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Cheaper
Average
Higher
About
3.0
#1 of 3 motels in Mill Valley
Location
3.7
Cleanliness
2.8
Service
3.1
Value
2.7
Everyone needs a place to lay their weary head. For travelers visiting Mill Valley, Tamalpais Motel is an excellent choice for rest and rejuvenation. Well-known for its budget friendly environment and proximity to great restaurants and attractions, Tamalpais Motel makes it easy to enjoy the best of Mill Valley.
The rooms offer a refrigerator, and getting online is possible, as free wifi is available, allowing you to rest and refresh with ease.
Guests arriving by vehicle have access to free parking.
While in Mill Valley be sure to experience local ribs favorites at Buckeye Roadhouse, Bungalow 44, or Molina.
If you are interested in exploring Mill Valley, check out a state park, such as Mount Tamalpais State Park.
Tamalpais Hotel is sure to make your visit to Mill Valley one worth remembering.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Location
680 Redwood Hwy Frontage Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941-3006
Tamalpais Motel
66 reviews
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
There are no excuses for not knowing what it’s like. This is a very basic motel which suits a quick 2 day / 1 night visitor as I was this weekend. A decent TV, a perfectly adequate shower, and a bed that was extremely comfortable. Yes you can hear some traffic noise, but it’s only 4-5 miles from Tiburon, and at $99 all in, is probably 1/3 of the cost of The Lodge at Tiburon (which although I very much like, outside the log cabin reception/bar actually has just motel style rooms too.) It’s also worth noting it’s next door to a bunch of cool shops, a supermarket, etc..
Not a place I’d necessarily go to with my wife, but if I made a similar trip again I’d probably return.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I was going to be in SF for several days. Big conference in town, hotel rates double and triple. I needed something affordable in Marin. Tamalpais Motel fit the bill. I saw all the recent 4 and 5 star ratings. Thought they might have upgraded their rooms (words like “cozy” and “nice”). Nope.
Room was extremely hot. Even with fan at full blast. Only 70 degrees outside but felt like 90 inside. Sun hits it all afternoon. Furniture from nearest swap meet or Goodwill. Vinyl floor filthy and sticky - my feet were blackened. I wiped floor with some alcohol wipes I had, marginally better but still revolting.
Had my own sheet, pillow, blanket and towel. Only way I felt comfortable.
Wifi intermittent, weak and extremely poor. Little slivers of soap and tiny packets of shampoo. No kleenex.
TV was ok. Had a small fridge and microwave.
Only reason to stay is if you’re too tired to drive or desperate. Or have the DT’s. Travelodge across the highway would have been better choice (they seem to have actually upgraded).
Sorry. This place is the opposite of cozy. Yikes.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from INNsight Reputation Management, Owner at Tamalpais Motel
Responded Sep 27, 2022
Dear Guest, We appreciate the time you took to leave us a review. We are glad to see that you enjoyed your stay at our affordable property. Guest satisfaction for us is highly rewarding, so I am sorry for your experience and the issues in your room. We will certainly take this opportunity to highlight the problems and resolve them. I'd like to apologize again for not meeting your standards on behalf of our entire team. Sincerely, Tamalpais Motel Management
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What a quaint and cozy place to stay. We mentioned that we felt like we were staying in the Cone Motel from the Car's Movie. We have stayed here several times and the rooms are clean, quiet and so convenient to several different beaches and San Francisco, without the high price. The Staff is always pleasant and very accommodating. We love the easy on/easy off exit to the freeways and within walking distance to some fun shops and restaurants. We definitely will stay here again. We travel with my mom and the privacy/semi privacy of the 2nd bed was awesome. We were not expecting too much for the price we paid, but we were pleasantly surprised and it by far exceeded our expectations, we booked it again. Can't wait to go back a 3rd time soon.
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Date of stay: September 2022
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from INNsight Reputation Management, Owner at Tamalpais Motel
Responded Sep 13, 2022
Dear Mvannort, Thank you for taking the time to write our Mill Valley hotel an outstanding review. It is awesome to learn that you enjoyed the quiet ambiance Tamalpais Motel provides. We are happy to learn that you had an excellent time staying with us in Mill Valley and found our accommodations clean, comfortable, and spacious. We are committed to providing honest hospitality at an affordable rate to all our guests. It was a pleasure to host you, and we look forward to having you back soon for another pleasant stay during your next trip to Mill Valley. Kind Regards, Tamalpais Motel Management P.S. Next time book directly at tamalpaismotel.com and save!
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This was one of the best motels I have stayed at. The parking was easy to navigate and it was easy to get to from the freeway. The lady at the desk was very sweet and accommodating. The room was very clean. The bed was comfortable. Instead of an AC unit, there was a large fan, which was perfect for cooling the room as it was not too hot outside. The shower was HOT! This was wonderful after driving all day. Even though it was close to the freeway, it was very quiet.
