Elk Cove Inn

I had a wonderful four night stay here -- the 4th night for FREE -- just this past week. It's a PERFECT beautiful location as close to the ocean as you can get. Walk down to the beach or just sit back in the gazebo & gaze at the waves crashing below. Each morning the owner & gracious staff treat you to a amazing variety of breakfast delicacies -- some you are not expecting, but delicious! I drove up from Sacramento along Highway 128, absolutely beautiful!

We found the Elk Cove Inn online, and had planned a spur of the moment trip for our anniversary to the coast. We booked a room, not knowing what we were getting ourselves into! We were greeted by the most friendly woman, who gave us an amazingly special welcome basket, adorned with wine, cookies, popcorn and fresh strawberries! We upgraded to an ocean view room, which had the most picturesque view of the ocean from a very comfortable window seat! Cocktail hour was a blast...complementary! Everyone was so friendly, and made sure our stay was flawless. Best of all, our room was private, we had gorgeous views (as well as sounds of the crashing waves!) and had easy access to the beach. The gourmet buffet breakfast was one of the best breakfasts we have ever had- French Toast, fresh fruit, sausage, Mimosas... need I say more? We will be back shortly!!!!!

My husband and I stayed in Molly's Garden room for one night on our first trip to California. We reserved the room knowing that it did not have an ocean view, but were so pleased to discover that we had a beautiful garden view. Our room was clean and we were excited about our own personal fireplace. The beach is a short walk and the view from the breakfast room and most spots on the property is spectacular. The food was exceptional, with great variety. We will definitely be finding a way to return to this magical spot, and next time we will stay for more then one night.

This place was so enchanting!!! I did extend my stay from two nights to five. The innkeepers were friendly and the service was great. The breakfast was fabulous!! The views were spectacular. Loved it loved it loved it!

It was lovely. The setting, gardens and views are everything you could ask for and our room was charming and comfortable. The breakfasts were excellent every morning and, one morning when we needed an early start, the innkeeper had her helpers come in early to make sure we were able to have a full breakfast before we started our day. We'll be back.

It took me about 5 minutes upon arrival to look over at my husband and say "this is the best Bed and Breakfast we have ever stayed in". I will start by saying that the inn and the rooms look even better in person than in the pictures. The inn is located on a cliff overlooking the ocean, with a magnificent view of Gunderson rock and easy access to the beach. There is a lovely gazebo with chairs and small tables, ideal for watching the sunset while enjoying a nice glass of wine. We arrived in the afternoon, and were greeted by Jeff, a lovely English man that was not only very courteous and helpful, but also a great person to converse with. He handed us a welcome basket with a delicious bottle of Mendocino wine, home made cookies and grapes. I can't remember when was the last time we received a welcome basket checking into a hotel, but if there is one thing you will notice during your stay, is that they go above and beyond in every aspect and have really put a lot of thought into how to make your stay at Elk Cove unique and memorable. We checked into our room which was much larger than we anticipated. We stayed in the Cypress Garden and we really felt at home. I can not speak enough of how clean and spotless the room and the bathroom were. Immaculate. I'm usually pretty icky when I stay in hotels, but this place was absolutely spotless!! The tub was so clean that I felt like I was the first person to ever set foot in it. If you are considering staying in Cypress Garden, you won't regret it. The bathroom is enormous, the room is very spacious and well appointed, and the side window has a lovely view of the forest. The inn also includes a delicious and hearty breakfast and wine and cheese in the afternoon. There are plenty of board games and puzzles available, as well as some DVDs if you want to watch a movie in the communal living room.

Our second stay at the Elk Cove Inn. We were referred by an old friend who lives about 1/2 mile south on Highway 1. A beautiful setting, the Craftsman decor and furnishings in the suites was very comfortable, amenities are first rate, the brunch is excellent and never the same 2 days in a row, all home made. Quiet and peaceful - the only sound at night is the surf, and an occasional passing car. The staff is friendly and helpful. Easy access to the beach. We will be back. Highly recommended!

