We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 11 San Rafael hotels »

Colonial Inn

1735 Lincoln Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901 (Formerly Colonial Motel)
Hotel amenities
Colonial Inn
Ranked #11 of 11 hotels in San Rafael
2.5 of 5 stars 29 Reviews
Show the lowest price for this hotel*
Show Prices
*from our partners
Write a Review

29 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    2
    10
    6
    2
    9
Date Rating
Mendocino, CA
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 January 2012

I didn't have the problems with cleanliness or bugs that other reviewers on this site had. Certainly the room was old and very basic, but the sheets were clean, the shower had plenty of hot water, and it was quiet. That's (almost) all I asked. I stayed here for one night recently, on my way home from a long trip... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Bellingham, Washington
1 review
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 August 2011
4
people found this review helpful

Bedbugs, Filthy, Bed bugs, Dirty, Bedbugs, Unclean, Bed bugs. A third world experience. A 60$ nightly rate in San Rafael, Marin County, CA, is an undeniably excellent rate for a single, NONSMOKER motel rate in the SF Bay Area or specifically, my beloved Marin County. However, the motel staff, while minimally helpful, was "filling in" while the owner/manager was on... More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers are raving about these San Rafael hotels

BEST WESTERN PLUS Novato Oaks Inn
4.5 of 5 stars
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d78714?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_RavingAboutButton
Inn Marin
4 of 5 stars
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d80462?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_RavingAboutButton
San Anselmo Inn
4.5 of 5 stars
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d508175?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_RavingAboutButton
Panama Hotel
4 of 5 stars
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d645241?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_RavingAboutButton
Embassy Suites Hotel San Rafael - Marin County / Conference Center
3.5 of 5 stars
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d81770?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_RavingAboutButton
Los Angeles, California
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 August 2011
1
person found this review helpful

This looked good on line so we reserved for a couple of nights. While checking in at the closet-size office, a "colorful" character drinking a beer from a brown paper sack walked in along with his shaggy dog. He looked over my shoulder and assured me that this was a nice place. We weren't so sure, so I requested to... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
California
Top Contributor
78 reviews 78 reviews
Reviews in 40 cities Reviews in 40 cities
73 helpful votes 73 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 August 2011
2
people found this review helpful

Colonial inn looks great and comfortable from the outside, but the inside tells a different story. I read previous reviews of this motel and knew what to expect. We were driving into town late and just needed a place to rest our heads Not for the patron who wants to stay in their hotel room all day. Small, outdated, quiet,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by ZenFinder for San Rafael
Folsom, California
1 review
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 August 2011
2
people found this review helpful

We spent one night at this motel after a day sightseeing S.F. and would not recommend it. The outside was inviting and the location is excellent, located in a quiet spot of San Rafael. However, everything is very old. Not in a good, charming way. The inside of the room had a terrible stench. The carpet was so old and... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
USA
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 January 2011
2
people found this review helpful

If you are a stickler for updated carpets, roomy bathrooms, and fresh paint, the Colonial is not for you. However, if you appreciate an old-fashioned tiled shower, family-run business, and a room that can function as a studio apartment for an extended stay, this is a great spot. There is a roomy closet, refrigerator (alas, no microwave), king bed, desk... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
orange county, ca
1 review
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 July 2010

This is basically a clean (in fact very clean), maintained, old style side of the road motel. The rate is low becuase it is basic with no amenities (does have wireless and large selection of tv channels). If you just need a place to sleep it is fine. If you want a pool (or even a bath tub) this is... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Sacramento, California
1 review
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 July 2010
3
people found this review helpful

1. The staff there were very rude , to us on arrival , we were not welcomed. We were given no info about when to leave, for the day we were due to leave. 2. The man there refused to give us a receipt after charging us more than the price quoted by Priceline and he would not take debt/credit... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Chicago, Illinois
Top Contributor
167 reviews 167 reviews
Reviews in 127 cities Reviews in 127 cities
105 helpful votes 105 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 July 2010
1
person found this review helpful

considering that the rate i received on expedia was considerably lower than the rate of any other area hotel, this was a very goo deal. the room was very clean and large. it had a fridge (no microwaves contrary to what some websites say), a table and 2 chairs, flat screen tv with expanded cable, large desk and chair and... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Palm Springs, California
1 review
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 June 2010
3
people found this review helpful

We certainly would not return to this hotel. The location was perfect, the motel was cheap. However you had to climb over the toilet to sit down on it, but that wasn't the reason that we would not return. Writing an article, I had lost track of the time and it was check out at 11 AM. The manager called... More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed Colonial Inn also viewed

North Bay San Rafael
3.5 of 5 stars 45 Reviews
San Rafael, Marin County
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d655610?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed
Motel 6 San Rafael
2.5 of 5 stars 24 Reviews
San Rafael, Marin County
Gerstle Park Inn
4.5 of 5 stars 46 Reviews
San Rafael, Marin County
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d74087?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed
View all 11 hotels in San Rafael, ranked by popularity »

Been to Colonial Inn? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Additional Information about Colonial Inn

  • Colonial Hotel San Rafael
  • Colonial Motel San Rafael
Address: 1735 Lincoln Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901 (Formerly Colonial Motel)
Price range (per night):* 61 AUD - 77 AUD

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Colonial Inn, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

  • Manage your listing
Colonial Inn
Show the lowest price for this hotel (from our partners)
Show Prices