The incorporated town of Corte Madera is located in Marin County, California, just over 3 miles south of the city of San Rafael. Corte Madera takes its name from the Spanish phrase that means "chop wood." The town received this name as a result of its early history of producing the redwood tree lumber used in the construction of the city of San Francisco.
The area was originally part of a land grant to John Reed in 1834 by the Mexican governor at the time, Jose Figueroa. Reed made quick work of the immense redwood trees that lined the area and began the lumber industry in the town. The lumber was transported up Corte Madera Creek and was the same wood used in the construction of the famous Presidio in San Francisco.
Corte Madera became part of the United States when California joined the Union in 1850 and more settlers were attracted to the area. The region continued to grow with the expansion of the North Pacific Coast Railroad in 1875 which brought passengers and lumber to the area.
The land grant eventually passed to a New England lawyer in 1885 who converted the area to the suburban haven it is now known for. The town began to expand further in the early 20th century with the completion of the Golden Gate Bridge. Many of the buildings from this time period still stand today.
Corte Madera was one of the first areas along the San Francisco Bay to receive early street lights. These lights formed the shape of a Christmas tree when first installed, leading to one of the most populous areas in town being referred to as Christmas Tree Hill.
The town is now a popular tourist destination for visitors who want to see the bay, enjoy the remaining redwood forests, and explore some of the many popular historic sites.
When is the best time to visit Corte Madera, CA?
The weather in Corte Madera is split between two primary temperature seasons with half the year delivering hot temperatures and half the year being cooler. Even though snow is rare in the area, temperatures can get colder during the winter months and the summers can be extremely hot. The most popular time of year to visit Corte Madera is mid-April through the end of October. This time of year delivers plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures.
The warmest time of year, and the time when you will witness the least amount of rainfall, occurs during the months of July and August. These months tend to bring the most visitors, and you will find that the cost for accommodations will be higher during these months. If you are traveling on a tighter budget, you can save some money on accommodations and still enjoy pleasant weather during the fall months. Temperatures are still around the high 70s although a slightly greater chance of precipitation occurs during this time.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Corte Madera, CA:
Corte Madera, CA: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. price trends by star rating class in Corte Madera, CA. Browse these illustrations to calculate the most cost effective seasons to stay in Corte Madera throughout the year.
What are the luxury hotels in Corte Madera, CA?
4 Star Average Prices: £131.30
If you want to add a little more luxury to your vacation by booking some upscale accommodations for your trip, you will be pleasantly surprised to find many hotels in the area that offer premium rooms and sought-after amenities. Located on Tiburon Boulevard, The Lodge at Tiburon is one hotel that can meet your needs. The hotel is located within 5 miles of some of the most popular sites in Tiburon such as the Fisherman's Wharf, Fort Point National Historic Site, and Old St. Hilary's Church.
Rooms at the hotel offer you all the comforts of home. They include an iPod docking station, refrigerators, flat-screen televisions with digital programming, safes, and complimentary designer toiletries. The hotel also features a host of amenities such as an outdoor pool with a spa tub, free Wi-Fi, fitness facilities, a business center, and concierge services.
If you are happy to stay close to the city, you can enjoy luxury accommodations in nearby Sausalito at the Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa. Amenities at the hotel include free Wi-Fi, an on-site fitness center, a full-service spa, valet, and concierge services. This hotel features comfortable rooms that include LCD televisions with cable programming, iPod docking stations, designer toiletries, and coffee and tea makers. The hotel is close to the Presidio of San Francisco, the Palace of Fine Arts, and Baker Beach.
What are some of the Corte Madera, CA budget-friendly hotels?
3 Star Average Prices: £143.12
While the area of Corte Madera can be an expensive place to visit, those who want to save on the cost of their accommodations can find plenty of budget-friendly hotels. Located along Redwood Highway about 2 miles from the center of the city, the Travelodge by Wyndham Mill Valley and Sausalito offers an affordable option for visitors traveling on a budget. The hotel is located at the center of some of the most popular stops in the area including Angel Island, downtown Mill Valley, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
This hotel offers guests amenities such as free Wi-Fi, complimentary daily breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and free parking. Rooms at the hotel are equipped with flat-screen televisions with digital programming, hair dryers, desks, and in-room safes.
