Novato has a long history dating back to 1300 when the area was home to Coast Miwok Native American villages at the base of Mount Burdell. The Mexican government granted Rancho Novato to Fernando Feliz in 1839; the rancho was named after a local Miwok leader who may have been given the name of Saint Novatus at the time of his baptism. Other land grants followed.
A railroad built in 1879 connected Novato to Sonoma County and San Rafael and formed an area that became known as New Town, at the edge of what is now Old Town Novato.
What are the best times to visit Novato, CA?
The best time to visit Novato falls between mid-June and mid-October, when high temperatures range from 76 at the beginning and end of the warm season to 81 degrees in late August. This is also the most popular time in Novato, so hotel rooms will be at their highest rates. You will get a better deal if you book your room well before you travel.
Summers are long, dry, and mostly clear, while winters are short, wet, cold, and partly cloudy. The cool season, from the end of November to early February, averages daily highs of around 60 degrees and average lows around 39 degrees. Spring is comfortable, as is late fall, but you'll want to wear a jacket. If you expect to work up a sweat with outdoor activities, this cooler weather might suit you and should come with lower prices on hotel rooms. The cold season will offer the lowest rates, but you'll have to deal with some cooler temps.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Novato, CA:
Novato by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Novato, CA. You can use these charts to evaluate the most cost effective months to make a reservation in Novato for your upcoming travels.
Are there luxury hotels in the Novato area?
4 Star Average Prices: $235.52
The Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn offers luxurious rooms with refrigerators and flat-screen televisions, free wired and wireless internet access, and desks. Relax in the outdoor pool and spa tub and work out in the fitness center. The hotel provides a 24-hour business center, concierge services, and 3,000 square feet of meeting space, including a conference center. The hotel offers dry cleaning and laundry services and free newspapers in the lobby.
You can use barbecue grills outdoors or dine at the Wildfox Restaurant and Bar. The hotel offers room service during limited hours and serves a free buffet breakfast daily.
Inn Marin and Suites, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member, will give you a luxurious stay featuring a pillowtop bed and premium bedding. You'll enjoy 32-inch flat-screen TVs with digital programming and free Wi-Fi. Outdoors, relax in the spa tub or sit in the garden and enjoy the gorgeous views. A fireplace in the lobby provides a relaxing indoor space in a picturesque setting. The hotel serves free continental breakfast each morning and offers a 24-hour business center, a meeting room, and conference space totaling 1,400 square feet. Guests will find free newspapers in the lobby.
What Novato, CA hotels are affordable?
3 Star Average Prices: $174.33
Days Inn by Wyndham Novato / San Francisco offers affordable rates and is just under 2 miles from downtown Novato. Rooms come with private balconies. A flat-screen television with satellite programming will keep you entertained, and you'll stay connected with free wireless internet access. Stay refreshed with a dip in the outdoor pool, unwind in the spa tub, and get in a workout at the fitness center. You can get some work done at the business center and a free continental breakfast each morning.
Marinwood Inn & Suites, another budget hotel, offers nice amenities for your money and is well-positioned 4 miles from downtown Novato. Your room will include a microwave, mini fridge, coffee/tea maker, 40-inch LED TV with HD channels, free Wi-Fi, work desks, and a USB charging dock. A free light breakfast is served each morning. Executive Suites are spacious and feature a king and queen bed, a charming full kitchen, and a balcony.
2 Star Average Prices: $129.76
Where are the best discounts in Novato, CA?
Courtyard by Marriott offers discounted rates for seniors and AAA members. The hotel is within five minutes of the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art and Pacheco Ranch Winery. The rooms have flat-screen televisions, work desks, free Wi-Fi, and coffee/tea makers. An outdoor pool, spa tub, and fitness center will rejuvenate you. Grab a book from the library and relax in front of the fireplace in the spacious lobby. The hotel has a restaurant, a coffee shop/cafe, and a bar/lounge, as well as a grocery/convenience store. You can also grill outdoors on provided barbecue grills. Business services include a 24-hour business center and 1,025 square feet of event facilities.
Four Points by Sheraton San Rafael, just a few miles from Novato in nearby San Rafael, provides discounts to seniors, AAA members, government employees, and members of the military. The upscale hotel provides pillowtop beds with premium bedding, microwaves, and LCD televisions. The hotel offers a health club, an outdoor pool with lounge furniture, and a spa tub. Hillside Tavern, a restaurant and bar, is available for meals; the hotel also serves lighter fare at the on-site coffee shop/cafe. Cooked-to-order breakfast is served daily for a fee. The hotel offers a 24-hour business center, conference space, and free newspapers in the lobby.
How can you find best hotels in Novato?
