Novato Escape: Your Dream Days Inn Stay Awaits (Near San Francisco)!
Novato Escape: My Dream Days Inn Stay… or Maybe Just a Really Solid Night’s Sleep Near San Francisco? (A Brutally Honest Review)
Okay, let’s be real. When you’re scouting a Days Inn, you’re not exactly expecting a five-star, Michelin-starred experience. You're hoping for clean, comfy, and ideally, a place to crash after a long day. And that's what Novato Escape (Near San Francisco!) mostly delivers. But hold on, there are some hidden gems here, and a few… well, let's just say "questionable" choices that make this review a rollercoaster. Buckle up.
First Impressions & Getting In (Accessibility & Security – The Essentials):
Finding the place wasn't too bad, even after a long drive (thank God.) The exterior corridors are a little… Days Inn-y, if you know what I mean. Think functional, not fancy. Car parking? Free and on-site! Score! And a big plus if you're hauling luggage.
Accessibility? They claim to have facilities for disabled guests, and I did see an elevator. CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, security [24-hour], and smoke alarms – all the basics, which is reassuring. More on safety later.
Check-in/out [express]? YES! Thank the travel gods. After a long haul, you don’t want to stand in line. Contactless check-in/out is also offered.
The Room: My Comfort Bubble (and Some Quirks):
I plump for a non-smoking room (a must!), and frankly, was relieved to find it actually was nonsmoking. The air conditioning BLASTED! Praise be! The bed? Comfy enough. Not a cloud, but a good, solid sleep. My room had air conditioning, a desk (perfect for my laptop workspace!), a refrigerator to chill my Diet Coke, and thankfully, a coffee/tea maker. That morning coffee was a lifesaver.
Things I Loved about the Room:
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Seriously, a lifesaver. And it actually worked!)
- Blackout curtains – essential for sleeping in.
- Extra long bed – always a bonus for a taller person.
- Daily housekeeping – coming home to a made bed is a small luxury I appreciate.
- Socket near the bed – finally, somewhere to charge my phone without contorting myself!
- Hairdryer – always a little win.
Things That Made Me Go "Hmm…"
- The bathroom… basic. But functional.
- Dated décor. Look, I know it's a Days Inn, but a little refresh wouldn't hurt (I actually said this out loud).
- My room had basic complimentary tea, however I am not sure if there were any special tea brands.
- Scale… a sign of my own demise, I guess… (though this might be a win for some).
Let's Talk Cleanliness (The All-Important Pandemic Factor):
This is where Novato Escape actually shines. They are SERIOUS about hygiene. The website boasts daily disinfection in common areas, anti-viral cleaning products, and professional-grade sanitizing services. I saw staff wiping down surfaces, and that gives me peace of mind. Individually-wrapped food options at breakfast were a plus. They also offer room sanitization opt-out available, which shows they're making an effort.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast… or Bust?!
My expectations were low regarding the food. They offer breakfast [buffet], breakfast takeaway service, and Asian breakfast, along with Western breakfast. I went for the buffet. It was… well, it was breakfast. The usual suspects: cereal, a few pastries (surprisingly ok), and a waffle maker (that's always a win, even if the waffles weren't stellar). Coffee was passable. Nothing to write home about, but definitely adequate to kickstart the day. Coffee/tea in restaurant is available.
I didn't explore any restaurants or the bar (they have one!). There is also a snack bar.
Things To Do & Ways to Relax (Or, Why You're Staying Near San Francisco in the First Place):
Okay, here's where Novato Escape is a little… limited. They don't exactly scream "spa retreat." But this isn't a spa, it's a place to sleep near San Francisco because it's a more affordable option.
- Fitness center: There is one, I didn't visit.
- Pool with view: There is an outdoor swimming pool but it was a little sad-looking when I viewed it, but it was functional.
If you're looking for a relaxing spa day, look elsewhere. This is more about using it as a launchpad to see things.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, The Bad, and the Unexpected:
- Air conditioning in public area is available (thankfully!).
- Daily housekeeping – a lifesaver.
- Laundry service – useful, though I didn't use it.
- Concierge – this is a Days Inn, but this is available if you really need help.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Safety deposit boxes, and a Convenience store are also available - okay for the basics!