Located on East Francisco Boulevard in San Rafael, the Motel 6 San Rafael is another affordable hotel option only a few miles from the downtown area. Each guest room at the hotel features a kitchen with a microwave, refrigerator, stovetop, cooking utensils, and a coffee maker. Pets are welcome at the hotel, and you can enjoy amenities such as an on-site restaurant. During your stay, you will be a short ferry ride away from Alcatraz Island and within driving distance of The Natural World Museum and The Marina District.
2 Star Average Prices: £142.77
What are the best discounts for hotels in Corte Madera, CA?
If you are trying to maximize the savings on your accommodations for your upcoming trip, many hotels in the area offer discounts to specific groups of guests. The Best Western Corte Madera Inn, located on Madera Boulevard, offers discounted nightly stays to both government employees and active and retired members of the military. During your stay, you will be a short drive from the Marin Country Civic Center, Muir Woods, and Stinson Beach.
All rooms at the hotel feature LCD televisions with satellite programming and video consoles, refrigerators, and complimentary newspapers. Your stay will also include use of many amenities including two spa tubs, a fitness center, complimentary area shuttle, a 24-hour business center, free breakfast, laundry services, and an outdoor pool.
If you are a AAA member, you can enjoy a discount off of your stay at the Marin Suites Hotel, located on Tamal Vista Boulevard. The hotel offers amenities such as free Wi-Fi and breakfast, an on-site fitness center, an outdoor pool, a picnic area, and concierge services. You can choose from standard rooms, upgraded suites, or suites with two bedrooms. All rooms feature refrigerators, microwaves, video consoles, and satellite programming. You will also enjoy the convenient location of the hotel; the facility is close to The Mexican Museum and The Exploratorium.
What are the best hotels in Corte Madera, CA?
If you want to enjoy the best mix of location, comfort, and amenities, you'll find many of the best hotels in Corte Madera that can provide you with the value you are looking for. Located on Francisco Boulevard, the Extended Stay America - San Rafael - Francisco Boulevard East is one of the great hotels in the area that offers everything a traveler could be looking for. The hotel is less than 10 miles from some of the most popular attractions such as Alcatraz Island, the Marina District, and Fisherman's Wharf. All rooms at the hotel include a kitchen with a full-size refrigerator and freezer combo and a stovetop. They also feature flat-screen televisions with cable programming and desks. Amenities that you can enjoy during your stay include an indoor pool, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a spa tub, and fitness facilities.
Located on Shoreline Highway, the Holiday Inn Express Mill Valley is another one of the best hotels. Rooms at the hotel include LCD televisions with cable programming, pillowtop beds with down comforters and Egyptian cotton sheets, and iPod docking stations. The hotel also features amenities such as fitness facilities, a pool with cabanas, a spa tub, 24-hour fitness center, free breakfast, and safety deposit boxes. You will be close to both downtown Mill Valley and downtown Sausalito as well as a short drive to Muir Woods.
What are the things to see and do in Corte Madera, CA?
You won't find a shortage of things to see and do in and around the city of Corte Madera. Some of the most popular attractions for visitors are Alcatraz Island,Fisherman's Wharf, and Muir Woods. Corte Madera is the ideal destination whether you are looking for a little history and culture or want to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of California.
No matter why your travels take you to the area, you can find the accommodations to suit any budget in and around Corte Madera, California.
FAQs about hotels in Corte Madera
Recent traveler reviews of Corte Madera, CA
Below are reviews of the city of Corte Madera, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Great location"
Score
5.0 / 5
The Town Center and Larkspur Landing were fun!
Corinne M., from 05-Dec-2024
"Nice Pool!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The front desk manager was helpful and the pool is nice!
Stephanie S., from 24-Jul-2024
"Marin general, The Tam, Nordstrum restaurant!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Marin general, The Tam, Nordstrum restaurant!
Susie P., from 21-Feb-2024
"Room was very clean and comfortable. Staff was friendly and helpful. "
Score
4.0 / 5
Room was very clean and comfortable. Staff was friendly and helpful.
Jeannie S., from 28-Jun-2023
"Conveniently located with lots of restaurants."
Score
5.0 / 5
Conveniently located with lots of restaurants.
Susan R., from 22-Jan-2023
"Accessible to the Mall"
Score
5.0 / 5
We liked the accessibility of the large mall just down the street.
Robert R., from 18-Sep-2022
"Beautiful Location"
Score
5.0 / 5
The Cru Wine Company has a nice selection of wine and the Ring Mountain Open Space Preserve has beautiful views overlooking the city.
Gloria D., from 25-Apr-2015
The average traveler rating of the city of Corte Madera, CA shown above is
4.6 out of 5 based on 7 reviews