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Marin Suites Hotel
Category: Event Planning & Services Hotels Hotels & Travel Hotels Hotels [Edit]
45 Tamal Vista BlvdCorte Madera, CA 94925
(415) 924-3608
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 12 am - 12 am
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Dogs Allowed:
- Yes
About This Business:
Indulge in first-class lodging at our downtown San Francisco hotel conveniently located near the Financial District, North Beach, Chinatown, the… read more »
22 reviews for Marin Suites Hotel
Review Highlights
22 reviews in English
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Review from Bill K.
San Bruno, CA
12/16/2011
Nice place. Stayed there the night before my wedding so I could get out of the house and be closer to the venue. room was clean, quiet and rate was incredible!!
Could not believe it.
Breakfast in the morning was kind of do-it-yourself, but i enjoyed that and the man at the front counter was really nice. Would stay here again if I had to. -
Review from Ryan A.
9/23/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I tried everything I could to convince myself to give this place at least a two-star review, but it just wasn't meant to be. I thought about the one friendly front desk employee that I was helped by twice, but that wasn't enough. I thought about the fact that they are clearly still working to renovate the hotel, but again, not enough. Honestly, that was really all it had going for it.
I won't remember everything it didn't have going for it, but here are some of the highlights. My biggest complaint - no air conditioning in the rooms (or at least ours). We had to keep the windows and drapes open, which opened right to the walkway out front our room. The second biggest complaint was the internet access. The wireless access is limited to 254 connections at any one time. I don't know how many rooms there were at this hotel, but it's not small. And, each room is likely to have more than one device connected to their wireless. Anyone that has their phone to connect to unprotected wireless networks automatically would be taking up an opening. Plus, once you were connected, it was slow and you'd eventually be kicked off. Not good.
Other lesser complaints included the really old windows that didn't latch - you had to rely on the locks behind the windows to keep the room from being broken into.
This hotel advertises as a suite only hotel. Sure, the rooms are pretty big for the San Francisco area, but you're not in San Francisco and providing a plate, cup and two sets of silverware does not make a suite. Other than that, there was no difference than any other hotel room. A fridge and microwave, that's it.
The bathroom was very small, barely any counter space around the sink.
The walkways were literally falling apart. You could see the warped plywood that was all that was protecting you from death.
The elevator was incredibly scary.
Lastly, it is advertised as a "luxury" hotel. There is nothing luxury about this hotel. It's fine. It's relatively clean, but it is not the least bit luxury. DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THE PICTURES. They have taken pictures of a few things they have renovated. The rooms have new bedding and a new bathroom sink, but that was all that was renovated. Maybe they'll keep working on it, but the advertising and wireless access tells me they don't really care about their customers and will keep doing only what is necessary to keep the place from falling apart.
One note . . . I think it's unfair to complain about the "cancer/birth defects warning" that is posted (as one reviewer has done here). Every hotel is required to post this for one reason or another, even the most high-end luxury hotels out there. This is a California law. Sure, it's ridiculous to have it posted, if everywhere posts it, no one will take it seriously. But, it's a law and they're just abiding by the law. -
Review from Jay t.
San Francisco, CA
12/15/2011
noisy highway 101 closeby. The place is well decorated and seems very clean. There is not much of a kitchen, no stove. The refrigerator was louder than the highway noise.
Room had lots of natural light, The bathroom lighting was great, the furniture in bedroom and bathroom was top notch. The kitchen was not.
Lots of noise from people walking above, the TV vibrations were very loud and even with earplugs could hear it. Bad sound insulation.
good price though for what you get. -
Review from Jeney P.
Santa Rosa, CA
Updated - 3/25/2011
I'm coming back to update just this one review, even though there are many that could use a good updating. But I'm only taking the time to update this one (I can't stop saying "update") because of all the love I have for it.
My family continued to come here every year since the date of the original review. We didn't make it last year, but only because work wouldn't permit us to do so. But every year we returned, the owners gave us the same price as the first year, which made us feel special.
Also, they've continued to renovate and remodel and now, let me be the one to tell you, the outdoor areas are truly lovely. They've added an absolutely gorgeous outdoor entertaining/lounging section. Very modern and quite spectacular. In another section, there is a gas fire pit with seating around it. The grounds have always been very well manicured and taken care of.
Every year after the first year, everything in our room was in proper working order, and we've figured out the best room to request (not going to tell you because I am a toddler and I do not share well) so that we avoid the freeway noise AND the breakfast crowd shenanigans.
