Acqua Hotel Mill Valley

You’ll see mostly tourists at this laid-back boutique hotel, but corporate groups and wedding parties sometimes use its function space. The ultra-modern, concrete exterior looks a bit out of place with the lovely bayfront location, but the attractive lobby has a tranquil and cozy ambience. Simple decor has Asian influences and a fireplace as the centerpiece, with sofas and armchairs covered in purple and chocolate-brown velvet, planters with low ferns, and stone sculpture. The property has footpaths for strolling, and there's a large covered terrace overlooking the water just off the breakfast room. Floor-to-ceiling windows highlight the views and makes the space bright. 

The Acqua Hotel is located in Marin County off Highway 101, situated on an inlet of Richardson Bay. Downtown San Francisco takes about 25 minutes by car, depending on traffic. There isn't much in area surrounding the hotel, but there's a Japanese restaurant roughly two minutes away on foot. Sausalito and the Golden Gate Bridge National Recreation Area are less than 10-minute drives, and Mount Tamalpais is 12 minutes by car. Driving to Muir Woods takes about 20 minutes, and Muir Beach is just a few minutes more. The wineries in Sonoma and Napa can be reached in about 45 minutes by car, and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport are approximately 40-minute drives. 

Contemporary decor takes a somewhat minimalist approach, with a neutral palette that may be a bit bland for some, though spaces are comfortable and pleasant. Walls are kept white and there are padded headboards in cream, with carpeting and fabrics done in a range of hues from beige to taupe. Small framed prints with cobalt-blue and aquamarine desk chairs add color, but it isn't enough to make spaces feel pulled together, and the look isn't as upscale as the hotel's common areas. But most have full or partial water views, and some have balconies or patios. Rooms are bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows, and furniture has a light-wood finish. There's plenty of storage in armoires with partial glass doors, and upholstered armchairs provide seating in the Deluxe (standard) rooms that come in King, Queen, and Double Queen options. Junior Suites also have sofas in separate living areas, and some feature wood-burning fireplaces. One of the two Junior Suites we saw also had lovely hardwood floors. The King and Double Queen Deluxe Rooms are 215 square feet and Junior Suites are about 300 square feet, but the 150-square-foot Deluxe Queens are cramped. Standard amenities include mini-fridges, bathrobes, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi, but units lack microwaves, kettles or coffeemakers, and safes. Bathrooms are quite spacious, however, but some have discolored grout on white-tile floors, and there are wall-mounted soap dispensers. Tan or light blue-green subway tile frames shower/tub combos with deep tubs, and Junior Suites have separate soaking tubs and walk-in showers. 

This contemporary boutique hotel gets its guests off to a good start on their days with a full hot breakfast buffet that includes a waffle station, eggs, and an espresso bar. Coffee, tea, and ice water are available all day in the lobby and the hotel hosts a free wine and cheese reception every afternoon. Free fresh-baked cookies also are available in the evening. There's no full-service restaurant on-site or a gym, but a fleet of bicycles are free for guests to use on the nearby trails. A computer and printer in the lobby serve as the business center, and there's meeting and event space that can host up to 150 people. Valet dry cleaning and laundry is available, and newspapers, Wi-Fi throughout, and on-site parking are free. Pets are welcome with a surcharge in certain rooms.