Corte Madera across the San Francisco Bay from San Francisco offers an opportunity to explore the city that’s either a short drive or a ferry ride away. During my four-night stay at Best Western Corte Madera Inn, this hotel was a perfect landing spot for exploration. Corte Madera Marsh State Marine Park is within walking distance.
My friend and I arrived at the hotel mid-afternoon with time to take in our surroundings and settle in to our two-double room.
About Best Western Corte Madera Inn Property
This 110-guest room hotel near Hwy 110 is a landscaped property with flower beds, an enormous outdoor seasonal pool, small fitness center and spaces for kids to play. Outdoor furniture is plentiful for catching the sun and relaxation. I saw a family playing catch with their dog in one of the common areas. Two other kids took turns shooting baskets on the basketball court. The pool is large enough for laps.
Rooms are on two floors with each opening to the outside. Courtyard rooms by the pool have a balcony or a patio. Our 2nd floor room was to the back of the property, but the cut through access made the pool close by.
Our first hotel introduction happened in the reception office building that includes a business area and meeting spaces. A large stone fireplace, expansive windows and modern stylish furniture create a welcoming place. The friendly staff quickly checked us in with information about where to find our room and the included hot item breakfast. We were pleased with our home-away-from-home guest room when we opened the door.
Our Best Western Corte Madera Inn Room
The room’s layout, color palate and spaciousness are winners. Although this isn’t a hotel with kitchenettes, there is a kitchenette approach. A wet bar with the fridge, a granite counter and small sink separate the bathroom and closet from the living space. A small two person table that doubles as a desk, two chairs, and a cabinet style dresser, plus the beds and nightstands, round out the furniture. Creams, light golds and tans create a restful ambiance, and the sliding glass doors bring in light.
A large flat screen TV, coffee maker, microwave, hairdryer, ironing board and iron are the standard amenities that make it easy to create a feeling of home. Like the rest of the room, the bathroom was clean, stylish and roomy. The long granite vanity sink gave us spread out space. Over a few days, we spread out.
Safeway, a grocery store and part of Town Center Mall across the street from the hotel, provided a food and beverage bounty. With our fridge filled and the counter adding in storage space, we toasted and snacked on yummy eats and libation in celebration of our time in northern California.
Other Hotel Details Like Breakfast
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The included breakfast is served in a separate building from the reception office. Unlike many hotels where the breakfast area merges into a lobby, the Best Western Corte Madera Inn has an actual restaurant with vintage style booths and tables. The western themed decor was fun and well done with its memorabilia throwback approach.
Instead of a buffet with hot items that are hit or miss for freshness, staff serves up the hot item options. One day there was bacon. Another day sausage. Eggs are fluffy and for those who like to add a bit of zest, there are a variety of hot sauces. Cold items from fresh fruit to a variety of breads, cereal, yogurt and pastries are available buffet style. Ample seating allows for a relaxed, leisurely atmosphere. My friend and I hung out here awhile one morning.
The self-serve coffee is good, plus there is a variety of teas.
If You Go
Always up for an adventure and seeing something new, we discovered Corte Madera Marsh State Marine Park after a Google search. It was within walking distance. A bit of a walk but well worth it. What a gem. Getting there involved cutting across the mall’s parking lot and heading over the walking overpass across Hwy101. A walking path led us to a tidy neighborhood of ranch style houses which led to the park. The park has a walking path that cuts through the northern coastal salt marsh. This is a gorgeous, peaceful place and a don’t miss spot. If you have a car, you can drive here. Parking is free.
Another don’t miss is Book Passage bookstore, our reason for heading to Northern California. Book Passage is a traveler’s, writer’s and reader’s version of heaven. Even if one doesn’t travel, write or read, it’s worth a stop. If you can’t find a gift for someone here, you are not looking. I was here for the travel writers conference held each August. Throughout the year, travel writer powerhouse folks give talks and workshops. Andrew McCarthy, the biggest name I saw, packed the place.
Booking a Room at Best Western Corte Madera Inn and More
I booked our room through Hotels.com, but also check out the hotel’s website for deals. There are AAA, AARP and military rates plus a chance to earn and use reward points. In addition to two double bed rooms, there are single king and single queen rooms. Room rates currently start at $134 and vary depending on the season.
Parking here is free. Wi-Fi is free and pets are allowed with a fee. This is a perfect hotel if one is traveling with kids. There’s a miniature putt putt course, not something one finds at many hotels.
Post and photos by Jamie Rhein
