Embassy Suites San Rafael

101 Mcinnis Pkwy San Rafael, CA 94903

When you're traveling with a family of six, finding accommodations that comfortably fit everyone without breaking the bank can be a challenge. After years of traveling and staying at countless hotels across the country, we've become loyal Embassy Suites fans, and our recent stay at the Embassy Suites San Rafael reaffirmed why this chain remains our family's top choice.

What makes Embassy Suites San Rafael particularly appealing is its strategic location. Situated in Marin County, it provides the perfect balance between accessibility to San Francisco's family friendly attractions and also a nice distance from the city's hustle and bustle. The Golden Gate Bridge is just a short drive away, making day trips into San Francisco convenient and stress-free. We could enjoy the excitement of the city and then retreat to our spacious suite in the evening.

As a family of six, finding hotels that can comfortably accommodate us without booking multiple rooms is always a priority. Embassy Suites consistently delivers with their two-room suite layout. The separate bedroom gives parents some privacy, while the living area with its pull-out sofa bed provides ample sleeping space for the kids. Having this division of space means bedtimes can be staggered, and early risers don't disturb those who want to sleep in.

The rooms at San Rafael are well-maintained, clean, and provide all the essentials a family needs, including a mini-refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. These small amenities make a big difference when traveling with children who need snacks and meals on irregular schedules.

One of Embassy Suites' standout features is their complimentary Evening Reception. Adults in your group can unwind with complimentary drinks. My children are always absolutely thrilled with what they consider the highlight of any Embassy Suites stay: unlimited Shirley Temples.

The reception also offers light snacks, which sometimes can substitute for dinner for kids with smaller appetites. This is another way Embassy Suites helps stretch the family travel budget.

The complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast at Embassy Suites San Rafael deserves special mention. When traveling with four kids, restaurant breakfasts can quickly become costly and time-consuming. Having access to a full, high-quality breakfast right in the hotel simplifies our mornings tremendously.

The omelet station is always a hit with our kids, allowing everyone to customize their breakfast exactly as they wanted. The buffet offers plenty of other options to satisfy both sweet and savory preferences, from fresh fruit and yogurt to pancakes and sausage. Most importantly, as parents, we appreciate starting the day knowing everyone has had a substantial meal before our adventures begin.

A significant advantage of staying at Embassy Suites San Rafael is the excellent on-site restaurant, Red Oak Craft Bar & Rotisserie. During our stay in summer 2024, while full room service hadn't yet returned, we could easily place orders and pick up our food from the restaurant—a minor inconvenience that didn't detract from the quality of the meals.

The restaurant's menu is locally sourced and inspired by the neighboring Santa Margarita Island Preserve. Their signature rotisserie cooking method is used for everything from beef and lamb to more delicate items like poultry, flatbreads, and vegetables, resulting in consistently flavorful dishes. My kids particularly love their pizza—a reliable crowd-pleaser that satisfied even our pickiest eaters. The craftsmanship that goes into each dish is evident, making it a convenient yet high-quality dining option that saved us from having to venture out for every meal.

The indoor pool at Embassy Suites San Rafael provided the perfect energy outlet for our children after long days of sightseeing. Even on cooler evenings, they could enjoy swim time, which is always a vacation highlight for them.

The fitness center, while not extensive, offers enough equipment for parents to maintain their workout routines. And the business center came in handy when the kids wanted to play some computer games (when there were no adults using them of course).

While Embassy Suites isn't always the least expensive option, when traveling with a larger family, the value becomes apparent. When you factor in the included breakfast (for six people!), evening reception with snacks and drinks, and the space of a two-room suite, the overall value surpasses booking multiple rooms at less expensive hotels or paying for all these meals and amenities separately. Note that parking is $15.00 per day.

Have you stayed at Embassy Suites with your family? What's your favorite amenity?