We're booked at this inn for a long weekend. It's our first trip in this area, and we're hoping to just relax and unwind.

I've been all over this board looking for info on this place and have found a few good comments, but I'm looking for more FIRST HAND info from those who have stayed here before:

How is the property and accommodations? How's the service? Are there dining opportunities in this area? Is it convenient for vineyard hopping? Are there decent spa facilities nearby? Should I be booking in another town?

Any and all FIRST HAND opinions are welcome.
Thanks!

I grew up camping in the campground just down the steps from Whale Watch Inn. My grandmother and her husband used to stay there when they would come to visit us. It has wonderful views of the ocean. It is a steep walk down the steps to a small cove. There are no radios or televisions, but her room always had a good size bathroom, a fireplace and kitchen.

I don't know of any wineries in the area. You could go to Guerneville or all the way inland to Sonoma, but these would be all day events. This would not be vineyard hopping.

Also, I don't know where you are traveling from, but you should be aware that Northern California beaches are vastly different from Southern California. They are rugged and chilly. Breathtaking, but not necessarily lay out on the beach kind of places.

As for spas, St. Orres Inn in Gualala has things for the guests, and they may have something for day people as well. Dining is rather casual in the area, but St. Orres is fantastic and only about a 15-minute drive. Anchor Bay, which is the town that Whale Watch is nearest, has a little restaurant and a general store. Point Arena is a town just a little further north that has a bit more shopping and such, but as I say, it is a very layed back area. It may be perfect for your relaxing an unwiding.

Thanks td!

There is one winery that's inland not too far away in Annapolis--just uphill from Sea Ranch which is south of Whale Watch maybe 10 miles. Ask them at the inn for directions. The Old Milano hotel, just south of St. Orres, has had excellent dinners--depends on who is now cooking there as I haven't been in a few years. As noted, St. Orres is always excellent. Another spot--which you must reserve in advance--is maybe 20 min. or so north in Pt. Arena and is called Pangea (I think that's how you spell it--or close to it anyway!). Also, just north of that near Irish Beach is the Victorian Gardens Inn where the innkeeper, of Italian descent, does fabulous, multi-course dinners by advance reservation.
I think you'll really enjoy Whale Watch, and the views are spectacular. Try to get one of the rooms with a Jacuzzi tub for two....all have incredible views, including the common room in the building just to the south of the main complex. The beach is in something of a "banana belt" and tends to be warmer than surrounding areas. Just down the road on the north end of Gualala is The Food Company, and they used to let you borrow picnic baskets if you bought food there so you could take a picnic to the beach and then leave the basket with the innkeepers. And keep an eye out for nocturnal visits from the ringtail cats that live around the property! They are very shy little creatures, and some evidently have developed a sweet tooth for the Andes mints that are left in the rooms! We had our balcony door open one night, and one actually came in the room to get a treat "to go"! It was fun to see one "up close"! We live up the coast about an hour to the north, and I have actually had one come up on our deck and take salmon from my hand! Maybe they then go south for dessert....

onvaykaysoon,
I know you're asking specifically about the Whale Watch, but it sounds like you are also doing a little exploring in the area. On the outskirts of Point Arena, there's a B&B called the Coast Guard House - it used to be lodging for the Coast Guard in the early 20th century. I've looked at it just in passing and it was very attractive - something to keep in mind for next time maybe.

Hi, We have stayed at the Old Milano before. I hear the food there is very good but the night we were there the dining room was closed. We did go to St. Orres for dinner and it was something to behold. Quite gourmet, elegant I would say. I think the Old Milano is on the historic registery. Great suggestions from previous posters. I do remember the beach where we were was rugged. Have fun okay.

topping - Also interested if anyone has any RECENT, FIRST HAND experiences at Whale Watch Inn.
tx!

Sorry, not exactly first hand!!We were across the street a couple months ago eating at the restaraunt (very good) and the two couple we were with both were raving about the place. I know we walked over there because we plan to stay there next time instead of Sea Ranch.

It will be a bit of a trip but you could check out some of the wineries along 128. (Philo and area). If I could get there soon I would absolutely go back to Lazy Creek Vineyards. This is a very small and very good vineyard(Pinot Noirs excel)..besides which you walk through the garden gate and the family is pouring in the barn with a charming three year old popping in and out. Also Esterlina is a small and very good winery that serves a good selection of tastings. I recommend wither theeir Zin or Pinot Noir. Roederer is a more elegant tasting room for sparklers. To my memory it took us perhaps an hour or so to reach the Gualala area from Booneville. Re dining: I liked the Old Milano alot but also have not eaten there in years. St Orre's is an impressive dining room serving alot of fish and game. In a pinch there is a good take out place(think more upscale chicken salad rather than true deli) right on Hwy 1 in Gualala (sorry can't remember the name)..we got some very good food and sat in adirondack chairs at the Old Milano(where we stayed) and stared midrange while we ate. While the winery in Annapolis is a nice little trip(it does take awhile to wind your way there)..I thought the wines were just so so.

Great feedback, applejaxs & PamSF, THANKS!