Stanford Inn By the Sea Eco Resort

Celebrating a birthday at the Stanford Inn was the perfect thing for us to do! Absolutely everyone on the staff ~ from the front desk, to the housekeepers, the massage therapists (“D” and MaryKay), the restaurant staff (Ricardo, Ole and Sid), groundskeeper (Pedro) and other workers ~ were as polite and attentive as could be. My birthday friend and I asked for an early check-in which, on a weekday, was no problem. In the nicely appointed room, we were greeted with balloons and cookies for the birthday person. Our “drug of choice” for relaxation involved receiving awesome Thai and Hot Stone massages (scheduled in advance, of course). Both “D” (a longtime Thai massage expert) and MaryKay were very knowledgeable therapists; they gave us “the space” to quiet our minds in while working their magic... D's Thai massage totally reversed three chronic issues that I was having! As requested, a chilled bottle of Louis Roederer Champagne and glasses awaited us in the room upon our return. With surprisingly warm fall weather, we were able to sit outside on our private back deck to sip on the bubbly. Afterwards, we strolled over to the Raven’s Restaurant for an incredible vegetarian dinner ~ finishing it off with a birthday-candled dessert and heavenly Big River coffee. We ended this wonderful day by cozying up to our in-room fireplace that had a never-ending supply of dried wood! And, if all of this wasn’t enough, we were given the most delicious complimentary breakfast the next morning! Thank you, Joan and Jeff, for creating your Dream Vacation Getaway. We will never forget our stay and your hospitality... Fondly, D & N

We have stayed at Stanford Inn half a dozen times and am amazed at the way I feel each time. It is a very peaceful place even though there is a lot going on - yoga classes, kayaking and canoeing, mountain biking, pets just about everywhere, ever-changing ocean views and cloud formations, fabulous vegan dining (President Clinton would love it here too) ... plus beautiful guest rooms with thoughtful amenities to keep us comfortable and help us feel cared for. The Stanford's are fascinating people - seem to be always present. Their staff reflects their values of kindness and goodwill. If you've not been to Stanford Inn (And Ravens Restaurant), put this on your list as a MUST. I promise that you'll be as happy as I am for the experience.

The Stanford Inn's setting is located on 10 acres of spectacular gardens at the mouth Big river and Mendocino Village. I drove up from San Francisco in about 21/2 hour through the beautiful Mendocino wine country on highway 128. I stayed in room 222 an exceptional room with a deck and view of Mendocino village and the pacific, the room amenities are first class with stereo, flat screen TV, robes, comfortable bed and everything you would expect in a first class inn. The Staff was Professional, friendly and more than helpful. The Ravens Restaurant is a full service restaurant with an excellent vegetarian menu. All the produce is organic and grown on the property or local. I do not generally go to vegetarian restaurants but was impressed by the chef that created some unique and delicious dishes that I really enjoyed. The Inn has Mountain bike and Canoeing offered to the guests located on the property, if you get a chance to Canoe up Big River it is quite an experience and numerous Mountain biking trails all in the state parks that surround Mendocino. Joan and Jeff Stanford have owned and operated this property for almost 30 years and their attention to detail and the experience they have created is what staying in an inn is all about.

The property, main lodge, scenery, food - it was all great. Especially the dining - I'm not a vegetarian, but I could be after staying there - incredible.

This place is amazing! The property is larger than most typical B&Bs. However, the location, scenery, and setting are out of this world! I highly recommend staying here. The food was extraordinary as well!