- Meeting/banquet facilities, or Meetings are offered, if you need it.
- Food delivery is offered, which is great so you don't have to leave the room.
The Anecdote: The Accidental Spa Experience
Okay, so, this is where it gets weird. I got a great email. The email told me I could leave out room sanitization after my stay, and receive a discount. I took advantage. It felt a bit… suspect, but I needed to save money, so I figured, what the heck?
Overall:
Novato Escape is a perfectly adequate place to rest your weary head. It's clean, safe, and the Wi-Fi actually works. The breakfast is just fine. It's not glamorous, but it's functional.
SEO Keywords (Because I'm Supposed To!):
- Novato Escape, San Francisco hotels, budget hotel near San Francisco, Days Inn Novato, clean hotel near San Francisco, free Wi-Fi, accessible hotel, on-site parking, pool.
My Honest Recommendation:
If you need a clean, affordable place to sleep near San Francisco with free parking, decent Wi-Fi, and prioritize cleanliness, Novato Escape is a solid choice. Just don’t expect a luxury experience. It’s reliable, and for the price, pretty darn good. I might even go back.
BOOK NOW! (And Use This Crazy-Good Offer):
Tired of overpriced hotels near San Francisco? Craving a clean, comfortable, and conveniently located basecamp for your adventures?
Book your stay at Novato Escape today and get:
- Guaranteed Cleanliness: We're obsessed with hygiene! Expect spotless rooms and rigorous sanitization.
- Fast & Free Wi-Fi: Stream, browse, and stay connected effortlessly.
- Free Parking: Save on those expensive parking fees!
- Deliciously Adequate Breakfast: Fuel your day with a decent (and available) breakfast buffet.
- A surprisingly comfortable bed: Get ready for a peaceful night's sleep.
PLUS: Mention code "NOVATOESCAPE" at check-in and get a complimentary upgrade (subject to availability!) and a discount on your stay. Don't wait! This offer won't last! Book now and experience the Novato Escape – Your Dream Days Inn Stay Awaits! (Even if it's just a really good night's sleep.)
Escape to Paradise: Luxury Awaits at Plaisir, Saint-Martin-de-Re
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is a real trip, the kind where you leave your dignity at the baggage carousel and embrace the delightful chaos of being alive. We're talking Days Inn by Wyndham Novato/San Francisco Novato (CA), and trust me, we're gonna get… intimate with that sweet, sweet roadside motel life.
Day 1: Arrival, Reality Bites, and the Quest for Wi-Fi – Oh, and Pizza.
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at SFO. Okay, first hurdle: the airport. People. Everywhere. And this luggage? It's clearly conspiring against me. Seriously, I swear I packed light. (Lies. Delicious, self-deceptive lies). The shuttle to Novato is the first sign of, "Yep, this is it." The driver looks like he's seen things. Good. I need someone who can deal with stress, because I’m about to be that passenger.
- 2:30 PM: Check into Days Inn. The lobby smells faintly of bleach and… hope? A single, sad, wilting flower sits on the front desk. It’s beautiful. And I have become it. The room? Well, it's a room. The bedspread is a questionable shade of beige, but hey, at least there are clean towels. I pray the air conditioner works.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Wi-Fi Witch Hunt of 2024. Okay, the free Wi-Fi is a LIE. I need connectivity. I'm a modern nomad, dammit, and I need to post to Instagram. Must have good lighting, must have perfect filter, must show I'm living the dream. I prowl the room, holding my phone aloft like a sacred offering, trying to catch a signal. It’s a comedy of errors, really. Finally, I snag a pathetic, one-bar connection near the bathroom. Victory! Sort of…
- 4:30 PM: The pizza. This is crucial. I scour Yelp (because, again, internet is life). Finding a local place that delivers, I order a large pepperoni pizza. My first mistake? Assuming "large" means "large". When the pizza arrives, its small. Like, insultingly small. I eat it anyway. Every last, doughy, cheesy bite. Guilt? Maybe. Satisfaction? Absolutely.
- 7:00 PM: Collapse. Faceplant into that questionable beige bedspread. Exhausted, but also oddly… content. This is the beginning of the adventure, and the pizza stains on my shirt will be the badge of honor.
