Daydreamer

Looking for anyone how might have stayed at several Mendocino properties & be able to compare.

I realize the Stanford Inn is older. Just wondering if it's now appearing dated? Or if it has a certain charm instead?

We're vegetarians so its restaurant holds interest. Not sure if we could walk from it to town, however? Nighttime, too?
How was its pool & grounds? Rooms?

Brewery Gulch. Sounds lovely but again,
not sure of exact location. Its website is lacking on specifics re: this. I understand Hwy 1 is in front of it? A downer? Fave room here? Someone on tripadvisor said the rooms were a bit sterile or motel-like?

Also considering Joshua Grindle (North Cypress room or Watertower I or Grindle room) or the MacAllum House or Alegria
for one night only. They only have the Cove Cottage for one night at Alegria.
And not many rooms at the MacAllum place either so probably would be a one-nighter if worth that to get the Barn Studio room.

Not sure worth it to change lodging just for these particular rooms at these places?
Any reviews of places most welcome! Comparisons even more so!

Daydreamer

Sorry for repeat postings but have been having probs w/my computer & just now see several finally 'took'.

Haven't been seeing my threads.
Apologies! Still seeking advice,
no matter the case... ;-)

NWWanderer

I stayed in the newer wing of the Stanford Inn on my trip to Mendocino this spring and it didn't feel "older" at all to me (nor did the rooms I saw in the original wing have that feeling). I didn't walk into town but apparently people do. I loved the grounds, particularly seeing the llamas. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again and recommend it--it has a great "feel" to it. And my room and bed were really comfortable.

I looked at Brewery Gulch but didn't stay. It looked pretty nice and it's set pretty far back from the highway.

I did stay at the Josh Grindle and liked it. My favorite place that I stayed in the Mendocino area wasn't right in Mendocino though, it was the Albion River Inn a few miles south.

I had a great dinner at the MacCallum House but between that and the Cove Cottage I'd go for the Cove Cottage (but I didn't stay at either, just looked).

Feel free to email me if you have specific questions.

NWWanderer

P.S. Have you done your drive up to the San Juans and back yet? Did you do a trip report if so? I don't remember seeing it.

Daydreamer

Thanks NWWanderer!
Yes! Did our beloved & annual trip to the San Juans in May.

Posted on some threads where people had questions not to hesitate at ALL to contact me directly, & provided my email as I'm always happy to assist w/that area. (we love it so)
Was dampened a bit this time, however,
so perhaps that's why I didn't do a true trip report. (lost our kitty while away quite unexpectedly) She'd been sick but not THAT sick!
(or so we thought) Still gotta wonder about all of those pet food problems, as her troubles began months before, about when that all started.

I'll email you directly. But I guess I was mostly wondering seeing where you stayed...did you prefer the feel of the Joshua Grindle or the Stanford?

Were you in a standard queen at the Stanford? (probably all we could afford, plus there aren't a lot of options) Recall which room you had at the Grindle? Breakfast at either appeal to you more?
I'll look into the Albion but I think I did the other night, and they had little availability, too. Did you like its views the most, or something else? Thanks again!!

Daydreamer

We *did* stay at the Joshua Grindle,
but it was a full 12 yrs ago. (since we've been to Mendocino) Hence,
my query as not sure how to compare the many options there now!
Thanks again...

bon_voyage

We've stayed in many different B&Bs in the Mendocino area (including the Stanford Inn, the MacCallum House, Headlands Inn, but not Alegría)and the Joshua Grindle is probably my overall favorite for its grounds with the ability to stay in a room outside the main house, the understated Early American furnishings, and its immaculate housekeeping. We also enjoyed the Bessie Strauss room at the Headlands and appreciated having breakfast brought to the room, but the breakfasts were always twice as much as I could eat. I've learned that I really like to be in the village, and I prefer the privacy and ease of being outside the inn. At the Grindle, we've stayed in the Watertower and the Grindle room. Both I recall as being rooms of good size with the king-sized bed a plus. I do really like the look of the Cypress rooms but they've not been available when I've booked. A caveat: it's been a couple of years since our last visit to Mendocino--we're due to return this month.

NWWanderer

Oh, I'm sorry to hear about your cat, that's terrible.

I would be particularly interested to hear where you ended up staying on your way up to the San Juans and back since that was the subject of much discussion ;-).

I would say that overall, I preferred the feel of the Stanford Inn, although that's not to take anything away from the Josh Grindle, which is a very nice B&B. I was in a Forest Executive Suite at the Stanford, and in Watertower I at the Josh Grindle. Breakfasts at both were very good, with the Grindle being the more traditional B&B breakfast and a chance to talk with other guests, while the Stanford is restaurant-style at separate tables.

I think what I really liked about the Albion was the combination of privacy and quiet, the large size of the room, the views and balcony, and having both a wood-burning fireplace and a nice soaking tub.

Daydreamer

Thanks so much BonVoyage and NWWanderer! Tons of help you provided. Appreciate you taking the time.

So, NW...you actually stayed in WaterTower I, then. Website mentions it having a soaking tub. Was it special or not so much? Wondering if it's just a generic tub...

That's one negative I've read about the Stanford, too, was its bathrooms being very plain. I also read one building is preferable at tthe Stanford....due to it being brighter.
I wonder if the Forest building is the preferred building.

BonVoyage...so appreciate all you shared, too!!

Daydreamer

Oh & NWWanderer,
what room did you get at the Albion?
Sounds nice!!

NWWanderer

Daydreamer, I'm going to send you a message through TA.