Will be in Mendocino for one night, right after Christmas (driving from Carmel to Ashland, OR and want to break it up). Looking for hotel and food recommendations. Would like to be able to walk around since we're doing so much driving. Don't like "frou-frou" B&Bs but could live with that if needed. We are in our 30s. After the debauchery of Xmas with relatives we might just want to see a movie, walk around, shop, have some cocktails, have a great meal. Would like to spend less than $200/night on hotel. Any ideas are appreciated! Thanks.

Dear DebbieAllen,

I don't know about places to see films in Mendocino town proper - you might have to go up the road a bit to Fort Bragg.

In Mendocino itself, the Seagull Inn is a nice but not frothy B&B. I feel the same as you do - I'm not big on the knick-knack filled look. Some rooms have a partial ocean view, others look out on the garden in back. Just south of Mendocino is the Inn at Schoolhouse Creek. I have several friends who swear by this place for its hospitality, comfort and lack of pretension. They welcome dogs, btw. As with all B&B places, do check their schedule over the holidays.

There are also a plethora of motels in Fort Bragg - they will do in a pinch.

We like Glendeven Inn, a few miles south of Mendocino. Each room is different, but only one is what I'd call frou-frou.

We like the Joshua Grindle Inn (check tripadvisor for recent reviews). It's on the edge of the village, everything in walking distance. Decor is more early American than Victorian. We've not been in the area for a couple of years but, in the past, had good dinners at Café Beaujolais and the Moose Café and sometimes at 955 Ukiah.

Check out the Maccallum House...they offer several different types of lodging at varying rates. All rates include breakfast which is fantastic. You're allowed to order off the regular menu, and the food is excellent (we're talking $10-$15/entrees, not just a muffin and some fruit).

Loved our meal at Cafe Beaujolais. If you like seafood, you must order the sturgeon.

The best thing to do in Mendocino is to walk the headlands.

We've been four times and love it. My favorite spot is the Cove Cottage at Alegria. Nothing is closer to the ocean and the room is very stark, Oriental influence and totally private. You can walk the beach and headlands from here...you have your own path to the beach. Have stayed at MacCallum and Brewery Gulch as well and liked them. There are many palces to hike in the area. Look for internet specials after Christmas. There's no movie theatre in town. But please don't stay in Ft Bragg...it's so sterile, developed, etc. Many places in Mend

oops, my cat hit the button! many great eating options...the Menocino Hotel was awesome. Also loved the Mousse Cafe. Have eaten at the Stevenswood, Little River Inn and several others and frankly have never had a bad meal.

I have to second Cafe Beaujolais. It's pricey, but totally worth it! My husband and I still talk about the duck with cherry glaze...

We go to Mendocino at least once a year, and always stay at the Joshua Grindle Inn. Our favorite restaurant is the Cafe Beaujolais. Our favorite activity is to do nothing but wander around town and the headlands, poke into the shops in town, and just sit. The JGI has a nice parlor with a fireplace and some of the rooms have fireplaces.

Let us know what you decide.

For a funky place with great diner food, head to Mendo Burger. Besides the terrific burgers there are fries with assorted seasonings, all excellent. Don't fall over the dog who sits by the door.

Was in Mendocino in May this year.

Stayed one night at The Headlands Inn and two nights at The Whitegate Inn.

Can highly recommend either of them.

I think I preferred the Whitegate Inn. The breakfast in the morning is fabulous. Plus they have wine and appies in the afternoon and then when you get back from your evening out there is sherry and home made chocolate chip cookies.

We ate at Cafe Beaujolais and at 955 Ukiah. They were both quite good and very near The Whitegate Inn and The Headlands Inn (a 2 min. walk).

You might consider The Whitegate Inn to be "frou frou" but you'll get over it as the people who run it are so nice and the food is so good.

I shall second the Whitegate Inn. it is a delightful place, the location wonderful- say hello to Corky, their resident Portugese Water Dog if you go. She will bring him on the deck so you can pet him.

I also got a recommendation for the Little River Inn and the Stanford Inn...any pros/cons on these? Still deciding! Thanks.

Debbie, since you want to walk around and relax, I think you'd rather stay in town. Stanford is a little bit away, Little River Inn is further down the road from the town. Just a thought.

Debbie, here's another thought. I stayed twice off season in Mendocino, once at the MacCallum House and once at Brewery Gulch for dirt cheap using Luxury Link auctions. Both those properties are on there right now.
http://tinyurl.com/k2crz
We got the MacCallum house for 3 nights in the "Barn suite" huge, hot tub on porch, sauna in room HUGE fireplace, great breakfasts and one dinner for two for about 180 a night. That included taxes! before you bid, check with the places to make sure they have openings on the nights you want, but you'll have a very good chance at the time you are going. Read the small print, too- most are good only from Monday through Thursday (which is the best time to go, IMO) I've used Luxury Link many times, and what seems to be too good to be true really is. I LOVE them!

Here is an interesting interview pertaining to Mendocino that may be of help to you.

http://sketchandtravel.com/INTERVIEWS2.cfm?holdid=377