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Tamalpais Motel in Mill Valley, California was a great place to stay while my family and I were in the San Francisco area. The owners were very friendly and helpful, the rooms were clean and comfortable Nd the Motel was located in a great place for all the sites un the area. Room rated were very reasonable as well. I will stay here again
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from INNsight Reputation Management, Owner at Tamalpais Motel
Responded Jun 13, 2022
Dear Jeffery, Thank you so much for leaving a Perfect Score review for your stay at Tamalpais Motel. We are so honored by the praise you provided for our hospitality, service, and maintenance. We can't wait to have you back for another pleasant stay with us on your next visit to Mill Valley. Thank You, Tamalpais Motel Management P.S. For amazing offers and the best prices on our accommodations, book directly on our website: tamalpaismotel.com.Dear Jeffery, Thank you so much for leaving a Perfect Score review for your stay at Tamalpais Motel. We are so honored by the praise you provided for our hospitality, service, and maintenance. We can't wait to have you back for another pleasant stay with us on your next visit to Mill Valley. Thank You, Tamalpais Motel Management P.S. For amazing offers and the best prices on our accommodations, book directly on our website: tamalpaismotel.com.
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This is a budget motel, so you should know what you are getting. I was arriving late one night and leaving early the next morning, so I figured I could deal with whatever issues it had. But things started out rough and got worse. Walked into the room and immediately noticed an old motel stench probably from carpets and bed linens that are 30 years old. The bathroom floor was flooded with water from a leaking toilet. And I noticed the toilet water was running and would not stop running. So I took off the toilet lid to find a piece of plastic had somehow jammed into the toilet flapper seal. So I took that out which fixed the toilet, and mopped up the floor. The bed was comfortable enough but the stench of the linens honestly woke me up at night. I finally just pushed them off the bed and cranked up the heat. The motel is right next to 101 so be prepared for semi-trucks and motorcycles zooming by all night. I have a sound machine app and earplugs, which cut most of the noise. The next morning, I was about to make my exit with minimal trauma when I tried to take a shower but there was no hot water. Hot water came out of the sink, but none out of the shower. Tried everything but in the end it was a cold shower in the morning. Not a great way to start the day. Pay a few bucks extra and stay somewhere decent.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is an ‘original’ motel, that is a throwback to an earlier day. Nothing fancy, just a clean room to spend the night. We chose it for its location which is really central to the area’s shopping, restaurants and waterfront. The rooms are small but comfortable. The bathroom usually tells the tale, and again although small was clean and perfectly functional. Can’t beat it for value for price.
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Good parking is provided.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guest Satisfaction Team, Owner at Tamalpais Motel
Responded Dec 27, 2023
Dear Serge Z, Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the charm of our original motel and found it clean and comfortable. We take pride in our central location, making it convenient for exploring the shopping, restaurants, and waterfront. Your appreciation for our value-for-price is truly gratifying. We look forward to welcoming you back for another pleasant stay! Kind Regards, Tamalpais Motel Management P.S. book directly on tamalpaismotel.com to get the LOWEST PRICES and save!
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I was very pleased with my stay here. The checkin process was quick and easy, all of the staff were very kind, and the room was very clean and spacious. On top of everything, I never felt that I was unsafe. Not to mention how close you are to so many things! The Richardson Bay Audubon Center is just a 5 minute drive away! I would definitely recommend staying here! And I would definitely stay here again.
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Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from INNsight Reputation Management, Owner at Tamalpais Motel
Responded Jun 1, 2022
Dear Sarah, YOU MADE OUR DAY! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a PERFECT 5-STAR REVIEW of your recent stay at Tamalpais Motel. We are delighted to learn that you had a wonderful stay with us, and we were able to deliver to you the hospitality we pride ourselves on. We are glad you enjoyed your stay at our hotel and found your guest room clean and spacious. Thank you once more for your excellent feedback. Thank You, Tamalpais Motel Management P.S. Don't forget to book directly on tamalpaismotel.com to get the best deals and discounts.
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Great location with nice size rooms!!! Very close to Mt Tamalpais, Muir Woods, and beach access to both Muir Beach and Stinson. Hotel has great dining and shopping options right down the road. Stayed 3 different times since last summer and plan to return. Access is perfect for sight seeing and outdoor fun.
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guest Satisfaction Team, Owner at Tamalpais Motel
Responded Jul 18, 2023
Dear Guest, Thank you for your positive review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed our great location and spacious rooms. It's wonderful to know that our proximity to Mt Tamalpais, Muir Woods, and the nearby beaches added to your overall experience. We appreciate your continued patronage and look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit. Don't hesitate to reach out if there's anything else we can assist you with. Kind Regards, Tamalpais Motel Management P.S. Always remember to book your stay directly at tamalpaismotel.com where you will find the lowest rates anywhere online.
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Clean, bright room with lots of windows to let in light(window shades for each also). Really nice staff! Well maintained property. The only downside was the road noise but we brought ear plugs luckily so we slept great! 100% recommend.
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from INNsight Reputation Management, Owner at Tamalpais Motel
Responded Jun 1, 2022
Dear Sara, Wow!!! Thank you so much for writing us a PERFECT SCORE REVIEW!!! Our staff loves what they do, and happy guests are their focus. We are glad that you loved our accommodations and our comfortable rooms. We look forward to seeing you again in the future. Thank you for staying with us! Thank You, Tamalpais Motel Management P.S. For amazing offers and the best prices on our accommodations, book directly on our website: tamalpaismotel.com.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
There are more places to choose from in the Mill Valley area.
PRICE RANGE
$119 - $120 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
tamalpais hotel mill valley
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaMarin CountyMill Valley
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including any mandatory fees. Taxes not included. Please see our partners for more details.
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