If you want a secluded, lovely, rustic inn with relentlessly breathtaking views and a so-laid-back-it’s-almost-horizontal atmosphere, then this is the place for you. As a matter of fact, I hope the tightly wound type-A gripers and moaners stay away. Their whining would definitely add an unwanted air to the comforting atmosphere.
We stayed a Thursday night in room no. 50. WOW!!! We had almost horizon-to-horizon views of the rugged Pacific coast. The only drawback, if you wanna call it that, was that we had no sunset view. The deep, big-enough-for-two-to-fit-cozily Jacuzzi was right in the window. Now, the fireplaces are gas fireplaces, not wood burning. However, they're on the thermostat, so as the night chills, PRESTO!!! The fire comes on!
We did have a magnificent sunset view in the restaurant. It was very good, though not knock-your-socks-off excellent cuisine. They had a moderate wine list that reasonably priced, but with a real dearth of Russian River wines. Go figure!!!!!
A little anecdote: I inquired to be certain that the salmon on the menu was fresh. The waiter assured me that EVERYTHING was fresh. Reassured, I ordered the crab cocktail and the salmon (my sweetie ordered the lentil curry soup and stuffed artichoke). A moment or two after taking the order back to the kitchen, he came back to explain that though he said everything was fresh, but that he forgot that the crab was not fresh, but rather fresh frozen. I opted against the frozen crab and took the garden salad instead. But, hey, that was first-class treatment by the waiter!
We can also report that our dishes were quite good. Although the stuffing for the artichoke wasn't much, the artichoke itself was delicious and perfectly cooked. And, yes, the salmon was very fresh and well prepared.
Friday morning, after a very nice breakfast, we thoroughly enjoyed hiking around the grounds. We particularly enjoyed going down to Native Point and watching the sea lions playing.
Drawbacks? Well, if you're a cleanliness freak, this might put you off. There apparently are some big ole carpenter ants living in the ceiling. They left their little "calling cards" atop the TV. I pointed this out to staff on our way to dinner. By the time we got back to the room, the mess was removed. However, by the next morning, more were back. I guess the ants get up pretty early in the am.
HELPFUL HINT: Find their ad in the back of the tall, narrow "Wine Country" travel brochure (I believe I heard the staff mention one or more other publications, too). Mid-week rates are already substantially discounted from the weekend rates, but with the coupon in the brochure, you can get 50% off the weekend rates! They're not giving the rooms away, but that's a pretty good deal.
This is a lovely, tranquil, and friendly place.