Benbow Historic Inn

Though it has a surprisingly impressive past list of celebrity clientele (including the Prince of Jordan and Cher), Benbow Historic Inn largely attracts older couples visiting nearby redwoods or driving down the northern California coast. Opened in 1926 by the Benbow family, the inn's history shines through with an abundance of antique furniture, knick-knacks, and seasonal decorations. Guests mostly keep to themselves, but there are plenty of places to socialize, including over the free afternoon scones and tea, and on the vast lawn and outdoor patio with fire pit. A massive renovation completed in 2018 added 10 new suites -- named after the founder's nine brothers and sisters (plus one for Mr. Linser, who the current managers purchased the property from), as well as a cocktail lounge, ground-floor lobby, meeting spaces, and five-story elevator. Overall, the homey yet elegant design, mixed with a peaceful and serene setting, makes for a romantic getaway. 

Benbow Historic Inn sits right off of Highway 101, which means a couple things -- both good and bad. The bad: Nothing is within walking distance, unless you're considering the neighboring RV park with a nine-hole golf course and swimming pool for guests' use. The good: It's super convenient for those driving down the California coast, which is what almost everyone staying at the inn is doing. Part of Humboldt County, the iconic redwoods are about a half-hour dive away. The town of Garberville is only five minutes away, but there's not much to see here aside from a few gas stations and diners.

• 20-minute drive from the Shrine Drive-Thru tree
• 30-drive from the Avenue of the Giants, an impressive drive through the Redwoods
• Hour-and-10-minute drive south of Eureka's cute historic district
• Two hour's drive north of Mendocino Village, with its beautiful ocean views
• About a four-hour drive from San Francisco

Rooms here generally share similar decor, which is old-fashioned yet attractive; picture floral bedspreads, heavy wooden desks and side tables, carpeted floors, pale-yellow wallpaper, and small framed prints. Built in 2018, the 10 Founders' Rooms are a bit more contemporary, with beige walls, dark-wood furniture, and more modern fabrics and carpeting. Relics and artifacts from their namesakes add charming accents. Rooms are split between the Terrace Building and Historical Building, and these categories also have subcategories -- depending on the room type, amenities may or may include a large flat-screen TV, patio, fireplace, whirlpool tub, and/or mini-fridge. Upgraded units may add a soaking tub and separate shower, pullout sofa, and four-poster bed. All rooms come with free (sometimes spotty) Wi-Fi and decanters of sherry.

In most bathrooms, toilets and showers are kept separate from the vanities, which include spacious closets with bathrobes. Hairdryers, bathrobes, and quality toiletries are provided.

Just off the highway, the Benbow Historic Inn has a lovely lawn looking out at a picturesque bridge (under which is the hotel’s “beach,” which is really more just an area of standing water on a rocky shore). Also out here are a nine-hole golf course and a small outdoor pool with loungers, both of which are located a short walk from the main inn, closer to the RV park. There are no gym or spa here, but guests can borrow bicycles for free or play croquet on the lawn.

The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the bar area and patio, or guests can opt for a slightly more upscale dining experience offered in the formal dining room. The bar area serves the same menu and has a lovely fireplace and outdoor patio. In the afternoons, guests can enjoy free tea and scones, and Wi-Fi is free throughout -- although reception is often better in the lobby and restaurant than the rooms.