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Location! Private Cottage, Quiet, Garden, Walk downtown

Cottage perfectly located for exploring San Rafael

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Outdoor spa tub
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, travel crib
Interior
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 3

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
San Rafael, CA
  • Place, San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Mission San Rafael Arcangel
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Place, Dominican University of California
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)
    ‪43 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

San Rafael

City center stay.With a stay at this Gerstle Park cottage, you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park and 2 miles (3 km) of Mission San Rafael Arcangel. Dominican University of California and Kentfield Hospital are also within 3 miles (5 km).
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What's nearby

  • Gerstle Park - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Mission San Rafael Arcangel - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Dominican University of California - 3 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • Kentfield Hospital - 4 min drive - 1.4 miles

Getting around

  • Richmond Transit Center - 22 min drive
  • Oakland Intl. Airport (OAK) - 39 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Muffin Mania Cafe - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Garden Cafe - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Domino's Pizza - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Pete's 881 Club - ‬19 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Location! Private Cottage, Quiet, Garden, Walk downtown

Best Location- Cottage In the heart of San Rafael, Gerstle Park. Private, sunny, quiet, freestanding, remodeled cottage - 1 separate bedroom with door and brand new hybrid mattress. Sunny skylights, big windows with screens, and 4K Hi Def Smart TVs in LR and BD, bathroom with tub/shower, sliding glass door opening to fenced garden/patio w/4 outside dining areas, webber gas grill, and hot tub. Free unlimited street parking.

Cottage features a fully equipped kitchen with black granite/stainless, large fridge w/freezer, Saltillo tile, 2 ceiling fans, 2 large flatscreen cable smart Samsung TVs, sleeper (twin) sofa, work desk, dining table and chairs, high speed wireless internet inside and outside. Have 80+ 5 star reviews on rental sites.

Private entrance, Cozy and Cute! On corner with tree/sunset view and fenced private garden yard.

Marin County offers beaches, golf, hiking, and biking. Local scenery includes Mount Tam, and Muir Woods, sightseeing in Sausalito, Mill Valley and Tiburon, Wine country and much more. 4 minutes to 101 Freeway, 12 minutes to Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco.

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Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Ski

  • Close to skiing

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free offsite parking
  • Street parking available
  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Freezer
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Fenced yard
  • Furnished patio
  • Garden
  • Gas grill
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming cats and dogs only
  • One pet total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed
  • Note from host: No smoking outside either, period.

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a village
  • In the city center
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • Near an outlet shopping mall
  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina

Things to do

  • Golf
  • Kayak
  • Tennis
  • Water sports equipment
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme park nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:30 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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and return the keys
Please strip bed linens and empty the trash only if you have time. It is not required but it’s helpful. Thanks!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

A pet may be permitted upon my approval. There is a $100 per pet additional fee due prior to or upon arrival.

Access methods

Private entrance

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • Maximum 1 (weight limit: 50 lbs per pet)
  • 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.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking outside either, period.

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
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
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. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

Property Registration Number STR23-000012

We should mention

  • To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Best Location-walk San Rafael Sunny Priv Garden Cottage
Best Location-walk Sunny Priv Garden Cottage
Best Location-walk San Rafael Sunny Priv Garden
Best Location-walk Sunny Priv Garden
Locationwalk Sunny Priv Garn

Frequently asked questions

How close is Location! Private Cottage, Quiet, Garden, Walk downtown to the airport?

This cottage is 31.4 mi (39-min drive) away from the Oakland Intl. Airport (OAK) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Location! Private Cottage, Quiet, Garden, Walk downtown have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this cottage.

How close is Location! Private Cottage, Quiet, Garden, Walk downtown to the beach?

This cottage is 10.2 mi (15-min drive) from Keller Beach and 13.4 mi (19-min drive) from Marshall Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Location! Private Cottage, Quiet, Garden, Walk downtown offer free breakfast?

This cottage does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Location! Private Cottage, Quiet, Garden, Walk downtown?

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

What time is check-in at Location! Private Cottage, Quiet, Garden, Walk downtown?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Location! Private Cottage, Quiet, Garden, Walk downtown?

Free parking is not available at this cottage.

Does Location! Private Cottage, Quiet, Garden, Walk downtown have a pool?

This cottage does not have a pool.

Does Location! Private Cottage, Quiet, Garden, Walk downtown have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this cottage.

How close is Location! Private Cottage, Quiet, Garden, Walk downtown to downtown San Rafael?

This cottage is 0.7 mi away from San Rafael.

Location! Private Cottage, Quiet, Garden, Walk downtown Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 124 out of 131 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 131 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 131 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 131 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 131 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Marvin D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quiet and ectremely well located. A perfect host!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roberto P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location, very cute cottage, great host
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joann C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very clean, the host was very accommodating and kind. Loved our stay and location that was within 15 minutes of everything to see in the area. The garden patio was a treat for mornings and evenings to sit and enjoy the outside.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Jean M.

Liked: Cleanliness
We had a good stay here in the private cottage, which allowed us to explore both Point Reyes and also to travel into San Francisco. Eda is a friendly and welcoming host, and the check-in process was smooth and flexible. The property is clean and comfortable, we would recommend it to others. Look out for the hummingbirds outside, as visitors from the UK we enjoyed the novel spectacle of watching them in the garden!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Craig B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great cottage. Easily accessible. Lovely yard. We would definitely consider staying here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great location and amenities!

