Benbow Historic Inn

Garberville 40.06748100, -123.78997600 , 445 Lake Benbow Drive (Show on Map)
8.3
Very Good


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1 room2 guests 1 room, 2 guests
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Summary of reviewsThe Benbow Historic Inn offers an enchanting blend of vintage charm, modern comforts, and picturesque surroundings, making it a top choice for those exploring California's breathtaking Redwood forests. Its serene location by the Eel River provides a tranquil escape with easy access to the Avenue of the Giants and nearby state parks. Guests appreciate the beautifully maintained historic grounds, where architectural charm from the early Hollywood era meets modern luxury.

The inn's rooms delight with Victorian decor and antique furnishings, offering cozy and comfortable stays with stunning views of the river and gardens. Although some rooms lack modern amenities, the overall cleanliness and touches like complimentary cream sherry and in-room fireplaces enhance the historic charm. The impressive restaurant consistently delivers exceptional dining experiences, garnering praise for both its gourmet meals and attentive service. The delightful breakfast and memorable dining settings further contribute to the inn's culinary reputation.

The Benbow Historic Inn provides a truly romantic atmosphere perfect for couples, complete with intimate seating areas, live entertainment, and breathtaking views from spacious balconies. The cozy fireplaces in both private rooms and common areas add to the welcoming ambiance. Staff are commended for their friendliness and professionalism, contributing to a memorable experience for guests.

Emphasizing luxury amidst its historic charm, the inn stands out with elegantly appointed interiors and charming grounds, although improvements in housekeeping and select areas could elevate it further. As a pet-friendly destination, the inn caters well to guests with small dogs or cats, ensuring a comfortable stay for both humans and their four-legged friends.

Overall, the Benbow Historic Inn offers an idyllic blend of adventure, relaxation, and a touch of luxury, creating an inviting retreat that captures the heart of its guests.
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Categories
Hotel for Honeymoon
This historic inn offers a romantic setting by the Eel River with beautiful grounds and fine dining. Couples have celebrated anniversaries here and rooms feature scenic views and amenities like complimentary sherry.

Family Friendly Hotel
The Benbow Historic Inn provides a historic setting with modern amenities, potentially offering engaging experiences for families interested in history and architecture. Its location may provide opportunities for outdoor activities.

Dog Friendly Hotel
This historic inn offers dog-friendly rooms in its Terrace building and welcomes dogs and cats (size limitations may apply). Well-behaved dogs are welcome at the adjacent KOA Campground, which features a fenced-in doggie playground. A Salon'd Soggy Doggy™ Pet Wash with hot and cold water is available.

Hotel with Swimming Pool
The inn offers a seasonal outdoor pool and is located by the ocean. Guests can enjoy massages and other recreation amenities. There is also a golf course nearby.

  Outdoor Pool  


Hotel with Parking
Offers parking facilities for guests. Parking is available on the premises, though it may be less extensive than larger modern hotels due to its historic nature.

EV charging stations  


Accessible Hotel
This historic inn offers three ADA compliant rooms, including one with a roll-in shower and others with in-shower seats. The property has wheelchair accessible elevators, ground floor entrances, and accessible parking.

Hotel with Rooms With Fireplace
This historic inn offers rooms with fireplaces, providing a charming and cozy atmosphere. The beautiful gardens and elegant décor enhance the overall experience.

Hotel with EV Charging Stations
The inn offers EV charging through ChargePoint with three bays, including both a DC Fast Charger and a Level 2 charger for faster and standard charging needs.

4-Star Hotel
This historic inn offers a blend of classic charm and modern amenities. It provides a unique experience with its beautiful architecture, fine dining, and access to outdoor activities like golfing and river exploration.

Luxury Hotel

Hotel near Golf Courses

Romantic Hotel

Business Hotel

Hotel with Outdoor Pool

Room Types
Deluxe Queen Room This historic room has a coffee machine, an iPod docking station and a private bathroom.

Terrace King Room River, mountain and garden views are featured from a private balcony in this room. Bathrobes, free toiletries and and iPod docking station is provided.

King Suite Guests will have a special experience as this double room provides a fireplace. Offering bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a bath and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned double room offers a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor as well as river views. The unit offers 1 bed.

King Room with Garden View This quadruple room boasts a spa bath and a fireplace. This air-conditioned quadruple room includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private bathroom as well as a terrace with lake views. The unit offers 2 beds.

King Room The fireplace is a top feature of this quadruple room. This air-conditioned quadruple room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private bathroom as well as a terrace with lake views. The unit has 2 beds.

King Room with Mountain View Providing bathrobes, this quadruple room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned quadruple room provides a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a sofa as well as lake views. The unit offers 1 bed.

Guest Reviews
8.3
Very Good
Location
Nestled in the heart of nature, the Benbow Historic Inn offers a serene and picturesque escape that is ideal for anyone looking to explore the vibrant landscapes of California's Redwood forests. Its prime location provides easy access to the Avenue of the Giants and several nearby Redwood state parks, making it a perfect starting point for nature excursions. The inn is conveniently situated off the 101, yet it retains the tranquility of a secluded retreat by the Eel River.

