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Acqua Hotel
Rating Details »
555 Redwood Hwy
Mill Valley, CA 94941
(415) 380-0400
Mill Valley, CA 94941
(415) 380-0400
The "Take A Break Rate"
When the going gets tough, sometimes all you need is to take a break. Get a 15% discount on Jr. Suites when you book. Good through 12/30
- Price Range:
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$$
19 reviews for Acqua Hotel
This business is a Yelp Sponsor
10/23/2009
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8/6/2009
6/30/2009
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3/16/2007
One of the Business' Favorite Reviews What's This?
We just recently had our wedding there and had the best experience with the hotel and staff. Most of our family and friends flew in from the east coast and stayed at the Acqua for their entire stay. Everyone commented on how relaxing and beautiful the hotel was.
Their morning breakfast set up is perfect after a long night celebrating with friends. As a person who openly admits his caffeine addiction, I can honestly say that Acqua has some of the best coffee! There is even someone there who can make espressos and lattes if that is your preference. Another big bonus is that they have soy milk.
As for the rooms, we had one of the largest suites and it was a great size with a bathtub that could easily fit two. The staff was excellent and always accommodating. They handed out all of our "out of town" gift bags with amazing efficiency. Not only were they always on top of our guests needs they also called everyone from our wedding party taxis so we could go out after the reception.
Summary: I would recommend this place to anyone. And I hope to get to stay here again!
First, if you decide to stay here be absolutely positively certain that you are not going to be staying in room 113, and I'd probably stay away from 114, 213, 214 and so on, unless what you are desiring is a parking lot view with a freeway behind in. Not so tranquil.
Now, the disclaimer is that we booked a room here through AmX Membership Rewards, so maybe they just figured that we weren't paying so they'd stick us in the worst room in the house, which, if they were full (which they were not) would make sense I suppose.
As mentioned in other reviews the location is that of a Motel 6, the 101 being right across the street and all. But they have done it up nicely, and if you just pretend that the sound (traffic) is that of a stream then it sort of turns into white noise?
We run away from our home in SF with relative frequency, sometimes using AmX points, sometimes not. If I was paying cash dollars for the room I would not stay here-although if we had a room with a view of Mt. Tam and water I might feel differently, but I'd proabably spend twice as much and stay at other hotels in the area that we have liked more.
p.s. No espresso machine that we saw, and no access to good coffee as noted in another review, not a lot of places to walk to easily from here.
My parents recently had their floors re-done and took the opportunity to stay at the Acqua hotel for a night while they dried. And why not? It's next to Piatti, one of their favorite Italian joints and one might expect that the hotel next to the local Ferarri dealer would be pretty swanky.
Ah, what a disappointment everyone was in for.
Acqua is a good concept with poor execution. It's got a techno-Bauhaus feel mixed with bamboo, which is kind of cool. Really though... there were so many Buddha head overlays you'd think the Roman Legions came through on a holy mission of epic proportions.
A few tasteful statues: Good.
A hundred Buddha heads at every turn: Tacky bordering on creepy.
So let's go ahead and put that aside. Let's talk about something substantial, like the rooms. The décor is dark beige with pale industrial gray-green accents. Desks and chairs are metal-and-glass but not of a very high quality. The bathroom sink bowl was cracked. Bits and pieces of metal were rusting and many of the public area tiles were cracked. The plastic housing of the security camera outside the side door had a huge crack right down the middle (I wonder if it works?) and the floor+walls looked less than clean. The Internet connection was heavily overused. My mother's wireless modem (Verizon) was faster than my Dad's computer was on the wi-fi. There was a cable Internet connection in the room that didn't work. We were told that they were ditching it as the hotel now offered only (painfully slow) wi-fi.
Suffice to say, we wouldn't recommend the Acqua hotel to anyone, especially not a $200 a night. The only things that punched my "cool" buttons were (1) a water fall wall in the lobby and (2) the public computer in the lobby was a Mac running as both a OSX and Vista.
The bottom line? Acqua started well when it was built but these days the same experience can be had for substantially less coin at the Travel Lodge one minute up the road.
I had an opportunity to stay here for a week for a business purpose. Inside a guest room was quite comfortable with nice beige-like color scheme. The bed was one of the bests I've slept in hotel guest rooms (Hyatt Regency in Chicago suburb was slightly better). The toiletries are high quality.
The complimentary breakfast was relatively good although I wish they had some pre-made scramble egg just so I can have some egg stuff besides a boiled one immediately. They also had only two kinds (and unchanged for a week) of cereal, so I had to switch to bagels and others after two days. Also, I could not log into their paid business center easily, and ended up going to Kinko's to get printouts.