Day 2: Marin Headlands and Existential Dread (and a Really Good Hike).
- 8:00 AM: The breakfast at the Days Inn. Continental, of course. Questionable pastries. Instant coffee that tastes faintly of sadness. I load up on the mini-cereal boxes, because nostalgia. I'm starting to think that the Days Inn might be the best of times, and the worst of times.
- 9:00 AM: The driving. San Francisco traffic is…an experience. Think aggressive drivers, confusing signage, and a healthy dose of gridlock. I consider buying a bumper sticker that says "I survived the Golden Gate Bridge in rush hour."
- 10:00 AM: Marin Headlands. The views? Spectacular. The Golden Gate Bridge, the ocean, the rolling hills… it’s postcard-worthy. I take a thousand photos. I swear, my phone's memory is going to explode.
- 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM: The Hike of Self-Discovery. The hike itself? Brutal. I am not in peak physical condition. I'm breathing heavily, sweating profusely, and questioning all my life choices. But then… I turn a corner, and the view hits me. It stops me in my tracks. Maybe that’s why these hikes are so hyped. The mental reward is worth the physical trauma.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: The picnic lunch. Sandwich. Apples. Water. Basic. Bliss. I sit on a rock, feeling the sun on my face, and for a moment, the world feels…okay. Good, even.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the room for a nap. Because, the world is exhausting.
- 6:00 PM: Finding a restaurant. Again, I have to resort to Yelp. This time, I know that I'm going to regret the choices. I find a diner that has a greasy, cheap, and amazing looking burger.
Day 3: San Francisco! Cable Cars, Seagulls, and the Question of Happiness.
- 9:00 AM: The drive into San Francisco. Okay. More traffic. More stress. I may have muttered a few…choice words at a particularly aggressive bicycle messenger.
- 10:00 AM: Fisherman's Wharf. Tourist trap central. Seagulls are practically weaponized. Smells of fish, disappointment, and desperation hang in the air. Cable cars? Magical. Absolutely magical. Even if they are jam packed with tourists.
- 11:00 AM: The Alcatraz Experience. Book now. It’s a must. It’s eerie. It’s fascinating. It's a reminder that people can get away with absolutely anything, as long as they have a will
- 1:00 PM: The restaurant. I choose a restaurant that I read about, and oh boy. It's full of hipsters. The food? Expensive. The service? Slow. It's almost a parody of San Francisco dining.
- 3:00 PM: The walk. I decide to make a walk along the coast. San Francisco coast is amazing, I can see the Golden Gate. I feel like I’m finally getting an experience.
- 6:00 PM: Back to the Days Inn. Exhausted. Full of thoughts. Confused, but satisfied. I realize that maybe, just maybe, there is no such thing as a "perfect" trip. And that's okay. Because sometimes, the imperfections are what make it interesting. And sometimes, those imperfections, and the questionable mini-cereal boxes, are what you remember most.
Day 4: Check Out and The Aftermath.
- 9:00 AM: Check out. The front desk guy gives me a look that says, "I understand." I think he understands.
- 10:00 AM: Head to the airport.
- 12:00 PM: Flight departure.
This is not a perfectly planned itinerary. It’s a mess. It’s emotional. It’s honest. And it's a small slice of life, lived, and maybe, just maybe, enjoyed. And, if nothing else, I have a ton of pizza stories to tell when I get home.
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So, Novato Escape… what *is* it, exactly? (And why should I care?)
Alright, alright, so Novato Escape is, essentially, your chance to escape. Emphasis on the "escape" part. It's a suggested stay at the Days Inn in Novato, which, let's be real, is near San Francisco but doesn't *feel* like it. It's less "Golden Gate, cable cars, sourdough," and more "peace, quiet, and maybe a questionable continental breakfast." Why should you care? Because sometimes, THAT is EXACTLY what you need. Especially if you've been wrestling with the city for a while. Think of it as a reset button. A cheap and cheerful reset button... with questionable coffee. We'll get to that.
Okay... but "Days Inn near San Francisco"? That sounds... budget-friendly. Am I going to be battling roaches?
