Finding a place to crash in the Bay Area is usually a headache. You’ve got the overpriced, tiny boxes in San Francisco or the weirdly sterile corporate hubs in the East Bay. But then there’s the Four Points by Sheraton San Rafael San Francisco. It sits right in that sweet spot of Marin County where you can actually breathe. Most people overlook San Rafael because it’s not as "flashy" as Sausalito or as frantic as the city. That’s a mistake.
If you’re driving north from the Golden Gate, you’ll hit it. It’s right off Highway 101. Honestly, the location is the big draw here, even if it looks like a standard Marriott-family property from the outside. You’re basically twenty minutes from the city—assuming the Richmond Bridge or the Waldo Grade isn’t a total parking lot—and maybe thirty minutes from the Sonoma County line.
What it’s actually like inside Four Points by Sheraton San Rafael San Francisco
Let's be real. Nobody stays at a Four Points for "avant-garde" design. You stay here because you want a bed that won't destroy your back and a shower with decent pressure. The San Rafael location delivers on that, but it feels a bit more "resort-lite" than your average airport hotel. There’s this central courtyard with a pool that actually gets sun. Marin weather is weird; it’ll be foggy and freezing in San Francisco, but by the time you hit the Twin Cities (Corte Madera and Larkspur), the sun pops out. San Rafael is usually five to ten degrees warmer than the city.
The rooms are what you’d expect from the brand. Clean. Functional. They’ve got the signature "Four Comfort Beds." Is it the most luxurious thing you’ll ever sleep on? No. But compared to some of the dated motels further up the road in Novato, it’s a massive step up.
One thing that trips people up is the name. It’s "San Rafael San Francisco" in the title, but don't let the SEO-friendly naming convention fool you. You are in the heart of Marin. You’re right next to the Northgate Mall—or what used to be a bustling mall and is now more of a quiet hub with a Cinemark and a few restaurants. It’s suburban. It’s quiet. If you want nightlife, you’re going to be Ubering to downtown San Rafael or back across the bridge.
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The Hillside Restaurant situation
They have an on-site spot called the Hillside Tavern. It’s fine. It’s actually better than fine for a hotel bar. They lean into the local craft beer scene, which is huge in Northern California. You’ll usually find something from Lagunitas or Russian River on tap. The food is standard California-casual: burgers, salads, some flatbreads.
But honestly? You’re in Marin. Walk across the street or drive five minutes. You’ve got Sol Food nearby—which is legendary for its Puerto Rican chicken—and Terrapin Crossroads used to be the big draw for Deadheads (RIP to the physical location, though the spirit lingers in San Rafael). The hotel breakfast is convenient, but if you have the time, go find a local spot in the West End or downtown.
Why business travelers and families actually pick this spot
Traffic in the Bay Area is a beast. If you have meetings in San Francisco but also need to be in Santa Rosa or Petaluma the next day, staying in the city is a logistical nightmare. Parking at a hotel in SF can cost you $70 a night. Here? Parking is free. That’s a huge deal. You save seventy bucks just by being twenty minutes north.
The Northgate area is safe. Like, really safe. You can go for a jog around the neighborhood without looking over your shoulder. Families love it because the pool is heated and there’s a lot of space. It doesn't feel cramped. Plus, the Civic Center is right there. That’s the Frank Lloyd Wright building—the pinkish-red one with the blue roof. Even if you aren't an architecture nerd, it’s worth a look. It’s the only government building he ever designed, and it looks like a spaceship landed in the hills.
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- Proximity to Muir Woods: You're about 25 minutes out.
- The Sonoma/Napa factor: You can get to the vineyards in under an hour if you leave after the morning rush.
- The Ferry: Take the Larkspur Ferry into the city instead of driving. It’s the best $15 commute in the world. You get a view of Alcatraz and the Bay Bridge with a bar on board.
The "Not-So-Great" parts nobody mentions
It’s not all sunshine and Redwood trees. The property is a bit older. While they’ve renovated and kept things tidy, you can tell it’s a building with some history. The elevators can be slow. If you get a room facing the highway, you might hear a bit of that 101 hum. It’s not a dealbreaker for most, but if you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room facing the courtyard or the hills.
The Wi-Fi is generally solid, but like any Marriott property, they sometimes try to upcharge you for the "enhanced" speed. Just stick with the basic unless you're trying to stream 4K video for a presentation.
Also, let’s talk about the "San Francisco" tag. It drives locals crazy. You are not in San Francisco. If you book this thinking you can walk to Union Square, you’re going to have a very expensive Lyft bill. You’re in the North Bay. Embrace it. Go to China Camp State Park. Hike Mount Tamalpais. Don't spend your whole trip trying to get out of Marin.
A quick tip on booking
Don't just look at the Marriott app. Sometimes the local Marin visitor bureaus or AAA rates beat the "member rate" by a significant margin. Because it’s a suburban hotel, they often have more flexibility than the high-occupancy towers in the Financial District.
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Logistics and getting around
If you don't have a car, staying at the Four Points by Sheraton San Rafael San Francisco is a bit of a challenge. Yes, there are buses. Yes, you can grab a ride-share. But Marin is a driving culture.
If you're flying into SFO, you can take the Marin Airporter. It’s a bus service that runs every hour. It drops off at various points in Marin, and the San Rafael drop-off isn't too far from the hotel. It’s much cheaper than a $100 Uber from the airport.
- Check-in: Usually 3:00 PM. They are pretty chill about early check-in if the room is ready.
- Pet Policy: They generally allow pets, but there’s a fee. Double-check the current rate because it fluctuates.
- Gym: Small, but it works. It has the basics—treadmills, some free weights.
The final word on the Marin stay
Most travelers fall into the trap of thinking they have to stay in the city to "see" the Bay Area. They end up stressed, broke, and tired of the noise. The Four Points by Sheraton San Rafael San Francisco offers a different vibe. It’s the "breath of fresh air" option. You get the redwoods, the coast, and the city all within a reasonable radius, but you get to sleep in a quiet zip code.
It’s about utility. It’s a base camp. You aren't paying for a "lifestyle brand" experience; you're paying for a strategic location that makes Northern California actually accessible.
Actionable Next Steps
- Book a courtyard-facing room: Avoid the highway noise of the 101 by requesting a room overlooking the pool area.
- Schedule the Larkspur Ferry: Don't drive into San Francisco. Drive 10 minutes south to the Larkspur Landing, park for free (on weekends) or cheap (on weekdays), and take the boat to the Ferry Building.
- Eat at Sol Food: It's a 5-minute drive into downtown San Rafael. Order the Pollo al Horno. Thank me later.
- Visit the Civic Center: Since you're right there, take an hour to walk around the Frank Lloyd Wright campus. It’s an architectural marvel and totally free to walk the grounds.
- Check the Marin County Fair schedule: If you're visiting in early July, the fairgrounds are right next door. It’s one of the best county fairs in the country.