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AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown

4.0 star property
4-star hotel near Dominican University of California

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Photo gallery for AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown

Exterior
1 bedroom, premium bedding, pillowtop beds, desk
Terrace/patio
Lobby
Property amenity

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Bar
  • Breakfast available
  • Laundry
  • Parking available
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

View in a map
1201 5TH AVENUE, San Rafael, CA, 94901
  • Mission San Rafael Arcangel
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Dominican University of California
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Marin County Civic Center
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)
    ‪48 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, pillowtop beds, desk

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(13 reviews)
  • 323 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Premium Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking

1 bedroom, premium bedding, pillowtop beds, desk

Premium Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking

  • 427 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Premium Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking (Mobility Accessible, Roll-in Shower)

1 bedroom, premium bedding, pillowtop beds, desk

Premium Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking (Mobility Accessible, Roll-in Shower)

  • 427 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Premium Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Mountain View

1 bedroom, premium bedding, pillowtop beds, desk

Premium Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Mountain View

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 320 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Premium Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Mountain View

1 bedroom, premium bedding, pillowtop beds, desk

Premium Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Mountain View

  • 320 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed (Hearing Accessible)

1 bedroom, premium bedding, pillowtop beds, desk

Standard Room, 1 King Bed (Hearing Accessible)

  • 323 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

1 bedroom, premium bedding, pillowtop beds, desk

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • 320 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Premium Room, 2 Queen Beds, Mountain View (Mobility Accessible, Roll-In Shower)

1 bedroom, premium bedding, pillowtop beds, desk

Premium Room, 2 Queen Beds, Mountain View (Mobility Accessible, Roll-In Shower)

  • 319 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Premium Room, 1 King Bed, Mountain View (Mobility Accessible, Roll-In Shower)

1 bedroom, premium bedding, pillowtop beds, desk

Premium Room, 1 King Bed, Mountain View (Mobility Accessible, Roll-In Shower)

  • 427 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking (Hearing Accessible)

1 bedroom, premium bedding, pillowtop beds, desk

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking (Hearing Accessible)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 320 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds (Mobility Accessible, Roll-In Shower)

1 bedroom, premium bedding, pillowtop beds, desk

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds (Mobility Accessible, Roll-In Shower)

  • 322 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds (Mobility/Hearing Access, Roll-in Shwr)

1 bedroom, premium bedding, pillowtop beds, desk

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds (Mobility/Hearing Access, Roll-in Shwr)

  • 320 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

About the neighborhood

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 - 0.1 miles
  • Dominican University of California - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Marin County Civic Center - 4 min drive - 2.5 miles
  • Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market - 4 min drive - 2.5 miles
  • Larkspur Ferry Terminal - 5 min drive - 2.9 miles

Getting around

  • Berkeley Station - 21 min drive
  • Oakland Intl. Airport (OAK) - 38 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Burren House - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Pink Owl Coffee - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Tam Commons - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Red Rooster Brick Oven - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Flatiron - ‬5 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
  • Secured, covered self parking on site (USD 29 per day)
  • Limited onsite 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
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • 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: 3:00 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 noon
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

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

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
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Commitment to Clean (Marriott)
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. This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Commitment to Clean (Marriott).

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 30.4 mi (38-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 Sep 8, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown on Sep 18, 2025 start from $210.0, 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 5.2 mi (11-min drive) from McNears Beach Country Park. 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: 3:00 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

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 124 out of 172 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 27 out of 172 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 172 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 172 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 172 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

karina

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan

Traveled with group
Liked: Amenities
Best in Downtown
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our family travels very often and this hotel is one of the nicest ones we have been to. Very clean and nice rooms. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jenny

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice and clean hotel. The staff was pleasant and helpful. The surrounding area had many restaurants to choose from and we noticed the streets were well maintained.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Danielle

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Kasiemobi

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
So many hidden fees. Front desk staff are very rude and do not like to help. Only the manager, Dominic, was able to assist and help me with my needs. I do NOT recommend this location to anyone unless if you like to pay extra unnecessary money that they do not disclose upfront.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Frank

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent choice in San Rafael, right downtown, short walking distance to fine restaurants. Nice staff, too!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Renelle

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Edmund

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel in the best location in San Rafael and too go along with that you get excellent service. You won’t be disappointed if you choose this hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Martha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Surprised to find such a sophisticated and well priced hotel in San Rafael. Really enjoyed it!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Manuel

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown achieves that rare alchemy: modernist functionality without clinical sterility. Rooms float between minimalist and indulgent—a sanctuary of considered design. The breakfast? A revelation. The kitchen team performs daily miracles that would make Ferran Adrià weep with jealousy. Truly, hospitality's platonic ideal realized.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marcia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
A beautiful hotel conveniently located in downtown San Rafael
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hamed

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eduardo

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lauren

Traveled with group, Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jason, San Diego

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great property. We have stayed here multiple times and had a good experience every single time. Rooms are new, modern, and clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angel

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff when i checked in and so easy to check in.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

highly recommended

Really beautiful, modernist design inside and out, with spacious rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows (and views of the surrounding hills if you're on an upper floor), and an equally generous lobby, with full bar. Even more so, staff were friendly and helpful, and the entire facility was absolutely spotless. Very reminiscent of hotels in Europe and, at the reasonable rates, we will definitely return!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Matthew

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Overall, wish they chose a better room for us but it was a nice stay. The hotel was clean and the room was modern and spacious. However, it's own parking facilities are very limited so I had to use a separate, less secure, albeit cheaper lot. Also, I paid for a mountain view room and didn't get one, since I was looking out the East end as opposed to the South end, where Mt Tam would be visible..
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heela

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

John, Mill Valley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Amber

Disliked: Amenities
Overall, comfortable, modern and clean… I would’ve appreciated a true blackout room. Curtains are not sufficient to block sun. Also, the bathroom is like a stall, so there’s a gap at the bottom and at the top… Anyone going with a significant other who prefers to have their privacy in the bathroom may want to look into that before committing. Would be way more likely to book if I need a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and cold plunge.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025