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael Marin County in San Rafael is an upscale hotel with stunning decor. You'll sink into your premium bedding and relax. The double sofa bed in your suite will offer guests seating and an extra sleeping option. LCD televisions have cable programming and an MP3 docking station, and the rooms come with refrigerators, as well. Note that wired and wireless internet comes with a surcharge. You'll enjoy an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a 24-hour fitness center. Dine on California cuisine at Grille 101 or stay in your room and take advantage of room service during limited hours. A complimentary reception is held daily so you can visit with other guests. A free cooked-to-order breakfast is served each morning. The hotel offers a 24-hour business center and 13,000 square feet of event space, including a conference center.
Sheraton Sonoma County Petaluma is a mile from downtown Petaluma, 9 miles from downtown Novato, and 9 miles from Jack London State Historic Park. In your room, you'll go to dreamland in luxury with a down comforter and premium bedding. Have a meal at Tolay, a restaurant that also has a bar, or enjoy room service during limited hours. Full breakfast is available each morning for a fee. The rooms have refrigerators, LCD televisions, and free Wi-Fi. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, spa tub, 24-hour health club, gift shop, concierge services, business center, and 1,500 square feet of event space, including a conference center.
How can you enjoy yourself in Novato, California?
If you love shopping, head to the restored Grant Avenue, which has made downtown Novato more welcoming for shopping and dining. You can also find more than 50 stores and restaurants at Vintage Oaks Shopping Center, like Costco and Target.
Enjoy stunning views from Mount Burdell, which is 1,558 feet high. You can also take a hike or a ride a bike while enjoying impressive views at Stafford Lake Park, or you can get in a game of golf at one of two public courses. Mountain-biking enthusiasts will want to bike in Marin County, which is known as the birthplace of mountain biking. If you're traveling with kids, check out the 16,000-square-foot skate park built for young skateboarders. Outdoors enthusiasts, including bird watchers and wildlife observers, will enjoy Deer Island Preserve, Pacheco Pond Wildlife Area, and Scottsdale Marsh.
Perhaps you're more into food and drink, in which case you could visit the Pacheco Ranch Winery, the oldest land grant property in the state, or sample cheese and have a picnic at the Marin French Cheese Company. History buffs will love the historic buildings that pepper Novato and will want to visit the Marin Museum of the American Indian and the historic Olompali State Park, which was named after a key Coast Miwok settlement. Visit the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art and the Mission San Rafael Arcangel for interesting and educational connections.
The Napa Valley Wine Train will take you on a three-hour, 36-mile round trip trek to St. Helena and back. You'll enjoy a chef-prepared lunch or dinner featuring fresh seasonal ingredients, accompanied by a glass of California wine. Package tours are available, and you can purchase optional Winery Tour tickets for stops along the way. The views from the train are stunning.
Novato, California, has something for everyone to love. From shops and restaurants to arts and museum facilities and everything outdoors, there's so much to do that it will take a little time to get to all your favorite activities. In fact, you might forget to sneak in a visit to San Francisco.
FAQs about hotels in Novato
How much does a cheap hotel in Novato cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Novato can be as cheap as $129.76 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Novato cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Novato has been $174.33 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a high-end hotel in Novato cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Novato has been $235.52 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Verified reviews of the city: Novato, CA
Below are reviews of the city of Novato, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Clean hotel, friendly staff and convenient location."
Score
5.0 / 5
Clean hotel, friendly staff and convenient location.
Bob S., from 30-Jul-2023
"Near Good Restaurants"
Score
4.0 / 5
Good restaurants in walking distance.
Mary L., from 24-Jul-2023
"Wedding in Petaluma"
Score
5.0 / 5
We were attending a wedding in Petaluma so didn't get a chance to spend time in Novato.
Barbara L., from 04-Jun-2023
"Beautiful Area & Hiking Trails"
Score
4.0 / 5
The quintessential California landscape and beautiful open space and hiking trails.
Daniel L., from 04-May-2023
"Quaint & Charming!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Novato is a quaint and charming town. The main street area has great shops and great restaurants!!
Korri R., from 22-Feb-2023
"Quaint"
Score
4.0 / 5
Quaint downtown. Shout out to Mitchell Thomas Salon for great service.
Wendy E., from 14-Feb-2023
"Corte Madera"
Score
5.0 / 5
My stay was in Corte Madera, in Marin County. It is a beautiful area to walk and bicycle. I love the beautiful green mountains and palm trees, the open blue skies and the majestic sunsets. The Larkspur Ferry to San Francisco is a must.
Iain Charles M., from 23-Nov-2016
The average traveler rating of the city of Novato, CA shown above is
4.4 out of 5 based on 7 reviews