I cannot say enough about this wonderful B&B. You must visit it to know. The location alone is so outstanding and add to that a delightful room, wonderful service, and a charming staff, and, oh yes, great food and you have a winner! Neva

My husband and I spent the 4th of July holiday at the Elk Cove Inn. Wow, what an incredible treat. The accommodations are simply the best from the welcome basket with wine, HUGE chocolate chip cookies, and popcorn to pop in the microwave. The charming décor is eclipsed by the super comfortable bed and bed linens, all topped by truly breathtaking views of “sea stacks” ocean, sunsets, everything. Now, on to the next amazing luxury: THE FABULOUS BREAKFAST! We aren’t usually big breakfast people, but this buffet is actually a feast. The photos don’t begin to do it justice. Mimosas (as many as you want to fix), 4 or 5 juices, several types of very fresh fruit, a breakfast cheese cake, deviled eggs, hard boiled eggs, one morning the best corned beef hash you will ever eat with perfectly poached egge, sausage, bacon, ham, delicious orange scones, french toast, pancakes, oatmeal, one morning a frittata-like dish with mushrooms, spinach, olives, etc., biscuits, croissants, various types of bread for toast and all sorts of other goodies I cannot remember. Oh, yes, the Thanksgiving coffee is simply the best. In the evening you can go to the lounge for Happy Hour and partake of almost any type of beverage you might desire. We also wanted the delightful Elaine to adopt us, but I don’t think she’s even considering it, dang. If you want to treat yourself to luxury at very affordable prices, the Elk Cove Inn is the best bargain on the North Coast. I’m sure we shall return! Ila and Tom Darling, Carmichael, CA

My husband and I recently celebrated our 25th Anniversary at the Elk Cove Inn. Our room was lovely, the grounds were magnificent the the rates were very reasonable. The outstanding thing about our experience was the hospitality of Elaine and her staff. From the elaborate complimentary breakfasts to the extended happy hours,we were made to feel like part of the family. We will go back as often as we can.

My best friend and I had a girls weekend getaway that was fabulous! The Elk Cove Inn was absolutely breath-taking and charming. Elaine, the owner is such a wonderful hostess and the entire staff was more than accomodating. We felt like the only guests staying at the Inn!! I suggest staying in the beach cottage Surfsong, it has spectacular views of the ocean and bluffs lining the coastal cliffs. Watching the sunset from the gazebo was the highlight of our trip, the best spot to unwind and relax! The Elk Cove Inn is in the perfect spot if you are jetting up and down the coastline on HWY 1 to visit the cute little towns along the way. The breakfast buffet was scrumptious as well! If you want to stay in a magical place with the highest quality in service, the Elk Cove Inn is the perfect place! I guarantee you won't want to leave!

We do not live in an era where our expectations are often exceeded, but the Elk Cove Inn goes a long way in improving the odds. And it's in the details, lots of them. First of all, if you staying along the Mendocino Coast, you're practically assured of a pleasant experience. You expect the thrill of being near the ocean. You expect a luxurious room. You expect absolute quiet. You expect a nice breakfast. Where the smiles and sighs begin is as you notice the attention to details. A welcoming basket of elegant niceties. A bed with a view of the ocean ... with six pillows and a down comforter. A mini-fridge, a microwave, entertainment toys (DVDs, etc.) A spa tub, lots of little squeeze bottles of aromatic emollients, silk robes, comfy chairs. Outdoors there are winding paths through gardens with views, a signature gazebo, paths to the uncrowded beach. Well, you don't want to know everything. Save some surprises for your visit. Well, okay, one more tidbit of exciting information: the champagne brunch each morning is lavish and includes memorable Southern touches like hominy pie and biscuits and gravy that earned their heritage in owner Elaine Bryant's home state of Alabama. If you can savor these without whimpering, check your pulse. Expect a lot. Excess is bliss.

The Elk Cove Inn is romantic, tastefully decorated and has wonderful breakfasts. We have been staying here at least once a year for 10 years now and it is always great. The beach is just a short walk from the inn and the view of the ocean and the cove make you feel wonderful. The spa provides great massages (including couples massages).

This inn was wonderful! My room was amazing with ocean view. The room was clean and beautifully furnished! Very cozy!! The staff was very friendly and helpful. Jaci is the best for advice on day trips! The breakfast every morning was delicious. Perfect get-away! I can't wait to return!!

Great ocean view! Beautifully furnished room. Incredibly clean and so comfortable. I loved my feather bed! Very friendly staff- Jaci is a very knowledgeable innkeeper who gives great advice on day trips! Divine breakfast buffet. Loved everything!