One year, I reserved a room for just my husband and I to celebrate our 14 year anniversary. I reserved a studio and mentioned in the online room reservation that it was our anniversary. I noticed when we arrived that we were given a one-bedroom suite. I inquired about this at the office and the lady at the front desk said, "We just thought you deserved something special for your anniversary." Wow!
So, not only are the rooms big and you can bring a MESS of kids with you and it is reasonably priced, but in addition to all that goodness, the staff and owners are wonderful and very thoughtful, as well.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/6/2006 First to Review
Here's how it's going to be: You're going to be okay with staying in an old, converted apartment… Read more »
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Review from Aimee A.
Anchorage, AK
12/3/2011
My friends and I loved this place the most out of our trip. The suite we got was really nice and cozy. Their lounge or entertainment area was pretty neat and they even had a grill just outside of it. We also loved the heated pool. Their breakfast had a decent variety of foods to choose from and you could even make your own waffles. Our money well spent and definitely staying here again on our next trip. Highly recommended.
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Review from Rett W.
Beaverton, OR
7/20/2011 2 photos
The room size is nice and the court yard looks inviting. But the place is cheaply constructed (thin walls, doors, tubs, etc). The 7am start time for breakfast is unacceptable if you have early meetings.
The lack of air conditioned rooms makes the room uncomfortable during the summer. The cancer/birth defects warning on the door makes my skin crawl. The management obviously is attempting to hide the fact since they post it on a door which you would only use if you were walking. -
Review from Wanugee N.
Pleasant Hill, CA
9/18/2008
Marin Suites has some things going for it, and some things not going for it.
Good things: A lot of space for a good price! If you have a large family and need accomodations in this part of Marin, this is the best value! You can get the equvalent of a 2 bedroom apartment for the same price you would get a single room in other chains nearby. It is a Best Western hotel, so you can get your points if you belong to tha frequent guest program. It has a pool in the middl of the courtyard. It is right next to a movie theater and next to a small strip mall.
Bad Things: It really looks like it was an old apartment building, and has been painted over and updated to try to make it look fresher. It is a motel like structure, with outside catwalks with railings. The parking is limited around the back. There is no food here. This isnot up to the standards of most popular business chains.
But if you are travelling or visiting relatives in Marin for a week with a family, this can save you some money.
Think Value, not Amenities!Listed in: Wanugee! Hotels, Wanugee! Marin County
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Review from Rachel C.
9/4/2008
I was invited to an Open House for the Marin Suites Hotel which recently was remodeled and updated. Each "room" is a small apartment with kitchen, living area and bedroom(s) and bath. Bathrooms have been upgraded and the bedrooms look inviting - with new comforters and lots of pillows. They have a two-bedroom choice; plus a one-bedroom with a very large living room that can be set up as a classroom style meeting room for 10-12 guests.
There's a pool and two interior courtyards. Located in Corte Madera near the Town Center Shopping and a number of good restaurants within walking distance. Conveniently located for scooting into San Francisco or up to the wine country.
I think they've upped the price from the $99 special previously mentioned. Standing in the lobby I heard the front desk clerk tell a customer that the room was $188 a night. Not sure what the room size was for $188, but that's twice the old price. Not sure it has been upgraded by a multiple of 2.
It's a nice middle of the road hotel. Nothing fancy. They could use some decorator touches in the rooms. Accessorize it a little. Everything seemed so bland and not warm and cozy at all.
If you need a clean place to stay for a short time in this location and don't want to hawk your 1st born, then Marin Suites is a good bet. If you want romantic, or cozy, or are just trying to impress that overnight date . . . this is probably not the place to go. -
Review from joshua h.
Santa Barbara, CA
10/13/2011
There is no drop off entry point to this hotel. You must find parking in the back and find your way upfront to the lobby that is the size of a shoe box. This hotel is essentially a transformed apartment building that has very thin walls. We left a couple items behind and 3 months has passed and yet to receive our items back. Although we were promised by the staff it would be. left several messages for the manager regarding this and NO phone calls back. Would highly recommend an alternate hotel.
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Review from Brigitte S.
Green Brae, CA
5/26/2011
My brother and his wife stayed here when their apt flooded and they were so accomadating. The location is excellent! You have one of Marin's largest screen movie theaters right next door, a ton of high end restaurants all within walking distance and my favorite, shopping at the town center and the village where you can find Nordstroms, Macy's, True Religion, Apple, Bare Escentuals and much more. If you are stuck and need a place to stay or you are visiting Marin and cannot afford expensive hotel rooms, this is the hotel to call. If Andrea is at the desk, you are in luck! She can answer any questions you may have and was really friendly! The rooms are cozy and have everything you would need in a hotel room.
