Marin County: Bolinas, Marin Headlands, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, San Rafael, Sausalito
Smileys Schooner Saloon & Hotel - Bolinas (not curator reviewed)
Location: 41 Wharf Road, downtown (as of May, 2019 hotel closed for several months renovation; bar/music open)
Why Go There? Established in 1851, claims to be oldest saloon west of the Mississippi; limited number of basic rooms above restaurant/saloon; (included here because of location, history)
Access: Street parking (limited, especially on weekends); public transportation: West Marin Stagecoach bus
More Information: Smileys Saloon
Marin Headlands Hostel - Marin Headlands/Sausalito
Location: 941 Rosenstock Road: (Building 941, Fort Barry, Marin Headlands, Golden Gate National Recreation area)
Why Go There? Guests can experience miles of view trails that wend along the coastal hills, Rodeo Beach, a lighthouse (open on weekends); proximity to Sausalito and just north of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. Hostel sits on hill overlooking a valley leading to Rodeo Beach (a short drive/walk away). Housed in former military building (was a hospital); use of kitchen/food storage areas (hostel provides pancake mix, organic maple syrup; has coffee/tea available to purchase, snack bars); large dining room/living room space; dorm rooms, shared bathrooms; private rooms/houses adjacent (book way in advance, very popular); parking.
Access: Driving; bicycling; limited public transportation: San Francisco's Muni bus #76x weekends only, stops 1⁄4 mile from hostel
More Information: Nor Cal Hostels
Mountain Home Inn & Restaurant - Mill Valley
Year-round
Location: 810 Panoramic Highway
Why Go There? Transformed from its past as a German style beer garden, the now modern, tastefully designed inn serves as the only commercial lodging within a stones throw from trails; on scenic highway that skirts around Mt. Tamalpais to Stinson Beach, beyond. On clear, sunny days, inn and restaurant guests may sit at outdoor tables on a deck overlooking views of Mill Valley, the Bay below. The deluxe inn is popular for weddings, events, with 10 rooms, featuring fireplaces, jacuzzi tubs, views. Also popular with Mt Tamalpais visitors stopping off for refreshment or meals (lunches starting 11:30am daily; dinner Wednesday-Sunday, weekend brunch). Breakfast included in room rates, only available to overnight guests during the week.
Access: Parking limited to overnight guests; public transportation: West Marin Stagecoach bus
More Information: Mountain Home Inn
Steep Ravine Cabins - part of Steep Ravine Environmental Campground
Year-round
Location: One mile south of Stinson Beach Highway One on a bluff overlooking the coast
Why Go There? Nine basic rustic (and very popular, plan WAY ahead!) cabins overlook the ocean, offer spectacular views, with many hike options in surrounding areas of Mt. Tamalpais State Park. Cabins have small wood stoves, picnic table, benches, sleeping platforms, and outdoor barbecue. Cabins lack running water, electricity. Primitive toilets, water faucets, and firewood are nearby.
Access: Drive from Highway One, through a gate (reserved guests receive code) on dirt road to parking lot. Guests bring water, food, bedding, so not very feasible to take public transportation.
More Information: Friends of Mt Tam
West Point Inn - Mill Valley
Location: 100 Old Grade Fire Road
Why Go There? Members, non-members may book lodging in the basic hike-in-only rooms/cabins, with communal kitchen (bring own bedding, towels).Hikers can reach the historic, rustic Inn from the Matt Davis/Nora trails (parking lot across from the Mountain Home Inn), which contours around the ridge, paralleling Panoramic Highway; two miles each way from the Mount Tamalpais park summit (steep), or from Bootjack Camp. Most weekends, non-member hikers and bicyclists are welcome to stop by admire the views, purchase lemonade, hot chocolate, soup (packets, hot water), basic snacks (honor system bucket). Summer season the Inn offers a non-reservation monthly public Sunday hearty pancake breakfast.
Access: Drive to trailheads: limited parking at Matt Davis trailhead (get there early!) Panoramic Highway lot across from Mountain Home Inn; Tamalpais State Park summit and Bootjack Camp parking (metered); public transportation stops near trailheads: West Marin Stagecoach bus
More Information: West Point Inn
San Anselmo Inn - San Anselmo (not curator reviewed; see food listing: Valenti & Co.)
Location: 339 San Anselmo Avenue
Why Go There? Historic building bed and breakfast inn: buffet breakfast, fresh baked homemade chocolate chip cookies (afternoons), use of bicycles; houses popular dinner restaurant, wine bar: Valenti & Co; heart of charming, easy-going downtown; shops, cafes, parks nearby.
Access: Drive, parking; public transportation
More Information: San Anselmo Inn
Panama Hotel & Restaurant - San Rafael (not curator reviewed)
Location: 4 Bayview Street
Why Go There? 10 room historic bed and breakfast inn in historic neighborhood. Restaurant serves Latin influenced food, occasional wine dinners featuring small, local area wineries.
Access: Drive; public transportation
More Information: Panama Hotel
Cavallo Point Lodge - Sausalito
Location: 601 Murray Circle
Why Go There? Historic Fort Baker former military buildings “makeover” into luxury lodging has spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge; easy access to San Francisco, Sausalito, the Marin Headlands. If not staying, worth a stop for the view, refreshments at the bar or restaurant, which are open to the public.
Access: Designated parking; Marin Transit (West Marin Stagecoach)
More Information: Cavallo Point
Additional Resources
CABBI - California
California Association of Boutique Inns
Visit Marin Calendar - Marin
Music, theater, culinary, other events, lodging (Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau)
California Alpine Club - Mill Valley
Rustic (member, guest only) cabins; great Mt. Tamalpais hiking trails access