From the moment we parked in the easy-to-park-in, spacious parking lot and we're greeted at the desk by a cheerful, helpful check-in associate, we knew this would be a good stay. The room was spotless. We lucked out on having a view out the window of a hill in bloom with wildflowers and alive with birdsong! The pool was clean and decent sized for a swim, the hottub looked inviting although I didn't use it. The shower had a variable massage spray and the bath area was well laid out to allow privacy for my work partner and myself to bathe and use the toilet discreetly. The huge beds (my room had two queens or kings) were firm but not hard as a rock. Breakfast the next morning (from 6-10am...lots of time to relax) included hot make-it-yourself waffles, hard boiled eggs, fresh fruits, many cereals both hot and cold, jams, jelly, peanut butter, fresh walnuts, raisins, Starbucks brand coffee, and a variety of teas. I think they had juice and of course, milk, too. Check out was easy, again assisted by very friendly front desk staff. I would highly recommend this hotel. (Of course, the location is awesome, too!)

I've stayed at this hotel dozens of times, since I leave near Seattle but work for a company in Novato. Many of the very friendly staffers greet me by name when I arrive, and they are friendly and helpful to everyone. The hotel is full of nice touches such as a coffee/tea/pastry station by the library nook in the lobby, tasteful room decorations, comfortable task chairs at the desks, and chocolates on the night stand. It shows they care about their guests. Rooms are always clean and well maintained. Beds are nicely comfy.

Things you pay for at more expensive restaurants (breakfast, wireless internet, business center) are all free. There's no cooked breakfast, other than waffles you make yourself, but the selection of pastries, fruit, cereal, juice and whatnot is quite good. When the "no carb" fad came along they accomodated by adding hard-boiled eggs.

Very handy location off Hwy 101 (if you're bothered by traffic noise you should ask for a hillside room). Food at the Wild Fox Restaurant across the parking lot is excellent, albeit a trifle rich.

Overall an excellent value for the low price. One of my favorite hotels anywhere.

This was my first visit to the Novato Oaks Inn, and it certainly won't be my last. I've stayed in a number of other hotels in Marin, but I would have to say this is one of the best values I've encountered.

The propery is set back off the highway, nestled into a hillside. There is a large parking lot in front, with just the grounds and the hillside on the sides and back. The property is clean and well tended, with lots of grass and flowers in front.

The hotel consists of five separate buildings, connected to one another with covered walkways. The center building houses the lobby, breakfast area, and guest rooms. Other buildings have a nice business center, workout room, conference rooms, and the rest of the guest rooms. A pool and patio are in a secluded area behind the main building.

The room itself (5204 - which is building 5, floor 2, room 4) was very spacious, clean, and comfortable. The room was actually fairly elegant, with crown moldings, chair rail, and nice furnishings. There was an ample work desk with a very comfortable chair, along with two phones and free wireless Internet access. The windows opened all the way - love the fresh air and the smell of the oaks - and were covered with plantation shutters instead of the usual curtains. There was a cozy king bed with a very warm comforter, as well as a small couch and another chair. The through-wall heater/air conditioner is controlled by a wall thermostat.

The bathroom was very spacious, with the sink outside of where the toilet and shower were. Everything was very clean, and there were nice touches like a curved shower rod and even a shower curtain with a see-through top that lets additional light into the shower.

My room was on the back, and was VERY quiet. There is some freeway noise to the front of the building, and I suspect you may hear some of that in the front-facing rooms. The view was to the oak-studded hillside behind the hotel, which really added to the peace and quiet. The front rooms have a balcony, but I opted for the back room for the quiet and the view.

There was a continental breakfast each morning - waffles, fruit, cereal, bread, coffee, orange juice. It was fairly typcial, but still a nice start to the day. Coffee and tea are available at all hours in the lobby, and there is also a well-stocked library in the lobby. I found everything to be clean and well maintained, and the staff was very nice and helpful.

There is one restaurant right next door that also provides room service, as well as a Burger King on the frontage road in front of the hotel. Nothing else is within walking distance, but there are lots of places to eat just a short drive away.

My king room was $116 a night, including breakfast, which is a good value for the area, especially such a short distance from San Francisco and the Wine Country. Incidentally, that was the AAA rate, and if you travel very often I would highly recommend joining AAA for the discounts, maps, and other services they offer (No, I don't work for them).

A very clean, comfortable, quiet hotel, and I would definitely recommend it!!

Heading north to the wine country and looking for an exceptional value? Stop here! Large, nicely appointed rooms; incredibly comfortable beds; nice bathroom; large covered balcony.

Even the adjoining restaurant is very nice with excellent menu and food and a wide variety of martinis! A must visit during a stay.

The only down side would be not having a closing closet for your hanging clothes and the internet service was sluggish but not unusable.