Their complimentary early evening wines, cheeses, and fruits at the lobby were good on the first and second nights, and got less interesting afterward. Having the same kind of stuff for several days get you tired quickly. At least they served the purpose of making people cheerful, especially looking the sunset illuminating the outlet of river.
So overall, it's a nice hotel to stay, but gets tired after several days of stay like any other place.
This is my husband's and my hideaway. we are close to home buit oh so far away! Love the zen of the hotel, the staff is super nice and it is really romantic in the winter months with the fireplace and views! a must!
We used the Acqua Hotel as our recommended hotel for out of town guests coming in for our wedding at the nearby Marin Art and Garden Center. Though the rooms aren't cheap, we felt they were reasonably priced for how expensive everything in Marin is, and for how nice the hotel is. Everyone who booked through our wedding group got a 10% discount.
Some of the rooms are a bit small, but overall this was such a peaceful hotel -- really nice for me to relax during the somewhat stressful weekend of the wedding in the giant spa-bathtub, and really nice for all the out of town visitors to relax after their trip. The bed was comfortable, we had internet in our room, and a great view of the bay and Mt. Tam (We had a suite, I don't know if all the rooms have this view). There's a great running path right on the water, and 2 restaurants that you can walk to, though nothing else is walkable. The only issue we had was some confusion in pricing. It seemed like there were deals available online that the staff didn't even know about, and this caused some confusion and minor issues, but they weren't a huge deal.
Overall the staff was very nice. My mother dealt with most of the hotel stuff, so I don't know everyone's name who she talked to, but I talked to Iain a few times and he was really a great guy. They were great about handing out "hotel bags" for wedding guests (with water, granola bars, directions, etc.). I've been to some weddings where the staff totally forgot to hand out the bags as guests checked in, but the staff at the Acqua handed out all of the bags. During the weekend of the wedding, we had a lot of extended family members stay there who were all really excited to see each other. The staff was very kind about us basically taking over the lobby and hanging out there for hours and hours, visiting with people, and we really appreciated this. Its so hard to see and talk to everyone you want to during the few hours of the wedding, so it was great that we had all weekend to hang out with our out of town friends and relatives.
an amazingly courteous hotel. i have stayed many times and have always had an exceptional experience.
If you are having a wedding and looking for a place that stands out for view and service i would highly recommend them.
Ask for Judy Gilmore, she will take care of you
If you're planning a wedding - think twice before putting guests up here.
My fiance and I are getting married in September and we're staying at the Mill Valley Inn. But, because there are not very many rooms there - we thought to check in with their sister hotel, Acqua, for the overflow guests.
The sales rep that I spoke with, Judy, was exceptionally nice during our initial conversation back in May. She JUST emailed me the contract (and I hadn't checked in on it b/c, to be honest, I didn't know we'd need to sign one since we're not reserving/putting a deposit down for a block of rooms) and there were a couple of details that weren't matching up with what I had in my notes.
I emailed her back to get the changes made - mainly that she had offered a *slightly* deeper discount and to clarify the rewards program and how we would be able to redeem it. She refused to believe that what I had written in my notes could be accurate and wouldn't budge. That's nice now that the wedding is less than two months away. If it wasn't such a hassle for all of our guests, I'd send them all a note to cancel their reservations.
I too am in sales and understand that things fall through the cracks. While it was nice of her to apologize and admit this, she could have gone that one step further to believe that I, the customer, am right. This deeper discount that I speak of, after all, is maybe $4 a night for them.
Other than that, the grounds seem nice (it is, per the other reviewers, RIGHT off the freeway though - so I would assume that with an open door it would/could be loud). The rooms are on the small side, but comfortable. The front desk staff was very nice when we visited to look at the room options and the breakfast area looks lovely.
I will update this review based on feedback from our guests after the wedding!
Firmly ensconsed in the foothills of Marin is a modern and minimalistic Acqua Hotel, embracing various elements of nature. Acqua Hotel is to be "inspired by elements of sky and water" and upon walking into the hotel, that can be immediately felt by the natural light (large windows), beautiful plants/flowers and sound of water (a cool waterfall in the lobby). I don't think I would have found this place on my own! And it's only 7 miles away from GG Bridge! The grounds immediately outside the hotel is breathtaking (other side of the freeway, that is). The Bayside Trail snakes around the hotel and you get a great view of the bay water. It was tranquil and relaxing at dusk time when we arrived.
It's a medium size hotel (49 suites) but feels much smaller. Our junior suite had a great view of the Mount Tamalpais, great ammenities like a soaking tub and free standing wood burning fireplace! Of course, all the other good finds like honor bar, spa robes and a cd player. It was a beautiful room, overall! Sure, there was the sound of the traffic from the freeway, but we popped in a cd (that was in our room already) and we were happy as clams.
