lots are usually roomy, and accessible spaces are right by the entrances.
Accessibility is pretty standard here. Hotels have ADA-compliant rooms, wider doors, grab bars, and lower counters. Most have elevators or ramps, and you can usually request a ground-floor room if you want.
No car? Some hotels run shuttles to local spots or public transit. A few even have EV charging stations, though you’ll want to check ahead since not every place does.
Guest Rooms and Accommodations
Rooms in Novato range from basic to quite plush. Standard rooms come with queen or king beds, private bathrooms, AC, and flat-screen TVs. Mid-range hotels toss in things like mini-fridges, coffee makers, and work desks.
Room sizes are all over the map. Budget rooms are usually around 250-300 square feet, but if you splurge on a suite, you might get 500 square feet or more. Inn Marin and Suites is known for its spacious rooms, including king suites and hot tub suites with upgraded amenities.
If you’re bringing the family, look for rooms with two queens or connecting doors. For longer stays, some hotels have kitchenette suites with microwaves, small fridges, and basic cooking gear.
Honestly, bed types, views, and noise can vary a lot, so skimming recent reviews before booking is always a smart move.
Dining and Restaurants
Dining at Novato hotels is a mixed bag. Many offer a free continental breakfast—think pastries, cereal, fruit, and coffee. Mid-range places often serve up hot breakfast items like eggs or waffles.
Some of the fancier hotels have full restaurants on site, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Menus usually focus on California-style dishes, often with local ingredients. Expect to pay $12-28 for a main course.
A few hotels offer room service, but hours can be limited. Most have little lobby markets where you can grab snacks, drinks, or something microwaveable in a pinch.
If you’re in the mood to explore, most Novato hotels sit close to local restaurants, from laid-back cafes to upscale spots. You won’t go hungry.
Free Wi-Fi and Business Facilities
Wi-Fi comes standard everywhere, though the speed might depend on where you stay. Budget hotels usually have enough bandwidth for email or web browsing, while business-focused hotels offer faster connections for video calls or big downloads.
Most rooms have a workspace—desk, chair, decent lighting. A lot of hotels keep a business center open 24/7, with computers, printers, and scanners you can access with your room key.
Bigger hotels rent out meeting rooms for groups of 5 to 100. They’ll have projectors, AV gear, and flexible seating setups.
Some newer or remodeled places add nice tech touches: USB ports, smart TVs with streaming, and Bluetooth speakers.
Location and Area Highlights
Novato’s location is actually pretty handy—it’s a good jumping-off point for checking out Marin’s parks, San Francisco, or even wine country. You get easy access to city sights and outdoor adventures without the city price tag.
Downtown Novato and Surrounding Neighborhoods
Downtown Novato has a classic main street vibe, with local shops, restaurants, and cafes. Grant Avenue is the heart of it, with historic buildings and a farmers market in summer. Most downtown hotels are within walking distance of all this.
Neighborhoods around downtown each have their own feel. Hamilton’s got upscale homes near wetlands and open space. Ignacio feels more suburban, with quick access to the highway. Black Point and Green Point are more rural, with great views.
Lots of visitors like staying near downtown for the walkability. Courtyard Novato Marin/Sonoma and Inn Marin and Suites are both just a few minutes from the center, so you can leave the car parked and explore on foot.
Attractions Near Marin County Hotels
Staying in Novato puts you close to a bunch of Marin County highlights:
Natural Attractions:
- Muir Woods National Monument (about 25 minutes south)
- Point Reyes National Seashore (roughly 35 minutes west)
- Mount Tamalpais State Park (20 minutes south)
Cultural Destinations:
- Marin Civic Center (15 minutes south in San Rafael)
- Golden Gate Bridge (30 minutes south)
- Sonoma wine country (25 minutes north)
Since Novato sits in northern Marin, you can reach San Francisco in about half an hour by car or public transit. It’s a nice way to do day trips to the city without paying city hotel prices.
Click here to learn more about things to do in Marin County.
Transportation and Connectivity
Highway 101 cuts right through Novato, making it easy to get to San Rafael (15 minutes south) or San Francisco (30 minutes south). It’s a straight shot to most places in the Bay Area.
Public transit options include:
- Golden Gate Transit buses to San Francisco
- SMART train service to San Rafael and Sonoma County
- Local Marin Transit buses
Most hotels here offer free parking, which is a real bonus compared to the city. Best Western PLUS Novato Oaks Inn and Courtyard by Marriott both have quick highway access if you’re planning day trips.
If you want to go off the beaten path—like Point Reyes or wine country—renting a car is your best bet. Still, Uber and Lyft are easy to find around Marin if you’d rather not drive.
Booking and Reservation Tips
Getting a good deal in Novato takes a little know-how. Understanding check-in routines, group bookings, and cancellation rules can save you money and headaches.
Check-In and Confirmation Process
After you book, hotels usually send a confirmation email right away. Keep it handy—on your phone or printed out. Most Novato hotels start check-in at 3:00 PM, but Inn Marin and Suites sometimes lets you in earlier if your room’s ready.
If you’re arriving after 6:00 PM, call ahead. Some smaller hotels close the front desk earlier than you’d expect.
You’ll need these at check-in:
- Photo ID that matches your reservation
- A credit card for incidentals
- Your confirmation number
A lot of hotels now offer mobile check-in through their apps, so you can skip the desk and use your phone as a key. Pretty handy if you’re in a hurry.
Group Rates and Payment Options
If you’re booking 5 or more rooms, reach out to the hotel directly instead of using online booking sites—there’s usually room to negotiate a better rate.
Hotels in Novato generally accept:
- All major credit/debit cards
- Pay-at-hotel reservations (with a card guarantee)
- Prepaid bookings (sometimes 10-15% cheaper)
Some places, like Inn Marin and Suites, allow split billing for business travelers, so everyone can pay their share without hassle.
Military, AAA, and AARP discounts usually knock 10-15% off the standard rate. Always mention these when booking directly—you’d be surprised how often people forget and miss out.
Cancellation Policies and Non-Refundable Reservations
Novato hotels usually stick to pretty standard cancellation rules:
Flexible bookings: Cancel 24-48 hours before check-in and you won’t get charged.
Semi-flexible: Cancel 3-7 days ahead for a full refund.
Non-refundable: These are the cheapest rates, but you’re out of luck if your plans change.
When it’s busy—think summer or wine harvest—hotels often require at least 7 days’ notice to cancel without a fee. Double-check the details before you lock anything in; policies can be sneaky.
Non-refundable deals usually shave 15-25% off the price compared to flexible ones. Still, some Novato hotels let you move your dates for a $25-50 fee, which isn’t too bad if you’re in a pinch.
Most reservations on Booking.com or directly through the hotel offer free cancellation, but if you use sites like Expedia, you might run into tougher rules.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Marin County Bed & Breakfasts
Marin County Boutique Hotels
Marin County Budget Lodging
Marin County Hotels
Marin County Motels
Marin County Vacation Homes
Cities and Towns in Marin County
Things to Do in Marin County
Places to Stay in Marin County