Look, let's be brutally honest. You're not booking the Ritz Carlton. My FIRST thought when I arrived was, "Okay. This is... fine." And you know what? "Fine" is sometimes *perfectly* acceptable. The room *was* clean (whew!), and the bed... listen, the bed was surprisingly comfy. I actually slept REALLY well, which is saying a lot! (I once stayed in a *much* fancier hotel that had a mattress that felt like sleeping on a marble slab. This Days Inn bed? Pure bliss). No roaches, thankfully! Just... a certain... *vibe*. A neutral vibe. Which, again… is sometimes what you crave, right?
What about the location? Is it *actually* near anything interesting?
"Near" is a relative term here. You're not stumbling out the door onto Fisherman's Wharf, that's for sure. You’re close to Novato, which is a perfectly pleasant little town. You're also near things like: the Marin County Fairgrounds (if you're into that sort of thing – I'm not), some decent restaurants (I had a *killer* burger at a place called Hopmonk Tavern), and, importantly, easy access to Highway 101. That's your escape route to San Francisco, Sonoma, or even up toward the Redwood forests. So, yeah, the location is convenient if you have a car and a sense of adventure. If you’re reliant on public transport… well, godspeed, my friend.
Tell me about the breakfast. I’m a breakfast person. (Don't hold back!)
Ah, the breakfast. Buckle up. This is where things get… interesting. Here's the truth: it's the classic continental breakfast. Think sad-looking bagels, pre-packaged muffins that have the texture of compacted sawdust, yogurt, and… the coffee. Oh, the coffee. Look, I'm not a coffee snob, but this coffee… it tasted vaguely of burnt rubber and regret. I swear, I could *see* the life force draining from the room with every sip. However, a strange thing happened. I started drinking it. Not because it was good, but because I needed to. And because I'm nothing if not a champion, I finished the whole dang cup. Which, when I think about it now, is kind of insane. Maybe the questionable coffee is the secret ingredient! I'm not saying you'll *enjoy* it, but it's an *experience*. And isn't that what we're all here for…?
Okay, so… who *is* this Novato Escape *for*?
This is for the weary traveler. The burned-out city dweller. The person who needs a mental health day (or two!). The budget-conscious adventurer. It's for anyone who appreciates simplicity and a little bit of cheap charm. It's for the person who can laugh at the questionable coffee and the slightly dated decor. It's for the person who's okay with… "fine." It's *definitely* not for the luxury snob. If you demand everything to be perfect, well, darling, you're in the wrong place. Go to the fancy hotel. But you'll miss out on the *charm*.
Any downsides? Be honest!
Oh, plenty! The Wi-Fi wasn't *super* speedy. The pool looked a little... green. (I chickened out on the swimming). The walls *might* be a little thin. I swear I heard someone snoring next door through a whole episode of something. But honestly? It’s a small price to pay for a good night's sleep and the sheer, unadulterated *peace* of it all. Maybe. Okay, yes, it’s definitely a budget hotel. There were a few little things that could use a touch-up. But for the price, honestly, I can't complain too much. The biggest downside? Having to *leave* eventually. (Seriously, I almost didn't.)
Alright, so you’re kind of selling me on this... but… is it *romantic*?
Romantic? Hmmm. Well, let's just say it depends on your definition. If your idea of romance involves grand gestures, champagne, and a balcony overlooking the Eiffel Tower, then, no. Probably not. HOWEVER, if your idea of romance includes snuggling up with someone in a clean (and surprisingly comfortable) bed after a long day of adventuring, quiet conversations over that questionable coffee, and the shared experience of laughing at the slightly-shabby-but-charming surroundings, then… maybe. There's a certain unpretentious charm to it all. It’s low-key. It’s genuine. It's… dare I say… *real*. (I'm not proposing. Don't get any ideas.)
What should I pack?
Okay, essentials: Comfortable shoes. Layers (the weather can be fickle, as they say). Your phone/camera. A sense of adventure. And, maybe, some earplugs, just in case your neighbor likes to snore. Oh! And a book. Or, you know, several. Perfect for relaxing in the room. And if you are at all like me, and you can't wake with a smile on your face... bring your own instant coffee. Really.
Would you go back?
You know what? Absolutely. I'm seriously considering booking another stay. It's not luxury, no. But sometimes the best trips are the unexpectedly good ones. And, I've already started preparing myself forFind Your Perfect Stay
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