Tamalpais Motel

We got there at 10pm and were gone by 9am. Check-in was easy and pleasant. The place was simple and clean, with comfy beds. It’s not a four-star hotel, and it sits by a freeway, but the location worked well for us. I knew ahead of time there wasn’t a hair dryer.

The deadbolt and chain on the door made me feel safer, and the parking lot was quiet with no creepy people around. My husband and I spent two nights in room 107 and had a great stay. We’d come down from Sacramento for a cheaper weekend break from the summer heat, and I’d worried an old budget motel might be gross. It wasn’t. The owners are a friendly older couple who live onsite and greeted us warmly. They offered daily housekeeping if we wanted it, which I appreciated. The room had one queen bed, a private bathroom with a stall shower, a fridge and microwave. The bedding was very clean and neatly made, and the room looked clean too, with a faint bleach cleanser smell. There was a wall-mounted flat screen TV with DirectTV, a table and two chairs, an oscillating fan, and free soap, shampoo, conditioner and lotion samples in the bathroom. It’s a no-fuss place without a blow dryer or a bedside lamp with a charging station. For us, the clean, quiet, safe stay and good deal in Marin were what mattered. We enjoyed the two nights and would stay again. Definitely recommend it.

I’ve been staying here with my family since 2013, even when it means driving a little way from the pier. Having our own parking space is a big plus. Some rooms also have a divided area that gives privacy from the kids or others traveling with you. The rooms aren’t luxurious, but for the price, I’m happy with them. Places closer to the pier charge a lot for the room and deposit, and parking is limited. Even when there’s a space, it can cost $30 or more. I’d rather come here than deal with those hassles. There are gas stations, McDonald’s, In&out, Starbucks, Safeway and other stores within walking distance. After a day exploring San Francisco, this has been a good place for me and my family to rest.

It’s a clean, old 1950s motel right next to the freeway. Nothing fancy, but its location near the places I need to be works well for me.