They also have a wine and cheese reception, which I really really enjoyed. Acqua Hotel is also part of the Joie de Vivre chain, which as dozens of other really great quality hotels in the area. I highly recommend this place for a quick weekend getaway!
Sometimes you need a place to sleep from 4am - noon.
Acqua was close by and they had a room. The best part of the experience was how amazingly nice the guy at the front desk was when I walked in at 4am. It could have been 4pm for all he cared. He was nice, took care of business and quickly fulfilled a request I had once I got to my room.
The room was clean & quiet which was all I needed really. I was in a junior suite and the bathroom was big.
My only complaint is that the bedsheets were like sandpaper. But since I was only there to sleep, that kind of really mattered. Minus 2 stars
one word..... noisey
right off an extremely busy 101 with trucks at all hours. Leave your balcony door open and it sounds like they are driving right in!
Beautiful boutique lodging in a curious location.
Most rooms are junior suites: pleasant, clean, and large with a great bed, many lamps and pillows, a little sitting and work area, and a bathroom with separate shower and soaking tub. Amenities are not quite luxury: decent enough toiletries, a hair dryer, minibar/fridge, one TV, bathrobes. Some bath salts would be welcome.
The balcony overlooks a carefully manicured greenbelt with a public pier on a lagoon, with Mount Tam in the background a few miles away. If the weather is good you can leave the sliding doors open all night and wake to ducks quacking and children playing.
In the morning you can take the self-service cold continental buffet in a sunny common room or large rooftop deck -- fresh cut fruit and the usual suspects. At cocktail hour there is free wine and cheese. No pool. Broadband is wireless in the lobby but wired in rooms (don't know if it's free).
The small staff is friendly and attentive, but not formal in a luxury hotel way, just good people helping you with your stay.
The modern Mediterranean design, by the developer/owner/builder who did the Mill Valley Inn and the Water's Edge in Tiburon, is sleek and spectacular. He mixes indoors and outdoors, tying levels together with cut-outs and sky bridges, and places hallways and stairways to invite curiosity and exploration. This, plus ample use of concrete and stucco, makes you forget that by genre this is basically an upscale motel.
The setting is a small low-rise business park several miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. There's a solid sushi restaurant next door, then a mini-mart and McDonald's 1/4 mile away. Nothing else within walking distance so you drive or cab it ($12-15 to Sausalito or Tiburon). There's good bus service or a quick drive into San Francisco. The upside is that it's peaceful, safe, has free parking, and a good launching point for Miur Woods, Mount Tam, or wine country day trips.
Reommended as: (i) a business base for Southern Marin; (ii) a crash pad if you've been partying and don't want a DUI; (iii) spur of the moment love shak, or (iv) a bigger, nicer, and safer room at a better price than in San Francisco, especially for families -- kids love the grass lawn and landscaping. For something comparable but a little more quaint try the Mill Valley Inn.
This is actually a 2.5 star hotel-the 1/2 extra for the great continental breakfast that has a waffle maker and batter.
-Hotel way over priced for what you get. Stayed in a Jr. Suite with a fireplace and soaking tub. Reservation for 2 people. Tub was AWESOME though they did not provide bubble bath or sufficient towels (be sure to call down to the front desk at least 1/2 hour before getting in the tub or shower to get more towels). Water spigot in shower was weird. Bathrobes they provided were old and worn with faded stains. Bed was old and soft to the point of almost wanting to sag.
I wish we stayed at the Mill Valley Inn.
I was put up here for a couple nights by the Tiburon Film Festival and payed extra to stay a few more nights. The rate was $117 a night (special March rate) it included parking, wired Internet access, amazing sheets and pillows, a roomy tub and bathroom. It was the Best continental breakfast ever. They call it a California continental because there was a server that made you a latte and helped to keep all the food fresh and stocked. There were hard boiled eggs and waffles for you to make on your own. Apples, Oranges, Bananas, Yogurt and cheese sticks if you needed to grab and go. The hotel is right night to 101 just over the bridge from San Francisco so its very convenient to get to the city or the wine country. Being so close did add a bit extra noise to my room on the street side but still much quieter than in the city.
A great value
First, the good...the hotel is small, but charming and very clean. The desk staff were extremely pleasant. The bathtub, as Miz Tam T. said, was perfect--huge, deep, and comfortable. Unlike Miz Tam, I was supplied with wonderful bath salts. The other bath products were great, too. I even liked the facial soap, and that's a rarity in a hotel. The room is well laid-out, with lots of desk space, a convenient internet hookup, and a comfy chaise lounge, so my boss and I were able to have a work session in my room with no problem. Nice TV. Robes are provided and, although obviously not new, are clean and soft. Continental breakfast is a nice touch, and the guy who makes the coffee and tea drinks is an absolute sweetheart.
