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Applewood Inn & Restaurant

$$-$$$$, Russian River Valley

User Rating: ***** 5.0

Fodor's Review:

On a knoll in the shelter of towering redwoods, this romantic inn has two distinct types of accommodations. Those in the original Belden House, where cozy chairs around a river-rock fireplace encourage loitering in the lounge area, are comfortable but modest in scale. Most of the 10 rooms in the newer buildings are larger and airier, decorated in sage green and terra-cotta tones. Readers rave about the accommodating service, soothing atmosphere, and the earthy Cal-Italian cuisine served in the restaurant ($$$) built to recall a French barn. In winter, up the romance factor by asking for a table near the fireplace.

User Reviews & Ratings:

Greatest Romantic Getaway

Posted by bretb61 from Porter Ranch, California on 6/26/07

I surprised my wife for our wedding anniversary and we both had the best time. The owners are very nice and personal. You feel that they really care for you and your comfort. All the employees as well were so kind. Gave us great advice on where to dine. There own restaurant on site was a great surprise as well. Wonderful food and excellent customer service. The grounds are well maintained and they have their own garden for all the fruits and vegetables they use at the restaurant. We are planning on another trip in the next two months and plan to bring some family along. We would not want to stay anywhere else.
ROOM: 5.0
ATMOSPHERE: 5.0
SERVICE: 5.0
VALUE: 5.0
RATING: 5.0

It saved us.

Posted by hydrologist from Alququerque, NM on 6/4/07

We had reservations at another facility in the area, but when we arrived, late at night, we discovered that our cabin was truly rustic but the price was not. We didnt cancel our reservation we rejected it, and decided to return to San Francisco. Just a couple of miles south of Guerneville we saw a sign for the Applewood Inn and Restaurant. It was well after 10pm, and the office was closed, but we found the head chief closing up the restaurant. On the spur of the moment he booked us into two suites, each with a fireplace and living room, one with a Jacuzzi, and one with a two person shower, both for the same price as the "cabin" in the woods. They were wonderful suites, and we stayed up late to enjoy them. Breakfast the next day was outstanding. French toast made from croissants, with lots of strawberries and cream. After a long bath in the Jacuzzi, we hiked in the nearby Redwood forest. The Applewood saved our weekend. Thank you.
ROOM: 5.0
ATMOSPHERE: 5.0
SERVICE: 5.0
VALUE: 5.0
RATING: 5.0

Outstanding In Every Regard!

Posted by ufgator13 from Gainesville, Florida on 5/3/07

Our three days spent at Applewood were superb! Quiet, romantic rooms set in beautiful surroundings. Service was superior and the breakfasts were delicious. We highly recommend this fantastic inn! You will not be disappointed. We will definitely return....
ROOM: 5.0
ATMOSPHERE: 5.0
SERVICE: 5.0
VALUE: 5.0
RATING: 5.0

william north carolina

Posted by wcarmichael from North Carolina on 4/7/07

everything very good - but dinner a little "off" just not quite up to the standards set by the rest of the experience
ROOM: 5.0
ATMOSPHERE: 5.0
SERVICE: 5.0
VALUE: 5.0
RATING: 5.0

Spectacular Meal! . . . A Truly Memorable Experience

Posted by Carl from Dayton, Ohio on 8/11/06

We did not stay at the Inn but ate at the restaurant. Unfortunately there is no place on FODORS to give the restaurant a review so we will provide ours here. We had a fantastic meal - the food not only looked wonderful it was a complete pleasure to eat. The service was great and the atmosphere on the porch was distinctly European. We have eaten at most of the well-known restaurants in Wine Country and this one was truly the most enjoyable and absolutely memorable.
ROOM: 5.0
ATMOSPHERE: 5.0
SERVICE: 5.0
VALUE: 5.0
RATING: 5.0

Smitten in NYC

Posted by Steven from New york, NY on 6/10/06

My partner and I had never been to the Russian River area and, largely because of our experience at the Applewood Inn, we're eager to return sooner rather than later. Both Jim and Darryl are splendid hosts--solicitous, friendly, efficient. And Gwen is an expert guide--not only in her thorough knowledge and discernment of local wineries (she was spot on in regards to every one we visited under her recommendation) but also in her tips on area restaurants and activities. The room suited us perfectly--arboreal views, a comfortable bed, even a fireplace. And the food was top drawer--some of the best we had all week, and we dined at all the finest places in Napa and Sonoma. A bucolic and gastronomic paradise. One wishes to keep such places a secret, but I feel too much in Applewood's debt. Go! Soon you will be writing reviews such as these.
ROOM: 5.0
ATMOSPHERE: 5.0
SERVICE: 5.0
VALUE: 5.0
RATING: 5.0

Fall in Love with Applewood Inn

Posted by Alice from Pacifica, CA on 5/30/06

A little piece of heaven! From the moment I walked onto the Italian villa inspired grounds, smelled the roses blooming along the path, lounged by the pool and hot tub and... then, slept soundly in my luxury draped bed, I RELAXED. All needs were taken care of. Excellent cozy bar with fabulous wine selections at the Zagat rated restaurant. Dinner was delicious with many of the vegetables grown right on the property! Breakfast was a treat and included in the price of the room. I will definitely be coming back!
ROOM: 5.0
ATMOSPHERE: 5.0
SERVICE: 5.0
VALUE: 5.0
RATING: 5.0

Luscious luxury

Posted by Judith from North Wales, United Kingdom on 4/26/06

We stayed at the Applewood Inn for three nights in early April and would recommend it to anyone wanting to visit the Russian River and Sonoma Valleys. The rooms were superb, large, beautifully furnished and equipped with everything we needed. The proprietors were warm and welcoming, and the breakkfasts cooked by Jimmy were superb. We only ate dinner in the restaurant once but the food and service matched our high expectations. All in all the Applewood Inn deserves a five star rating in every way.
ROOM: 5.0
ATMOSPHERE: 5.0
SERVICE: 5.0
VALUE: 5.0
RATING: 5.0

Perfect spot to rejuvinate!

Posted by Beth from Healdsburg on 4/4/06

Just spent one night at the Applewood Inn and loved it! I was there for the entire day, with our Board of Directors for a retreat. What a perfect spot for us to all meet and really focus on our mission. The setting is beautiful, there was plenty of space to have our meetings, break for lunch then regroup for the remainder of the day. We ended our 8 hour meeting with an amazing 5 course dinner. The presentation, service and quality was absolutely 5 star! After the meeting I checked into room 19, which was stunning. A spacious balcony overlooing a lovely fountain, beautiful linens, spacious and comfortable, I couldnt have been happier. I relaxed in the spa after dinner, then retired to my beautiful room with a great glass of port to end the day. Wish every day could be so perfect!
ROOM: 5.0
ATMOSPHERE: 5.0
SERVICE: 5.0
VALUE: 5.0
RATING: 5.0

 

INFO

  • Address: 13555 Rte. 116, Guerneville, CA, 95421
  • Phone: 707/869-9093; 800/555-8509
  • Fax: 707/869-9170
  • Web site
  • Hotel Details: 19 rooms
  • In-room: no a/c (some), Wi-Fi.
  • In-hotel: restaurant, no elevator, pool, spa, no-smoking rooms.
  • Rate includes: Full breakfast
  • Credit Cards: AE, MC, V