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AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown

4.0 star property
Hotel with 2 restaurants, 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
Property amenity
Terrace/patio
Lobby

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Bar
  • Breakfast available
  • Parking available
  • Laundry

Explore the area

View in a map
1201 5TH AVENUE, San Rafael, CA, 94901
  • Place, Mission San Rafael Arcangel
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Dominican University of California
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, Marin County Civic Center
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, 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 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, 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 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 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 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 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 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 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

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

About the neighborhood

San Rafael

Located in Downtown San Rafael, AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown is 0.9 mi (1.5 km) from Dominican University of California and within a 10-minute drive of other popular attractions like San Francisco Bay. This 140-room, 4-star hotel has free in-room WiFi along with a rooftop terrace and a 24-hour business center.

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

  • ‪Pink Owl Coffee - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Tam Commons - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Il Davide - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪California Gold - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Red Rooster Brick Oven - ‬3 min walk

About this property

AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown

Hotel with 2 restaurants, near Dominican University of California
Guests of AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown enjoy a rooftop terrace, free WiFi in public areas, and meeting rooms. Self parking is offered for USD 29 per day. The front desk has multilingual staff on hand 24/7 to help with dry cleaning/laundry, luggage storage, and tours or tickets. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers food and water bowls. Additional amenities include conference space, a 24-hour business center, and a computer station.
32-inch LCD TVs come with cable channels and Netflix, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Pillowtop beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer hydromassage showers, hair dryers, and designer toiletries. Sitting areas, coffee makers, and free local calls are also available. Housekeeping is available on request.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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Property amenities

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

Restaurants on site

  • Above Fifth
  • AC Kitchen
  • AC Lounge

Family friendly

  • Grocery/convenience store
  • In-room crib
  • Mini-fridge
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Grocery/convenience store
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 24-hour business center
  • 925 square feet of conference space
  • Computer station
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Firepit
  • In a nature reserve
  • Outdoor entertainment area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Rooftop terrace

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

More

  • 1 building
  • 6 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Biodegradable coffee stirrers available
  • Built in 2023
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

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

Entertainment

  • 32-inch LCD TV with premium cable channels
  • Netflix
  • Pay movies
  • Streaming services

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

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 50.00 per accommodation, per night
  • 2 total (50 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
  • Pets may not be left unsupervised
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, guests can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Up to 2 kids 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding
  • Free cribs/infant beds are available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • 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 list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

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)
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM—-1:00 AM
  • Check-out: noon
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and checking in and out are easy with express services. Driving? This property offers parking (fees apply), along with a car charging station.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and mobile payments. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Mobile payment options include: Apple Pay.
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards.
  • 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).

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Long-term renters welcome.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • Parking has height restrictions.
  • 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

Is free cancellation available at AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown?

AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown provides free cancellation on certain room rates. For additional details, take a look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

What's there to see within easy reach of AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown?

This hotel is situated in Downtown San Rafael, just steps from Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Marin History Museum, and within a short walk of Falkirk Cultural Center. You'll also find San Francisco Bay and Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown?

Yes, secured parking is offered for USD 29 per day with in/out privileges. Though parking is limited, accessible parking and electric car charging are also available.

Does AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown include a casino at the property?

No, AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown good for couples?

There are many amenities for couples at this hotel, including Champagne service as well as a bar and 2 restaurants.

Does AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown has 2 restaurants, and serves self-serve breakfast each morning for a surcharge.

Will AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, pets are welcome at AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown for a fee of USD 50.00 per accommodation, per night. The property also provides food and water bowls.

Does AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown have connecting rooms?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How far is the airport from AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown?

The closest major airport to AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown is Oakland Intl. Airport (OAK), which is about 25 mi away. Another top airport is Concord, CA (CCR-Buchanan Field), which is around 25.8 mi away.

Can I book a room with a balcony at AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown.

Does AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown have a wedding venue on site?

If you plan to exchange vows during your trip, consider the wedding services available at AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown.

Reviews

AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 133 out of 184 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 30 out of 184 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 184 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 184 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 184 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Tenzin

Traveled with group, Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Lots of restaurants and shops in walking distance. Overall 4 stars because the room we booked, they had over booked and we did not get the junior suite we booked. None the less, our room was still nice and clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anza

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

fernando

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A very nice hotel with a rooftop bar in a great little town!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Ayshe

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
verry good
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property was walkable, clean, and friendly staff. Did not like that the bathroom door had a 4-6 inch gap at the top and bottom, it felt more like a bathroom stall in a public restroom.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Simon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Richard

Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
No parking available when I arrived at 1 am. That’s fair but not the worst. Charging me for parking after I told them I hadn’t parked was even more frustrating. The bathroom also smelled of urine.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniella

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Parking was an issue but the gentleman at front desk was helpful and nice.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was easy, check in, food, parking, walking around, great location
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel in downtown San Rafael. Staff and bartenders were all super friendly and nice!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Hilda

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Checking in was quick, the room spacious, comfortable and clean. There was a problem with noisy air conditioning, but it was resolved. Beautiful roof-top sitting area and bar. I did not like the parking arrangement. It would be better to include parking for hotel guests in the room rate.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

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