Now...why three stars, you ask? Well, call me crazy, but I like to get some sleep when I stay in a hotel. Don't let the presence of a bed in the room fool you--this place is NOT designed for sleep. The highway was right outside my window and the noise kept me up all night. Literally. Not more than 30 minutes of sleep. And I actually love the sound of traffic; it usually lulls me to sleep...but this was ridiculously loud. I felt like I was working in a toll booth.
Good thing that latte guy was so nice--I definitely needed some caffeine!
We stayed here for our anniversary night. It had 'ok' reviews, but we thought we'd give it a go anyway.
First off, i think I've learned that if it's a 'Joie de Vivre' hotel, you should just trust it.
As soon as we walked in, I was in love. Super modern and tranquil, there's a fireplace and live grass in the lobby area. The cute redhead upgraded our room since it was open and it was our anniversary. that was really cool of her.
I loved our room. yes, the shape was on the weird side, because they're not perfect rectangles. They're trapezoids :) But the interior designers knew what they were doing: the room was situated perfectly. Our bed was directly across from the sliding doors, with a view of Richardson Bay.
it's true that the room was a bit loud when you opened the sliding doors, because 101 sits right next to the hotel. But know what? We opened the other window in the room, which was strictly on the bay side, and kept the sliding doors closed at night. It cut out the sound, but we still got the crisp bay air!
The bathroom kicked ass! It was HUGE, and had a skylight and real tile. There was a standing shower, with a shower head that would accommodate even tall guys. There was also a jacuzzi tub!
I don't know what that other guy's problem was with the bed sheets. They were great! I even have pretty sensitive skin, things tend to be rough or itchy to me. I though their sheets were super cozy, and the down comforter was pliable enough to really cover every nook and cranny of you while sleeping. I rarely enjoy hotel beds, but this one was really great.
Also, there is a block of time where they serve wine and cheese in the lobby. Great wine and cheese! We took ours outside, since they have a bay side seating area and enjoyed it there. There's a really cute little dock that you can walk out to as well.
Next morning's breakfast was awesome! Espresso bar, coffee, juices, etc. Bagels, waffle maker!, pastries, fruit, eggs, cereal, etc. Good stuff! Again, there was an outdoor seating area on the second level. Breakfast by the bay!
I know these are little things, but I appreciate them: matching brushed nickel fixtures, local magazines in the room, matching furniture. Love that kind of stuff! Most hotels take Denny's looking artwork and put it on their walls with terrible wallpaper and upholstery. I love that for the same price, we stayed in a room that was professionally designed.
This little hole in the wall off of 101 is amazing. Whether you're taking a day trip to Napa or visiting the Redwoods or Mt. Tamalpais or just want to spend a night in a chic chic hotel a bit away from SF, this is the place for you. Rooms are very well priced; service is great; they have a good happy hour every night and a great free breakfast in the morning. The location is the best part, though. It sits right on the edge of SF Bay; every room has a balcony so you catch the breeze from the bay; there is a bike and running path right outside the grounds, so you can go for a quick run at night or in the morning; the second floor, where breakfast is served every morning, also has a large open deck with a beautiful pergola where you can lounge all day or have breakfast. Also, because it's right off the highway, you get an interesting mix of yuppies, business ppls, rockers, and drunkards coming down from Napa...def makes for interesting conversation during happy hour.
The whole place has a very zen, tranquil feel to it. Makes you want to visit some of the show rooms next door and pick up a Maserati or Porsche to feed your inner soul...oum, oum! A must next time you're heading up to wine country!
Beautiful little boutique hotel off highway 101 after the Golden Gate Bridge or before it...I guess =P The place is very modern and tranquil as long as you don't turn back and look at the parking lot which you see cars exiting the free way and other business buildings. Just just look one way. The hotel can either feel warm or cold (maybe it's the cement floors?)...from pictures it's beautiful, in person it's really small and I took my camera with me because this was a potential wedding venue for me and from my camera the place looks nothing like in real life. It's really, really small and although a beautiful wedding venue (reasonable priced) I am not sure if this is the place. You cannot have amplified music which means no DJ and music has to stop at 10p.m. because it's such a small hotel and the guest rooms are connected to the banquet rooms. My mom was real cute and given her limited English said: "Feels like someone's house" and I think she in these simple words summed it up for ya, but a nice house that is.
Urban/Suburan setting but very chic. This is a combination of urban and suburban. The hotel is right off the freeway but is surprisingly quiet with a home town feel. Wonderful staff, comfortable beds and great restaurants near by.
