Lodging in Mendocino County (Anderson Valley, Booneville, ??)
 

I'm in the beginning stages of planning a trip to Mendocino County, primarily to visit wineries in the Anderson Valley, but also to do some light hiking, and, of course, for the food and general beauty of the area.

But I'm confused about how to focus my search for lodging. Is it better to stay in a town, and if so, which one? There are also many slightly more remote properties that look drop-dead gorgeous, but obviously require driving to get anywhere at all. But, they offer beautiful access to nature.

Budget: I'd like to stay under $300 a night; well under would be great. Amenities: nothing specific. Included breakfast is always nice, but we both dislike B&B style communal dining, so that's out, and we wouldn't mind getting breakfast on our own. Spa is not an attraction; TV would be nice but, like breakfast, not strictly necessary. As I said, B&B's are not our thing, so small and twee would not be ideal :-)

TIA! I look forward to suggestions!

We are staying outside Mendocino (near Little River) in May for four nights and opted to rent this place from vrbo:
http://www.vrbo.com/449643

I went through the same debate as you as we're not huge fans of the communal breakfasts that a lot of B&Bs offer. We also wanted to spend a bit less money than what seemed the going rate at some of the area's inns. And since we're staying in San Francisco and Healdsburg other nights of this trip, we opted for a bit more seclusion for the Mendocino leg of the trip. The reviews for the vrbo property were good and the price seemed fair. I talked to one of the owners when I reserved, and she was extremely friendly and seemed like she'll be helpful if we need anything. I'm not overly worried about having to drive into town, especially since we're planning to check out the other nearby towns for meals anyway. I thought it seemed like a decent option.

If you are open to staying on the coast, I would suggest Albion River Inn (closer to Anderson Valley and includes breakfast) or Little River Inn. While it's not in Anderson Valley - it is close. I read your trip report for Sonoma and Napa and you ate at some nice places. I think dining options will be better for you on the coast (the two inns and Wild Fish).

Both are nice non -B &B places. Little River Inn has a bar in addition to the Restaurant (you can eat in the bar area too).

I drive through Anderson Valley on occaision, but it is more of a drive through area for us on the way to the coast, the towns are tiny. I stopped at Roederer Estate and Schramsberg this year, and Anderson Valley Brewing Company in the past.

http://www.littleriverinn.com/

http://www.albionriverinn.com/

I definitely agree w/ davispeets; I haven't stayed at then Albion River (though I know it to be nice) - but have stayed at Little River several times. Either would be great - fabulous views, decent rates, good food on site.

indyhiker, that place looks great--I'm surprised at how good the rates are! I hope you enjoy it...

Having pored over a map--hey, what an idea, right?!-- I am now leaning toward doing what we almost never do and switching locations during our stay. I am thinking 2 nights on the coast, 2 nights maybe in Boonville, and 2 nights in Healdsburg or someplace else closer to SFO.

So thank you, davispeets for the suggestions and janisj for seconding them! The Albion or the Little River are the only two candidates for coastal lodging at this point, and both look great.

I am thinking the Boonville Hotel for the next 2 nights. I have read reviews, studied the website, and I think I know what I'm getting into there, unless you guys come up with other ideas.

As for Healdsburg, I hate the rate I;m seeing at the Hotel Healdsburg, but it's our hands-down favorite, so I might bite the bullet anyway. But then again, we should try staying in Sonoma town, perhaps? Or maybe a VRBO... this is undecided, but I know the area a bit better. Still, suggestions are always welcome!

Thanks again!

I like to stay put too -- but those hotels/areas make a terrific 'three fer'. Not that far apart yet totally different in vibe/scenery. So I'd also do a 2 night/2 night/2 night itinerary.

Wow, thanks, janisj! That really helps and I feel a lot better about the plan. I will post some more lodging ideas for input tomorrow...

it sounds like a nice plan particularly for that area. We did a multi-stop trip in January on the way to the Mendocino coast with a stop in Healdsburg. We did a slow day through Yountville/St. Helena popping out in Healdsburg. I got an unbelievable rate at the Best Western Plus Dry creek Inn -- the Tuscon side (newer rooms). The stopover will likely be our new tradition for our annual trip.

If you wanted to save lodging money for dining/ wine money since you have been to Healdsburg before, you might take a look: King bed, fireplace, DVD player/receiver speakers in bedroom, bathroom, jetted tub, outdoor fire pits, breakfast with real waffles. I couldn't believe it for the price we paid. Will definitely go back. We drove the two miles or so to downtown Healdsburg on the side road -- no issue. It's a moderate hotel, but perfectly acceptable to me.

I took a look at the rates, a little bit higher now, lowest Monday to Weds..

Wow, davispeets, the rate at that Best Western is great! I am putting it on my list. Thank you!

Right now, we are leaning toward driving straight to either the Albion or the Little River from SFO; still having trouble deciding between the two, but then, I;m indecisive by nature. Does anyone have any tidbits to break the tie??

We'd spend two nights there and then move to the Boonville Hotel for two nights.

And then we'd spend our last two nights closer to the airport. I have a reservation at the Hotel Healdsburg, and at Gaige House, which has a much better rate, a 25% off promotion, in fact.

I think I would lean towards Little River Inn, closer to the mendocino town for a look around, since you will stay in Boonville, thus no need to backtrack from the coast to the valley. Your Sonoma trip report mentioned a dream to sit overlooking the ocean -- and that is a great place to do that.

The Boonville Hotel is pretty much the only hotel in the Anderson Valley. We stayed in some cabin for a buddy's wedding that was decent if you wanted to go that route, but will need to look it up. There were not many options.

Can recommend wineries if interested. Love the wine out there.

I am definitely open to winery recommendations, always, and restaurant suggestions, too--fancy not necessary, places like delis or cheese shops definitely welcome. Thank you!

Thanks again, davispeets!

Favorite AV wineries...

Foursight
Drew
Roederer Estate
Goldeneye
Handley
Navarro

Thanks, tg! (AV Brewing is also on our list. Craft beer suggestions welcome, too. During our time in Sonoma we plan to revisit Lagunitas, and 101 North if time permits.)