Very clean cottage with everything you need provided. Air conditioning and heating provided. Perfect size for me and my spouse. Very quiet neighborhood and walkable to the downtown, which we enjoyed going to restaurants, coffee shops & retail shops. Beautiful gardens and outside sitting area. Communication with owner was excellent. We would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tiffiny C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect luxe stay for our short time in the area!

This was a tidy, attractive, well appointed garden apartment which provided privacy- and shared space with Eda, the host. We enjoyed our visits with her, and appreciated her attention to detail in the cottage, and her friendly suggestions for things to do in the area! The veggie and herb garden was delightful, the hot tub dreamy...we'll have to return to have more fun!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kim D., Chatsworth, Ontario

Liked: Cleanliness

Home away from home

We have stayed in a several Vrbo’s in the area and Eda’s is the best we have experienced. She is such a lovely woman, and even gifted us a bottle of bubbly to celebrate the arrival of our new granddaughter. We have finally found our home away from home.
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darlene D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Thank you Eda for being a very gracious host. The cottage is perfect: conveniently located, quiet, immaculate, just the right size and fully appointed.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Kelly L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful gardens
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Staci W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Couldn't have asked for a better host. And this location is perfect if you want to be right in between downtown SF and wine country. This is perfect for two people. The pull-out bed in the living area was very comfortable.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect!

This place is a perfect spot just over the bridge from San Francisco and close to Muir Woods which is a beautiful spot for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Eda was a fabulous hostess and made us feel right at home! She is a lovely person.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia M., Rutland, VT

Liked: Cleanliness

California dreaming

Quiet, private and completely self-contained small guest house that shares the owner’s lovely backyard. As a solo traveler, it was a comfortable, cozy retreat to return to at the end of active days. Pleasant neighborhood, walkable to a market and other conveniences. The owner, who was lovely and accessible, put much thought into guest needs and comfort. Wonderful week’s stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maria B.

Liked: Cleanliness

No detail overlooked!

Immaculate, cozy, perfect location! Great spot to regroup, take a hot tub, relax. Easy to access San Francisco, East Bay, North Bay, and Pacific Coast. Eda was an attentive host, kind soul, and offered thoughtful tips for local restaurants, shopping, and necessities. Would love to return!
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

June E P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Kindest Host Ever!

This is my second stay at this property. My host is so thoughtful, she made me feel like family. Quiet neighborhood, easy parking, excellent location. I plan to come again soon.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The host, Eda, was an absolute delight. At the beginning of our stay, my wife had a fall at the place we were staying the night before we arrived at Eda's, and was unable to get around easily. She was most kind and caring about our situation and did everything she could to make our stay as comfortable as possible. The property is very relaxing with lots of plants, outdoor furniture, a hot tub and lots of visiting birds to watch (particularly the hummingbirds)! We would definitely stay again. Bravo to an excellent host! Dave and Chris
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas A.

Liked: Cleanliness

My week in San Francisco

This little gem was the perfect place to stay while exploring the bay area. The full kitchen and grill were great for cooking. The hottub was a perfect way to cap off a day of adventuring. Eda was such a warm and welcoming host. She goes above and beyond to ensure her guests are well taken care of. I would absolutely stay with her again.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

judith r.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great location to visit North Bay.

Great weather so many outdoor activities
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jerleen S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice, quiet location

A small garden house but clean & quiet. We were about to visit most sites in San Francisco within 45 minutes. I traveled with my nephew & it was big enough for us,
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lynda C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Relaxing stay

We throughly enjoyed our stay at Eda's cottage. It was quiet, clean and so comfortable. The garden and sitting areas were beautiful. It was so relaxing in the evening to sit in the garden area and watch the hummingbirds fly around. Eda is very knowledgeable of the area and had many good recommendations for us. She is a very pleasant host.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sue G.

Liked: Cleanliness

San Raphael stay

Clean Friendly Nice Neighborhood
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dawn S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great cottage

Cozy, has everything you could want. Eda was very accommodating in every way. The neighborhood is charming and close to town
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jean Z.

Liked: Cleanliness

Super Host With the Most!

This one is the gold standard of vacation rentals, and one which we've had the pleasure of returning to for the second time. Immaculate, well-appointed, excellent location, plenty of parking and easy access are beyond what is advertised. We live in Europe now, and when we return to our native San Rafael/Marin County, this cottage makes it all the more welcoming, this time during our last week of a 30-day USA trip. Thanks again, Eda, for the being the best-ever host. Your attention to detail, thoughtfulness and warm smile are greatly appreciated. We look forward to future stays! Jean & Steve
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

June E P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Extra friendly communication

Eda could not have been nicer! my dog played with her two dogs every morning in the nicely fenced yard. The small cosy cottage was a perfect refuge for me while I visited local family during the holidays. Would stay again!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barbara R.

Liked: Cleanliness

San Rafael cottage

Wonderful property!! Perfectly located for a stay in the Bay Area. PLovely California backyard— hot tub a definite plus! The 2 small rooms- bedroom, living room and kitchen were pristine and efficiently organized. We loved our host Eda who was super friendly, welcoming, helpful and fun!! We will definitely come again to stay since we just had our first grandchild!!
Stayed 29 nights in Nov 2023