Fodor's Expert Review Cottages on River Road

Redwoods on a steep slope tower above this tidy roadside complex of single and duplex cottages separated by a grassy lawn. Although the cottages lack upscale amenities, many guests, including a sizable European contingent, return here yearly for the woodsy setting and warm service. Book ahead as far as possible in summer.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The cottages sit right off River Road, making traffic noise an issue for the ones closest to the street.

room

All the cottages, modestly furnished but with appealing contemporary accents (think Ikea or CB2), have (with one exception) refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, flat-screen TVs with cable, and an outdoor patio, balcony or sitting area.

Five two-bedroom cottages are good for families and groups.

bathroom

Bathrooms painted in white or pastels have tile floors and showers or shower-tub combos. They're functional if not high style, though space to lay out toiletries is limited in most of them.

lobby

Complimentary fruit and coffee are available all day in the check-in area, which has the feel of a living room. Each morning breakfast is laid out here.

pool

The small pool abuts the steep hillside to the north. It's a tranquil spot away from most of the cottages.

spa

On-call massage therapists customize massages to suit clients' preferences. The lead therapist specializes in several modalities, deep-tissue and Swedish among them.

dining

Staffers serve a straightforward but filling Continental breakfast—pastries, bagels, yogurt, fresh fruit and freshly squeezed orange juice, and coffee and teas. There's no on-site restaurant.

drinking

There's no bar here.