The property boasts a lush, historic setting with beautifully maintained grounds, including picturesque gardens and a rose garden, that enhance the overall tranquility. The architectural charm and historical value of the inn transport guests back in time, offering a blend of vintage charm from the early Hollywood era and modern comfort.

The inn’s facilities are impressive with quiet, well-kept rooms offering spectacular views of the river and surrounding natural beauty. Guests can delight in the vintage 1920s ambiance paired with luxurious perks such as afternoon tea, happy hour, and an exceptional on-site restaurant and bar. The combination of stunning surroundings, rich historical significance, and a convenient yet peaceful location makes Benbow Historic Inn an outstanding choice for travelers yearning for both adventure and relaxation amid California’s breathtaking landscapes.

Breakfast
Dining at the Benbow Historic Inn proves to be a memorable experience, with a variety of opinions about its offerings. Highlighting the positive aspects, the breakfasts are frequently labeled as delicious and fresh, with many guests finding them well worth the price. The option to dine outdoors on the patio or on the picturesque terrace is particularly celebrated, offering not just a meal, but an experience. Many guests appreciate the attentive service provided by the breakfast staff, as well as the unique made-to-order country breakfast.

While there are some criticisms regarding the lack of a comprehensive breakfast buffet and the absence of an inclusive option with the room rate, the availability of gluten-free toast and a memorable afternoon tea complete with delightful scones adds a unique touch to the overall dining experience. Despite the mixed feedback regarding the breakfast offerings, the presence of excellent food and service throughout the day also contributes to a generally favorable culinary reputation for the Inn.

Dinner
Nestled amidst historic charm, the Benbow Historic Inn offers a dining experience that many guests find exceptional. The dinner menu, while on the pricier side, consistently garners praise for its outstanding quality and delightful flavors. Guests frequently describe their meals as scrumptious, delicious, and at times gourmet. The dining room's ambiance complements the culinary journey, providing a wonderful and memorable setting.

The service is often highlighted as a significant aspect of the dining experience, with attentive and friendly staff enhancing the evening for diners. Although the menu selections are somewhat limited, they cater well to varied palates ensuring that the food is not only visually appealing but also meets high taste standards.

Dining outside on the veranda adds a unique touch, occasionally accompanied by live entertainment, enriching the ambiance further. Despite some remarks about the menu's expense, the consistent mention of excellent food and a satisfying dining experience speaks volumes about the quality and dedication poured into each meal. Guests appreciate the option to dine both in the charming restaurant and the inviting bar, where delicious appetizers and an exquisite selection of wines are available. For those seeking a delightful culinary retreat, the Benbow Historic Inn offers a notably exceptional experience in both food and atmosphere.

Rooms
Nestled in a historic setting, the Benbow Historic Inn offers guests a charming ambiance reminiscent of a bygone era. The rooms are notable for their victorian decorations and delightful antique furnishings, providing a cozy and comfortable stay. Many visitors appreciate the spaciousness of the accommodations, with some rooms boasting large decks or terraces that offer stunning views of the Eel River and surrounding gardens. Although some rooms have an "old room" scent and lack modern amenities like refrigerators and televisions, the comfort and tranquility more than make up for it. Guests frequently mention the cleanliness of the rooms and the comfort of the beds, with many expressing delight in the extra touches like a complimentary cream sherry. The inn's beautiful grounds and the quaint nature of the interiors enhance its historic charm, making it a perfect retreat for those seeking a peaceful escape with the allure of yesteryear.

Beds
The beds at Benbow Historic Inn have received mixed reviews from guests, with many highlighting their comfort as a standout feature. Numerous visitors praised the beds for their plushness, with descriptors such as very comfortable and comfortable frequently used to express satisfaction. Guests enjoyed restful nights of sleep, often attributing this to the king-sized beds in some rooms. However, there have been mentions of inconsistency in bed quality; a few guests noted issues such as sagging mattresses, noise, and a preference for firmer mattresses. Despite these varied opinions, the general consensus tilts toward the comfort of the beds, making them a significant aspect of the stay at this historic hotel. However, some did experience discomfort with pillows and noted the need for better bedding accessories.

Cleanliness
Nestled in a picturesque setting, the Benbow Historic Inn offers an enchanting blend of charm and comfort. While the hotel and its grounds boast a stunning and clean appearance, the interiors of the rooms are frequently praised for their spotless and inviting atmosphere. Guests often highlight the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms, which, despite their small size, remain exceptionally well-maintained. The unique and comfortable nature of the accommodations further enhances the guest experience.

However, the inn's exterior and common areas could benefit from some attention to detail. Some visitors note that the hotel's maintenance has room for improvement, with certain areas showing signs of wear and dust accumulation. The occasional cobwebs in rooms and dirty windows can detract from the otherwise picturesque views. Moreover, a few guests mention a need for updates in specific areas, such as the plumbing fixtures.