I am going to make this short, okay, kind of short. Ever since Elaine has been in charge of The Elk Cove Inn again, it is simply the best bed and breakfast Inn there is. You want for nothing I have been to b&b's all over the U.S. and Europe, and it just does not get better than this. And in the "want for nothing" category, my Husband made comments on our honeymoon(all the way up the North Coast)at each Bed and Breakfast we stayed at, "where's this, where's that" when he didn't have what he always has at The Elk Cove Inn. I would just look at him and say, "that's Elaine, she knows how it's done". Really you want for nothing, and if by some small chance you do, she most likely has it. The energy(you can feel it-aaahhhh), the view(sigh...), the food(OH, the food), and the comfort are just wonderful. We just got married there last month(we always knew we would),and it was perfection. Our well-traveled, relatives from New York were smitten, as were all our California natives. It was pure magic, and to my delight, all said it was the best wedding they had ever been to. Really, they did, and I'd like to take credit, but I can't, because I know, I only did minor things to enhance their trip. It's just the Elk Cove Inn, it's magic. Just go, you'll see. Go on...

The Elk Cove Inn is our favorite B&B! It is in a quiet location and is a great place to detox and reconnect with your spouse. We've stayed here 3 times so far, in 3 different rooms, and have loved staying in each of the rooms. One of the best things we love about our stay here is the comfortable bed, bedding, and the RobeWorks bath robes! We are always pleased with the hospitality and the comfortable feeling of home. The collectors table on the second floor of the Craftsman Mansion had a jigsaw puzzle in it that was calling my name! It was so romantic to sit with my honey while putting the puzzle together, sipping a cup of hot tea, while watching a DVD that we brought on the trip. Elaine's breakfast is absolutely delicious and she serves quite a variety of dishes. It is such a treat to stay here, and we definitely plan to return!

My husband and I had such a wonderful and relaxing time, we would recommend staying at Elk Cove Inn and Spa to everyone! Our room was very clean and well decorated and we enjoyed our gift basket along with port and chocolate each evening. The breakfast each morning had a nice variety of food and was delicious!! Elaine and her staff were very helpful and friendly and were always willing to help us in anyway they could. We look forward to going back.

From the moment you gaze upon the beautiful setting of the Elk Cove Inn, you know you have arrived at a very special place. The charming inn sits atop a cliff overlooking the Pacific, waves breaking on the sea stacks off shore. Elaine, the owner/innkeeper, and her staff's greeting is warm, friendly and makes you feel at home in many ways. Welcome baskets with yummy goodies, cozy comfortable rooms with a fireplace, beautiful vistas from every window and an afternoon social, including cocktails and wine, that invites conversations from all who have traveled great distances to spend time relaxing and enjoying the inn and surrounding areas. Hospitality overflows - smiles, laughter and help selecting fun day trips into the valley, along the coast or just relaxing in the gazebo. A gourmet breakfast, unmatched by any bed and breakfast, abounds with delicious tastes and variety. We heard the surf that lulled us to sleep - a most restful night. This was our fourth stay at Elk Cove Inn and we will return again and again. A treasure on the Northern California Coast!

This place was amazing. From being upgraded to a fantastic room to the cookies, wine and champagne in our room to the amazing beach that's practically private right down the hill to the view of the ocean while you're eating breakfast - we can't wait to return!

I really thought I knew what a good B&B/Inn was before I visited Elk Cove Inn, but my experience over the past 4th of July weekend made me change my mind. Elk Cove Inn is by far the best place I have stayed in my adult years. My husband and I needed some time away; some alone time...just the two of us. I stumbled upon this Inn on a few different websites, and all I saw was positive reviews. I knew this is where we were going to spend a spectacular weekend. And, it really was an unforgettable weekend. The Inn was perfect! It was all the small things that made it amazing. The welcome package (wine, cookies, popcorn, and fruit)...and let me say the cookies are amazing. Also, the fresh picked flowers in three different locations, and the candles make it very romantic for anyone. As the other's said, the breakfast is amazing! My tip: try a little bit of everything...you will not be disappointed (and I am a very picky eater!) The staff is great also...especially Elaine, the owner. She truly shows every guest what 'southern hospitality' is all about. We stayed in the Lumber Baron room, which was large, and very cute. It was in the main house. It was quiet, and had it's own entrance which was nice for us since we came in around 10-11pm and didn't want to wake anyone. We even saw 3 deer in front of our room one night. Even though we loved this room so much, we will upgrade to an ocean view cottage next time (hopefully December). If you need a nice time away, this is definitely the place to go!

