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!!