Despite these minor concerns, the overall cleanliness of the Benbow Historic Inn remains a standout feature, contributing positively to its reputation as a charming, historic getaway.

Staff
Benbow Historic Inn's staff consistently provides an exceptional experience for guests, marked by their warmth and helpfulness. The overall impression is one of friendliness and professionalism, as staff members go out of their way to ensure that visitors feel welcomed and attended to during their stay. Many guests highlight the accommodating nature of the staff, noting their courtesy and eagerness to assist with various needs, from dining recommendations to ensuring a comfortable stay. The chef receives high praise for superb food, complementing the excellent service offered in the bar and restaurant by knowledgeable and attentive wait staff. Though there are occasional mentions of less favorable interactions, especially at the front desk, these instances seem exceptional in the face of the overwhelmingly positive reviews. The friendly and motivated attitude of the staff, alongside a tradition of great service, leaves a lasting impression, making a visit to Benbow Historic Inn a delightful and memorable experience.

4 Star
Benbow Historic Inn offers an exceptional blend of comfort and superior service within its charming setting. The character of the beautiful, old historic building adds a unique touch to the guest experience. This well-maintained property, now recognized as a boutique hotel, captivates visitors with its historic interest and architectural allure. Dining at Benbow Historic Inn is a highlight, with a fantastic restaurant that delivers five-star quality food and excellent service, further enhancing the memorable stay at this delightful historic venue.

Rooms with Fireplace
The Benbow Historic Inn provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, largely due to its charming fireplaces. Guests highlight the in-room fireplaces as particularly sublime, offering a delightful setting for relaxation. The common areas, including the dining room, terrace, and bar, also feature well-loved fireplaces, enhancing the cozy ambiance of the inn. Whether enjoying a roaring fire in the room or sipping a drink in front of the beautiful fireplace in the sitting area, the warmth of the fire complements the inn's historic charm. The experience of a crackling fire makes the stay memorable, with the occasional accompaniment of live music drifting up from below to enhance the overall experience.

Luxury
Traveling to the Benbow Historic Inn offers a touch of luxury in a setting that feels like a step back in time. This unexpectedly fancy place combines upscale ambiance with a welcoming atmosphere. The inn itself is absolutely gorgeous, both inside and outside, highlighting its magnificent historic architecture and beautifully appointed rooms. The decor and furnishings reflect excessive, turn-of-the-century elegance, making it feel as though one has entered a magical castle.

Guests are impressed by elegant yet non-stuffy interiors, where first-class amenities blend seamlessly with the inn's historic charm. The scenic grounds further enhance the luxurious experience, creating the perfect setting for what can be best described as a rustic-luxury hotel experience. While its imposing size adds to the grandeur, it is the restaurant that shines as the best part of the inn, offering guests an exceptional dining experience.

Although the pool does not match the general luxury of the inn, other aspects like the super comfortable beds and beautiful bathrooms contribute to the overall sense of comfort and class. If improvements were made to housekeeping and customer service, the Benbow Historic Inn could certainly achieve a five-star status. Nonetheless, its well-maintained, elegant structure offers a taste of the past, providing guests with a delightful and classy retreat.

Romantic
The Benbow Historic Inn stands out as a perfect haven for couples seeking a romantic escape. With its rustic yet luxurious ambiance, the inn provides an idyllic setting for special occasions or simply a peaceful retreat. The property features a large sitting room where guests can indulge in afternoon tea and scones, enhancing the overall sense of old-timey charm. The stunning views of the bridge and river from spacious balconies add an idyllic touch, especially during sunset hours when the lighting creates a magical atmosphere. Guests are treated to intimate seating areas, ideal for drinks or happy hour, and outdoor dining that complements the natural beauty surrounding the inn. Live music adds a charming, lively energy, creating a romantic setting perfect for honeymooners and anyone seeking a memorable getaway. Whether nestled in the gardens or relaxing on the lawn among lovely trees, couples will find the inn's ambiance both enchanting and rejuvenating.

Dog Friendly
Benbow Historic Inn stands out as a pet-friendly destination that warmly welcomes four-legged guests, making it an ideal choice for those traveling with small dogs or even cats. The inn goes above and beyond to accommodate pets, offering dog-friendly rooms situated on the main garden level. These rooms include private patio areas, which provide a convenient and pleasant space to attend to doggie needs. Guests appreciate the ability to dine with their dogs and enjoy the nearby river, which is a hit with canine companions. While some guests find the pet fee to be on the higher side, the overall experience remains positive with the inn's very accommodating nature and clear pet policies. The Benbow Historic Inn truly provides a comfortable stay for both guests and their furry friends, making their journey seamless and enjoyable.


Yes, Benbow Historic Inn has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.

No, a spa isn't available at Benbow Historic Inn.

Yes, Benbow Historic Inn welcomes dogs.

Yes, parking facilities are available at Benbow Historic Inn.

No, Benbow Historic Inn doesn't have a gym.

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