We will be in the Eureka area over labor day weekend. Would you recommend staying in Eureka or Arcata? What hotel/motel would you recommend? We currently hold reservations at the BW Humboldt Bay, but are certainly not wedded to it. We just wanted to make sure we have space since it is labor day. I assume we should expect fog and cool? or not?

Unless you have a student at HSU in your family, it's better to stay in Eureka than Arcata because there is more to do. The problem with most motels in Eureka and Arcata is that they are located right on busy Hwy 101.

The best place we have found is the Hotel Carter in Eureka.

http://www.carterhouse.com/

It's on a quiet street and is very luxurious. It may be more than you want to pay, however. They also have the best restaurant that we have found in the area.

Another option is to stay in Ferndale. This town is a lot of fun and is not as busy as Eureka or Arcata. There are some very nice B&B's there.

Arcata is "cute." Eureka has an intersting historical district with shops and restaurants and loads of Victorian houses. In Eureka, the Best Western Bayshore Inn has decent rooms and serves an excellent breakfast.

Eureka is a much better choice,also I agree about Ferndale(it's farther inland)a beautiful little town, and my children and I loved it! We were there last Aug.(soccer tourn.) and it rained for 3 days.