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Review from Lucy T.
Monterey, CA
2/13/2011
Spent a last minute valentines day weekend here, and LOVED it. The room was reasonable, and big! We went with a suite. It had a full size fridge, and kitchen area. The pool was candle-lit at night, and it had this cute romantic sanctuary area. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone!
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Review from L H.
Novato, CA
1/30/2011
A friend of my bf's recommended this place. We stayed here for a night and from the looks of their website it looked like an upscale hotel. It is located on a small street right off of the 101. It is also right next to a run down movie theater that seemed to only be showing one movie. The the other side of the hotel is a small shopping center with one restaurant, Brick and Bottle (reservation required).
The office person was very warm and nice. He greeted us and made us feel welcomed. We booked a studio room for about $109 a night. The room was located on the third floor. They have an elevator, which made it easier to bring up the suitcases. However, the elevator was very weird. Hard to describe. It made weird noises and I didn't really want to use it again.
The studio room was very roomy for two people. From what other people had said, the room and hotel does look a little old. The bed was comfortable and the TV was a flat screen with about 15 or so channels. The room also had a funny smell to it when we arrived. It had been raining outside and the windows were opened (not sure for how long) so the smell could've been the wet soggy smell of rain and whatnot.
If you drive down Tamal Vista Blvd. there is another bigger shopping center with a few restaurants to choose from, such as CPK, Baja Fresh, Il Forinio (sp?), Pacific Cod, etc.
The hotel also provides complimentary breakfast from 7-10AM. We took advantage of that. The spread includes 4 types of cereal, make your own waffles (they have the batter made, you pour and wait for the dinger), bananas, apples, french toasts, mini croissants, wheat toast, plain bagels, cream cheese, different jams, syrup, hard boiled eggs, mixed fruit, coffee, and juice.
I would stay here again if I couldn't find another place nearby. -
Review from Stuart T.
Fountain Valley, CA
8/9/2008
I stayed here during my relocation to the Bay Area from Nevada. Being my home for about a month or so, it still never felt comfortable.
I think it was an old apartment building that was converted. The rooms are nice and big with a separate kitchen, living room, dining room, bedroom and bathroom. Towels suck. Cable sucks. Internet TV sucks. They don't have daily room service. Front desk staff could use some customer service training.
The good thing is, there is a Century Theaters next door, however, it only has one screen. For $10+ you can see the one movie that is showing, no theatre hopping here!
Also, they have a breakfast room downstairs with a hot waffle iron. I never thought this would be such a big thing, but compared to the other continental breakfasts that is typically offered, having a hot breakfast option is a nice touch. It's not the Hyatt with their hot all you can eat buffets, but for $99 bucks a night, you can't be too picky.
Oh, but now that I'm thinking about it. In the 1-bedroom floorplan, the only heater/AC unit is in the living room. So, the heat or the air never really circulates to the bedroom which makes it very uncomfortable. On one of my trips, I asked for a studio unit instead of a 1-bedroom. I actually enjoyed this much more, still a good size room with a separate kitchen and dining room, King Size Bed and a comfortable temperature.
The kitchen is complete with a microwave, sink, oven, silverware, plates, paper towels, and a small amount of cooking utensils. I picked up some California Pizza Kitchen from down the street and ate it for a couple days since I was able to reheat it in the microwave.
Oh, parking sucks. The spaces are too close together. Park next to a nice car in the lot, or park in the Century Theaters lot next door. -
Review from Jason C.
Campbell, CA
11/29/2009
Hmm, where to begin . . . thin walls, broken windows that kept clanking with the slightest breeze, mildew-ridden tiles in the tub, people running around at 2 am on walkways that seem to be made to amplify noise, no parking, sounds like Highway 101 is right outside (it is), elevator with an inspection permit that was 18 months out of date, . . . hmmm, yeah that about does it!
This place is terrible and overpriced for what you get ($170 for a kitchenette/suite). The one positive was that the bed was comfortable, but with all the noise that the thin walls let in, I was only able to get a couple of hours sleep. -
Review from Eric W.
9/25/2010
Marin it is, sweet it is not.
I will start out on the positive side. Great location, really nice size rooms, very inexpensive, not a bad kitchen with pretty new appliances, free wifi, very nice pool and spa, a sanctuary area that they spent a fortune on but had no use and that about sums up the positives. Now for the real review.
