Clearlake, Nice , Lucerne? Lake County CA help PLEASE!
 

This is my second post. I know some of you are familiar with the area! We are doing Lodi, Sonoma and Mendocino for 8 days- lots of wineries, lots of hiking. Since we're flying out of Sacramento, we thought a couple days on the Lake chilling out, hiking, hitting a couple wineries might be fun. I'm really stumped about where to stay. Konocti Harbor looks like fun, but gets gosh awful reviews. (roachfests in rooms?)There are some small B7Bs and some VERY small cottages. We don't need fancy resorts, just don't want any bad surprises. Also, what would be a central location to hiking, restaurants, etc? At this point, we have 8 weeks to plan, I would love to hear any suggestions or ideas from the experts. This is our 4th trip to CA in 3 years.

I have relatives in Clearlake and, when I visit, stay at the Best Western in Clearlake. It is pretty standard US mid-grade motel-nothing special but clean and comfortable. There is also a Travel Lodge in Clearlake but I don't know anything about its quality.

Dining at the Konocti Resort is a hit-and-miss experience. I have always enjoyed meals in the dining room but their coffe shop leaves a great deal to be desired, both in quality of food and service.

On the west side of the lake, although there are some little low-tier motels, Konocti Resort is about the only other choice, if I remember correctly.

I haven't been up the lake to Nice and Lucerne in many years so I can't help with that area.

Linda: Though Konocti is by no means a luxury resort, it is the best place to stay in the Clear Lake area.

I have stayed there probably a dozen times in the apartments overlooking the lake (beautiful view) with hot tubs on the deck and a fireplace. Once I had ants and once the garbage hadn't been taken out but both times someone came immediately and took care of it.

I really like the spa/gym and there is also a miniature golf course, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools and a boat rental dock.

The restaurants are not great but there are some good places to eat in the town of Lakeport (Mexican, Italian, Chinese). If you get a suite/apartment there is a full kitchen and an outdoor barbecue.

Let us know what you decide.

Since you are flying out of Sac, maybe you could stay in the Delta a few days. There are a few places to stay or you could rent a houseboat. There are wineries down here too, with the most notable being Bogle. Something different to consider.

MY

Thanks for all your suggestions. My husband and I decided that we wanted a few more options, so we are staying in Calistoga for the last 3 days at www.foothillhouse.com
We stayed in Calistoga before; it's the only part of Napa valley I really liked, where there wasn't a ton of traffic and it was pretty quaint. This time, we're doing the wineries along the Silverado Trail and are hiking up Mt St Helen. If Foothill House is half as good as the reviews on tripadvisor, I'll be really happy!