Looking for a place to sleep, to work, or take your pet? Here are an assortment of service and hospitality-related new openings to check out:
Lodge at Marconi
It wasthe middle of World War I when Guglielmo Marconi, the inventor of the radio, constructed a radio receiving station, hotel and cottages on a plot of land overlooking Marshall, and more than 40 years since the property’s lodge and guest rooms were designed by renowned architect Ellis Kaplan. Fast-forward to Covid Times when two of the co-owners of Marconi Hospitality, Adam Mendelson and Rodney Fong, began renovations, reimagining the buildings as a coastal retreat and event destination within 62 acres of Marconi State Historic Park. With 45 hotel rooms, three meeting spaces, two wedding suites and three outdoor event/activity meadows scheduled to reopen in September, access to the bounty of west county is more available than ever.
18500 CA-1, Marshall; 415.663.9020
Karma Club
Noting Marin’s lack of gathering places specifically for teens, founder and executive director Sally Newsom opened a free, teen community space in Northgate Mall in late August. Offering a safe and inclusive space for Marin County youth ages 13 to 19 to grow, learn and thrive, the teen-led club brings together nearly 20 Marin nonprofits to offer connection to resources and programming that spans mental wellness, college and career support, social and emotional learning as well as financial literacy. “Northgate Mall is now a haven for youth, with a public library, arcade, skating rink, movie theater, restaurants and more,” says Newsom. Events like Friday Night Live (open mic, poetry slam, music/teen bands, karaoke, and movies), classes and workshops on mindfulness, basketball dribbling for stress reduction, social justice expression, crocheting and knitting are also planned.
5800 Northgate Mall, Suite 74, San Rafael; 415.847.2534
AvantSpace
After opening a flagship in San Francisco in 2018, founding partners Sean and Josh Breuner along with VP of Operations Francesca Huson — all Redwood High alumni — are bringing their neighborhood coworking concept to downtown San Rafael in June. The tiered private membership program offers dedicated workplaces for remote work as well as amenities including conference rooms, concierge services, special events and a beverage program. “Opening in San Rafael is truly a homecoming for us,” says Huson.
835 5th Avenue, San Rafael; 415.783.9942
Dillon Beach Tiny Homes
Thirteen new units join the ranks of ocean-facing Tiny Homes at Dillon Beach Resort. The artfully designed accomodations include Coho, which, at 360 square feet, sleep five guests. Sweetwater boasts a deck and large patios while the two-person occupany Osprey clocks in at 150 square feet and sleeps two.
1 Beach Ave, Dillon Beach; 707.878.3030
AC Hotel
(coming soon)
Set to open this summer about a block from the Mission San Rafael Arcángel, AC Hotel San Rafael by Marriott, marks the arrival of the boutique hotel brand to Marin. Floor to ceiling windows in the 140 guest rooms and fitness center will offer views over the community but the chatter is sure to be about Above 5th, the rooftop bar and lounge. Look for a seasonal cocktail program and menu of small bites at night or for brunch around the firepit. The brand’s signature AC Kitchen will offer breakfast and the AC Lounge will serve tapas alongside wine, craft beer and cocktails on the lobby level.
1201 Fifth Ave, San Rafael; 628.336.5600
Christina Mueller is a long-time Bay Area food writer. She hails from the East Coast and has spent way too much time in South America and Europe. She discovered her talent as a wordsmith in college and her love of all things epicurean in grad school. She has written for Condé Nast Contract Publishing, Sunset, and the Marin Independent Journal, among others. She volunteers with California State Parks and at her childrens’ schools, and supports the Marin Audubon Society, PEN America, and Planned Parenthood. When she is not drinking wine by a fire, she is known to spend time with her extended family.
