Where to Stay: Mill Valley

acqua hotel exterior

Mill Valley is a small city surrounded by towering redwood trees and rolling hills, making it a popular destination for hiking, biking, and exploring nature. Visitors can hike through the trails of Mount Tamalpais State Park or explore the Muir Woods National Monument, home to some of the tallest trees in the world. In addition to its natural beauty, Mill Valley is also home to a thriving arts and cultural scene. The city is known for its many art galleries, live music venues, and theaters, as well as its annual Mill Valley Film Festival, which draws filmmakers and movie lovers from all over the world. The downtown area is lined with boutiques, antique shops, and local artisans, offering a unique shopping experience. Overall, Mill Valley offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions.


Acqua Hotel

acqua hotel atrium

Ideally situated for a quick ride into the city and easy access to Muir Woods and Stinson Beach, Acqua Hotel is perched on a spit of land just south of the town of Mill Valley and alongside Highway 101. Many rooms feature gas fireplaces but all are quiet — they face Pickleweed Inlet with views of migrating birds, kayakers and each day’s sunset over the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and nearby Mount Tamalpais. A complimentary American breakfast is included with every reservation and free mountain bike rentals are a bonus in the county where mountain biking was invented and is revered. Within steps of the hotel are two restaurants: Piatti for farm-to-table Italian and Robata Grill & Sushi.

555 Redwood Hwy, 415.380.0400

Mill Valley Inn

a room at the mill valley inn
Photo by Mill Valley Inn

Mill Valley Inn is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Mill Valley. The hotel offers 25 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, each featuring plush bedding, modern amenities, and views of the surrounding hills or courtyard. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities and services, including complimentary continental breakfast, afternoon tea, and freshly baked cookies. The hotel also offers a fitness center, a relaxing courtyard, and complimentary bicycles for exploring the surrounding area. Guests are just steps away from the city’s many restaurants, cafes, and shops, as well as its cultural attractions and natural beauty.

165 Throckmorton Ave, 415.389.6608

Holiday Inn Express

room at the holiday inn
Photo by Holiday Inn Express

Binoculars in every room and balconies that jut directly over the water are just two of the reasons to stay at The Inn Above Tide, a bayside lodge. The main one is, of course the view, which couldn’t be more spectacular — almost every one of the 31 rooms looks directly out at the city, with Alcatraz and Angel Island in the foreground. Sit on your glass-enclosed balcony and watch the city lights twinkle on, outlining the iconic skyline. The complimentary breakfast is served buffet style in the dining room or delivered to your room, and you’ll also be fêted with a wine and cheese reception every evening from 5 to 7pm.

160 Shoreline Hwy, 415.332.570

Travelodge by Wyndham

exterior of travelodge
Photo by Wyndham

The Travelodge is a budget-friendly option known for its convenient location and comfortable accommodations. The hotel offers 52 clean and cozy guest rooms, each featuring comfortable bedding, a flat-screen TV, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests at the Mill Valley Travelodge can enjoy a range of amenities, including complimentary continental breakfast, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. The hotel also offers a seasonal outdoor pool, perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. It’s just a short drive from San Francisco, making it a convenient base for exploring the city’s many attractions.

707 Redwood Hwy, 415.569.3948