Coming from the San Francisco Bay Area, scenic Highway 128 extends to Pacific Coast Highway 1, and I can feel my shoulders relax. Heading north, the rugged coastline, although dangerous for ships, invites weary travelers to stroll, sit, rest and let the scenery do its work. And that’s when the Stanford Inn by the Sea Historic Farm & Eco-Resort magically appears on the hillside, the ideal place to explore all that Mendocino has to offer, whether your family likes to hike or just sit back and relax.
Things to Know About Stanford Inn by the Sea
- Ideally located on the Grand River and Highway 1, the Stanford Inn is in a central location for exploring the Mendocino Coast.
- Perfectly attuned to individual needs, the Stanford Inn has several accommodation options, offers sensitivity to dietary restrictions, and accepts pets and electric cars.
- With an indoor pool, sauna and hot tub, this property is open year-round.
- Respecting the land and indigenous people, this lodge is not only a place to relax and unwind, but also a place to learn about the history and natural beauty of the coast.
- Nationally known for its Ravens Restaurant, the Stanford Inn is worth a visit just for the (vegan) dining experience.
What Families Need to Know
While clearly a luxury property, it also has a natural and comfortable feel that is relaxed and family friendly. When I found out how pet friendly this property is, I was disappointed that I left my youngest son and bunny at home (although I’m sure they would both be welcome next time!). Young guests can explore, swim, boat and let their imaginations run wild here.
FUN FOR ALL: Mendocino family vacation guide
There is accommodation to suit families of all sizes; multi-room suites provide ample space for relaxing and varied sleep times. Guests with children will feel comfortable letting their little ones roam the property safely (though of course, children should always be supervised in the pool).
Families without children who enjoy the tranquility need not worry that the Stanford Inn is a free-for-all; the property invites tranquility, and although there were several children there during my stay, I was able to enjoy the peace that comes from traveling solo. There were couples, friends traveling together, and families with adult children.
Review of Stanford Inn by the Sea
Stanford Inn by the Sea is rated 9.6 out of 10 on Kayak, 4.6 out of 5 on TripAdvisor, and 9.2 out of 10 on Expedia. Reviewers are especially pleased with the well-appointed rooms, beautiful grounds, and “perfect temperatures” from the pool and hot tub. It’s hard to find criticism of this place.
Important Details About Stanford Inn By the Sea
Location
The Stanford Inn is perched above Highway 1, the edge of the ocean cliffs to the west, and the Big River to the north. Visitors can easily access both on foot. For those looking to explore the mouth of the Big River and backcountry access, Catch a Canoe & Bicycles Too is right on the property for rentals. Trails along the coastline are easily accessible on foot or a short drive, and the town of Mendocino is a five-minute ride. Anything you want to see or do in Mendocino is easily accessible, but the Inn and Resort, in and of itself, is a destination.
Property
The Stanford Inn and Resort property is truly magical. With gardens adorning its excellent vegan restaurant, indoor pool, hot tub and sauna, spa, and incredible views of the ocean, river, meadows, and gardens, the property alone is reason enough to visit. I really enjoyed spending the morning wandering the gardens and main building where the lobby area blends into the library, living room, bar/dining room, each providing incredible views.
Downstairs there are impressive exhibits on the history of boats and indigenous boat building; I spent more than an hour reading and studying. This is one of the aspects of the Inn and Resort that I appreciate most; it’s a relaxing place to enjoy the beauty of Mendocino, but it’s also a center for learning. There are books and magazines, plaques and guides that help guests understand the flora and fauna of the area and the benefits of a vegan lifestyle. It is informative without being doctrinaire. The staff and owners are all knowledgeable and friendly and are clearly invested in not only the land but also the importance of a sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle and footprint.
Room
So many choices! The Stanford Inn and Resort has six different room types, from double and queen rooms to two-bedroom, two-bathroom suites. All rooms are beautifully wood paneled and feel like part of the forest environment. Most rooms have fireplaces and desks, but some also have additional seating areas or daybeds. All rooms in the Big River and Forest building have large decks offering more space and another place to relax.
Activity
Catch a Canoe and Bicycles Too is a business that is part of the property and offers guests the opportunity to explore the area’s trails and rivers. Bicycle rentals are included with your stay at the Stanford Inn, and there are several types of boat rentals including redwood outriggers, traditional canoes and kayaks, and catamarans. (the redwood boats are impressive in both size and beauty). The owners and staff also provide a wealth of information about hiking and other nature activities as well as guides to local shops, historic attractions, and restaurants. Of course, one can easily spend the day reading in the garden or on the deck or taking advantage of the indoor pool and spa complex.
Eat
Many travel to the Stanford Inn just for the Ravens Restaurant; A standout among vegan restaurants across the country, Ravens offers a plant-based gourmet dining experience for all three meals of the day PLUS afternoon tea and happy hour. When I saw that breakfast was included, I assumed it would be some choice like granola or banana bread and coffee. I was surprised to see that it was a full breakfast, so many choices, in fact I couldn’t stay long enough to eat everything I wanted to try.
Afternoon tea and snacks are included with your stay, and this window turns into a fun happy hour where guests take a break from their day to discuss bird sightings and hiking adventures or simply relax by the window or on the deck. Ravens dinners also include a variety of (as a non-vegan, I had no idea there were so many ways to create such a diverse offering) options that will appeal to everyone in your party. One additional offering from Ravens is Lunch on the Go!, a pre-order option if you plan to spend the day on the trail. The Ravens team is very sensitive to allergies and dietary restrictions and you can be guaranteed that your needs will be met in this highly customer-centric dining experience.
Spa
Although small, the Spa at Stanford Inn offers a variety of massage, skin and ayurvedic treatments to help you settle into the natural setting. Treatments such as Biofield Tuning, Aromatherapy Wraps and traditional Swedish or Hot Stone massages are offered in a spa room nestled among the trees.
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