This place is a dump. From the very thin walls, to the red mohawk hair dos with all tattooed 200lb overweight bodies (woman I think) contaminating the hots tub, to the untawdry things going on in this place, one would think they were renting rooms by the minute. I really had no idea what was going on and I can just imagine. Yeah, there were a few nice families, and people on longer term work assignment around but this place just does not fit the bill if one needs to stay while something is being done to their homes or on a long term work. Other bad moments: awful beds and pillows, no a/c, flat screens with 15 stations and no HD, awful "fitness room", free "continental" breakfast that was brutal, most the employees looked tired and unhappy, pretty bad shower and toilets, the paint in the room was leftover from the WPA, awful parking, people roaming the outside halls on cell phones at all hours of the day, noise noise noise, terrible smell in the rooms and out and only one itny elevator to bring up your stuff in what is a longer term type of place.
Let me say this. The place could really be a good place, with a little upgrade here and there, re-doing the rooms a bit with carpet and beds, putting HD into the HDTV's, putting an outside happy hour bar in the Sanctuary area, creating better service and maybe a more upscale pricing structure that takes into account the corporate rate people and the local families that may want to stay here. It really is not far off but from here it seems so far away. And away from this place I will be for ever until they decide to create real change you can believe in. -
Review from Mike P.
Salinas, CA
11/10/2010
My wife booked a room here for two nights for $100 a night on http://Orbitz.com. What a great deal! It's true that the TV in the bedroom does not have cable, but the plasma in the Living Room does! A great place to stay if you can't find a room in the city. It's also conveniently located near a Safeway and next to a movie theater. So put the kitchen provided in the room to use, and enjoy your stay!
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Review from Joan P.
Sebastopol, CA
10/9/2010
I'm surprised at the negative reviews. I've stayed here often over the years and always had a good experience. The suites are roomy and comfortable, the staff helpful, and the location is great with easy access from the freeway. I've always felt safe. I'll stay here again.
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Review from Sarah S.
West Hollywood, CA
7/11/2010
More like 2.5 stars. This place was my home for a week. My suite was huge! Just like a little apartment with a full kitchen, huge closets, big screen TV. All in all it was a nice place, EXCEPT for the doggy smell. Not dog pee, more like a vets office medicinal smell. And the walls/floors/ceilings must be paper thin. I could hear every step above me and full conversations of the people next door. The place shook every time someone walked by outside. People played in the pool from dusk 'til dawn and children stampeded around outside. I guess everyone was having a good time except me who there for work, not vacation and needed to sleep.
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Review from jenny k.
San Francisco, CA
8/14/2010
This place is very tired, dirty, and LOUD. I was stuck here for five days and it was terrible. I'm not a picky person so for me to give only one star is pretty rare. The staff are very unprofessional and nothing is updated like the restaurant they suggest next door has been out of business for awhile. The website is much better than the reality. There is a nice serenity area outside with the hotel's only ice machine and vending machine that make loud noise as you try to get serenity. Add to that screaming kids in the pool and people passing through constantly. The freeway can be heard loud and clear throughout hotel. Don't stay here.
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Review from stephanie p.
San Rafael, CA
8/12/2007
I do not reccomend at all! We stayed while our house was rehabed and not a good experience! there was even a pimp and ho party going on across from us!
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Review from Gwynne G.
San Ramon, CA
4/9/2011
I've stayed here several times and I've been happy. Yes, it's a converted apartment building, but they have done a nice job. The rooms are roomy and comfortable. It's not luxury but it's not bargain basement either. The pool and hot tub are nice and I've only encountered nice people there. The breakfast is fine. I would definitely stay here any time I have business nearby.
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Review from Valerie H.
Santa Rosa, CA
3/17/2010
My hubby and I went here for what we called a 28 hour vacation. Looking for a place close-ish to home in case the sitter needed us, but far enough away to actually feel away, we decided to try Marin. I was very impressed by the level of customer service we received. The hotel is not the newest, but it was very clean and cute. Looks like they semi recently remodeled the place. The bed was like a fluffy cloud. The pool and hot tub were awesome and the outdoor Sanctuary was very nice. Best part ~ we went for the Romance package ~ a one room suite, a rose, a box of chocolates, a bottle of champagne (and it wasn't Korbel!), one in room movie credit and LATE CHECK OUT! All for only 140, we enjoyed the evening in and saved money with the ability to cook dinner there. It was truly a get away for us. We already have plans to do it again in a few months.
