washflyer73

Carneros seems to be getting bad reviews lately. Anyone been there recently and can provide a review and perhaps compare to Meadowood?

Jasper2009

There are plenty of luxury hotels in SAN, LAX, SBA and SFO, and anywhere inbetween, but the further North one gets from SFO, the fewer luxury hotels there are.

Sure, there are some excellent option in both Napa and Sonoma, but both are merely an hour's drive from SFO.

Are there any luxury (or even upscale, boutique or just "nice") hotels going further North when doing a roadtrip to the Redwood National Park?

I found a few random properties (such as Carter House in Eureka) which seem nice enough, but that ~3.5* option almost seemed to be one of the "top" options. Any hidden gems I'm missing?

KatW

Not luxury but a historic hoot on the Eel River, comfortable and fun, in Garberville near the Redwoods, for maximum comfort, go for higher-end rooms.
The Benbow Inn
http://www.benbowinn.com/

On Hwy 1 just north of Gualala in Mendocino County:
St. Orries
http://www.saintorres.com/
Again, not luxe but delightfully unusual, comfortable, and the restaurant is great. Book high-end rooms.

In Marshall on Hwy 1 on Tomales Bay (near Point Reyes National Seashore), Nick's Cove Cottages:
https://nickscove.com/

Boonville in the Anderson Valley -- Boonville Hotel, very hip, good food.
http://www.boonvillehotel.com

Again, I stress these are not luxury establishments but rate high on the delight scale.

sfoactuary

We stayed at the relatively new Inn at Newport Ranch recently and loved it - overall it's more upscale B&B than luxury hotel, but they do have higher-end suites and even a 3-BR luxury home for rent, and the outdoor setting is as good as it gets with plenty of coastal and inland hiking and other activities:

http://theinnatnewportranch.com/

KatW

I was just reading about that place, sfoactuary.

KatW

Depending on how far one wants to drive, the single most fabulous place to stay when driving between SF and Seattle is the Tu Tu' Tun Lodge at Gold Beach, Oregon, which is not far from Eureka, CA.
http://tututun.com/

francophile

I think this used to be a GHM property:

http://www.heritagehouseresort.com

Jasper2009

Thanks a lot for the recommendations!^

Seems like there are a handful of nice boutique hotels / upscale B&Bs heading North. I'm still slightly surprised there are no "true" luxury properties, at least using the standards commonly applied in this forum (except maybe for the "Heritage House" - which does look excellent). But several of the properties listed seem like very good choices for a 1- or 2-night stay. Thanks!^

KatW

Semi-luxe at Heritage House only at high-end suites.

Lack of luxe not uncommon on the west coast.

In all cases service will lag ... just not the norm in Northern California.

obscure2k

A bit of Heritage House trivia.
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/18...er?ref=related

Jasper2009

Building on the above discussion: Which options would be best for seeing giant Redwood trees nearby (as in morning/afternoon drive, preferably not involving too much walking / minimal hiking)?

It's my understanding there are some Redwood forests closer to SFO than Redwood National Park, though I'm somewhat unsure what the best locations would be.

Thanks!

KatW

Armstrong Redwoods State Preserve in Guerneville near the Russian River.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=450
Stay in Jenner on the coast or Applewood Inn
http://www.applewoodinn.com/#sthash.HCkqjhnt.dpbs

Muir Woods, Marin County
https://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm
Stay at Pelican Inn
http://www.pelicaninn.com/

Larkin

sfoactuary

We booked relatively late so didn't have full pick among the room, but chose Barb's place since we wanted to be off-site from the main house. Barb's is definitely cozy for 2 people which is fine if you plan to do most of your lounging in the main area, but on the plus side was quiet and private. If they are available, I'd recommend going for the Newport or Birdhouse suites in the Redwood house.

We ended up eating dinner on-site 1 night (on our first night after driving up from San Francisco), and 1 night we ate an early dinner in town before coming back. I'd categorize the on-site dinner as a nice home-cooked meal but not necessarily restaurant quality, so it's a personal decision if it's worth the price. After a long drive it was nice to not have to worry about dinner that first night, so no regrets about deciding to eat there and it was a nice opportunity to mingle with some of the other guests.

Worth noting that they have an outdoor grill available by the fire pit that can be used by all guests, and if you book one of the aforementioned suites I believe they have full kitchen with grills available, if you decide to cook your own meal (which several of the guests did). I remember that one Bay Area couple who was on their 3rd stay had brought a cooler with steaks from their favorite butcher shop for the weekend which I'd probably do if I was to go again.

Highlight of the stay for us was hiking around the property - there's a great trail across the street that goes throughout the forest to the creek. You will have an amazing stay!

popoemt

We stayed at Meadowood in December, and it was one of the best places we have stayed north of Napa. From the front desk, to the room (the fireplaces are so great), to The Restaurant on-site, the wine tastings in reception (the fireplace in reception), the on-site car that will ferry you around the local area, and the setting on the side of the hill. Every single staff we came across was genuine, gracious, and efficient.

You can book with FHR (Amex) and get the early check-in, room upgrade, breakfast, and late check out. I was told at the desk that they will match that offer if you call them before booking with Amex FHR.




In room welcome for anniversary


Living area


Room


Wine tasting lobby


Lobby


The Restuarant

Patio off front door to room