We traveled with friends--winetasting in the Anderson Valley on the way over and visiting Fort Ross on the way home. My favorite part was watching the ever-changing ocean from the Inn's gazebo and breakfast room window.

We stayed at the Inn for 2 wonderful nights. The atmosphere was perfect, the beach view was fantastic - exactly what we were looking for. It is close to winery's and superb restaurants. We had a terrific time and actually wanted to stay at the Inn most of the time since it was so comfortable. The daily breakfast was delicious, and was a perfect start to each day. We will definitely be back!

Elaine was an excellent hostess! The breakfast was oputstanding, the dining room overlooked the beautiful cove providing an excellent atomsphere for friendly conversation with other guests. The beach was easily accessable and provided many delightful walks. It was fun to crawl through the beach caves and go to the tidal pools. The experience was enriched by Elaine's bubbling personality and attention to each guest. I would love to return and spend another week.

Fifteen years ago, we stayed at the Elk Cove Inn and we loved it. We were young, on a budget and had small children at home. We've wanted to return ever since but life kept getting in the way. We just re-visited the Inn and it was all that we remembered and more. From the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the driftwood covered beach below our room, the wonderful little Happy Hour in the afternoon, the amazing breakfast buffets each morning and the attention to EVERY LITTLE DETAIL (like 3 pillows on the bed - one soft, one medium and one firm - your choice!) was absolutely amazing. Nothing was overlooked and we felt so pampered and special. The linens on the beds rival anything you'd find in a 5 star hotel. In fact, the whole Inn is better than a 5 star hotel. We spent the evenings sitting and looking out at all the bright and shining stars in the sky. You can really SEE the stars here. It's truly amazing! It is small and intimate, cozy and warm and you leave feeling like you've just had the most wonderful and loving hug of your life. It is definitely a little piece of heaven here on earth. We can't wait to go back again and again.

As we were driving along the coast we passed the Elk Cove Inn. On a whim we pulled in and decided it was fate. We stayed the night, it was fantastic, an experience we will never forget. The kind, courteous staff, the ambient scenery and delicious breakfast buffet made this a truly memorable stay. Our ONLY regret, we couldn't stay another night. We will be back. Mark and Brigitte

Let's first get to the bottom line: Bar none, if you want to stay in the lap of luxury you should go no further. You have arrived. Everything here is wonderful. Stop here and do not pass go. At the Elk Cove Inn it is a total package. You have to combine the view, the sounds, and the air. Sprinkle in a fireplace, feather bed with superb bedding, huge comfy Adirondack chairs (pointed out the picture window to the sea). Finally garnish it all with soft robes, music, and port, and you get just a taste of what it is like to stay at the Elk Cove Inn. Not to mention the breakfasts! Breakfast is served buffet style with a view of the Pacific. However you'll be at risk of ignoring the view for the food! There is something for almost everyone from the Breakfast connoisseur to the health conscious (though I would forego that for the stay!) And there is that view of the Pacific out the dining room windows in case Breakfast does not suit your tastes. One night with light rain falling we curled up in the gorgeous SAM MCCANSE room with a late dinner of cheese, crackers, bread, and Champagne (ok sparkling wine). We turned off all the lights, opened the sliding door to the sea, lit the supplied candles, turned on the supplied music, fired up the (gas) fireplace, slid into the soft comfy supplied robes, sat in the generously oversize Adirondack Chairs (complete with soft blankets) and ate our 'dinner' off the supplied trays. It was overwhelmingly peaceful, serene, and romantic. Later we had a nightcap with the supplied port. You simply have to try it to know it. Our sincere compliments to Elaine and her staff. We'll be back... PS: I did not mention the Spa as we did not avail ourselves of the Spa

Elaine is alway happy and helpful. The rooms are well kept and thepersonel are great! Good food, and beautiful setting. If you have freinds near by, let Elaine know and frequently they can have breakfast with you.