AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown

The room and amenities were nice, and there’s a microwave in the breakfast area even though there isn’t one in the room. Parking is advertised, but the garage and lot are open to the public, so a space isn’t guaranteed for hotel guests. There’s street parking in a safe area, but it’s frustrating to book a hotel for parking and still not get a spot.

The location works well, near the freeway and downtown with plenty to do. Everyone I dealt with, from the front desk and bar to breakfast and room service, was friendly and professional. Breakfast has always been fresh and satisfying when I’ve stayed, and I’ve never found it too crowded or messy. I’ve been here several times and plan to keep using the AC Hotel when I’m in the area.

This is a brand new hotel in a central spot, but the strong perfume throughout the lobby and rooms made my stay impossible. I’m allergic to strong scents, and I started sneezing constantly with watery eyes. Even doubling my Singulair, Zyrtec, and Flonase and using eye drops didn’t help. I went out to run errands twice and felt better both times, then the symptoms returned as soon as I came back. I asked the staff if they could neutralize the smell in my room. They didn’t have a neutralizer and offered room spray instead, which didn’t help. About 20 minutes after writing this review, my allergies got so bad that I checked out around 9:45 p.m. after only a few hours. I couldn’t even stay the whole night, and I won’t be able to stay at this AC location again.

Jenny was so welcoming and attentive, one of the best waitresses we’ve ever had. She made the whole experience feel special and showed us how much she cared about guests. Her thoughtful service turned an experience into a memorable one, and we’re grateful for her hospitality.