Benbow Historic Inn

Hotels
8.5 (699 reviews)
445 Lake Benbow Drive , Garberville , us

listing image 1
Show all photos
Free
Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Free beach shuttle
Offsite parking discounted rates available
Electric bicycle charging station
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Terrace
Family rooms
Pets allowed
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly Staff
Great Location
Cons:
Cleanliness Issues
Safety concerns with bathtub

Categories

Cleanliness
7.58
Could be a bit more cleaner.
Service
9.05
Very friendly staff.
Location
9.09
Wonderful location with beautiful grounds.
Room Quality
8.04
Comfortable bed and great antiques.
Amenities
8.57
Tea and scones offered, but restricted hours.
Value for Money
8.53
Standard quality for this hotel tier.
Food and Beverage
8.58
Great cocktails and fish & chips.
Overall Experience
8.55
An enjoyable stay with minor issues.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-11 02:24

Property Description

River, Mountain, and Garden Views
Enjoy stunning views from all rooms overlooking the river, mountains, or gardens. Relax and unwind in the serenity of nature right from your window.

Luxurious Amenities
Indulge in complimentary bathrobes, toiletries, and free Wi-Fi in every room. Select rooms feature private balconies for a touch of elegance. Founder's Suites and Terrace rooms also offer the convenience of television.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Traveling with your furry friend? Our hotel welcomes pets in designated rooms. Be sure to notify us in advance to secure a pet-friendly unit for a comfortable stay.

Experience the beauty of Benbow at our historic inn. Book now to create unforgettable memories.

Important information:

Massage Therapy is available and can be booked in advance of your arrival or after check-in. Current Fees are $125/hour, $175 for 90 minutes, or $250 for a Couples Massage (1-hr each).
Our pet fee is $30 per stay, up to 2 pets.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.
Swimming pool: Closed from Mon, Nov 3, 2025 until Fri, May 22, 2026

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: ACV

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 1 year old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 12 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    Children from 13 years old to 17 years old stay for US$20 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    People 13 years old and over stay for US$20 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.5
Based on 699 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.58
Service: 9.05
Location: 9.09
Room Quality: 8.04
Amenities: 8.57
Value for Money: 8.53
Food and Beverage: 8.58
Overall Experience: 8.55
F
Faye • couple • us
8
Pros:

Entree was wonderful but service a little slow.

2026-04-17 • via Nuitee
L
Laura • family_with_children • us
8
It was a wonderful historical experience. I’d definitely go back.
Pros:

It‘s a beautiful hotel with lots of unique communal spaces indoors and out.

Cons:

The restaurant was ok, but not great. The breakfast was especially overpriced and underwhelming.

2026-04-14 • via Nuitee
W
Wolfgang • couple • ch
7
Cons:

zimmer sind sehr laut. Klimaanlage/Heizungnn (auch wenn abgeschaltet) und Kühlschrank erzeugen immer ein lautes Geräusch. Von draussen hört man die Lüftungsanlage

2026-04-06 • via Nuitee
S
Stephanie • couple • us
7
Beautiful historic inn with wonderful restaurant
Pros:

The location was beautiful. The inn was charming and had lovely grounds. In the onsite restaurant/dining room, friendly servers presented delicious meals.

Cons:

The bedding was scratchy and there were tiny spiders in the room, along with some webs on the windowsills.

2026-04-05 • via Nuitee
S
Sabina • family_with_children • pt
7
The stay was very comfortable and cozy
Pros:

Very well decorated and preserved

2026-04-02 • via Nuitee
C
Carrie • solo_traveller • us
10
2026-03-31 • via Nuitee
G
Gary • couple • us
9
Cons:

Food was only average

2026-03-29 • via Nuitee
G
Geoffrey • couple • us
10
It was a restful and relaxing stay with a friendly staff
Pros:

It's a beautiful place

Cons:

all good

2026-03-26 • via Nuitee
E
Eric • couple • us
10
Awesome
Pros:

Historic clean

Cons:

Nothing

2026-03-20 • via Nuitee
K
Karen • family_with_children • us
10
2026-03-13 • via Nuitee
S
Smokeyham • Solo travel • Washington
6
Expensive and a bit tired
Pros:

For the money spent this is not great value. It is a historic structure but would benefit from refurbishment. I paid $325 for a "Premium Queen." This meant I got a little more space, but the wingback chairs promised in the description were not present. One bedside lamp only worked if you jiggled the switch. The buttons on the heating controls were very worn. The windows also did not shut fully.

The pub/dining room was overwhelmed (likely a combination of Valentines Day and President's Day weekend). My dinner consisting of Shrimp and Grits and a beer cost $50 and was very slow to be delivered.

There is also a $25 "resort fee." There were no facilities which seemed to justify this. To park I had to go across the street to a dirt lot.

Finally, I found the staff to be a bit abrupt and unprofessional. There was no attempt at wearing any form of uniform.

The historic building has tremendous potential, but a lot of work needs to be done to bring it up to the level which is being charged.

2026-02-16 • via Tripadvisor
M
miguel • couple • us
8
I would stay again the overall experience was lovely
Pros:

History the fireplace

Cons:

Upgrades needed broken items in room

2026-02-15 • via Nuitee
J
Joy • solo_traveller • us
9
Very pleasant good service
Pros:

Beautifully maintained historic property.

Cons:

They were having difficulty with the heat. Staff was responsive to the issue

2026-02-08 • via Nuitee
J
Joshua • family_with_children • us
10
2026-01-31 • via Nuitee
J
Jeff • couple • us
10
Wonderful experience
Pros:

This special place has special little amenities that make guests feel pampered, such as complimentary scones and Tea. Sherry, too if you drink and its in the room. The antiques made you feel like you had gone into the elegance of the past.

Cons:

Hall carpets need a deep clean but the rooms were immaculate

2026-01-20 • via Nuitee
C
Carla • couple • us
4
Won’t be back
Pros:

The location and outside was beautiful

Cons:

The staff was un friendly. Our room had no Tv and no mattress pad. You could feel the sewing on the mattress (the quilting)

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
M
Mary • couple • us
4
Nice place to stop, but needs updating!
Pros:

About the only thing we really liked is the location. A good point to stop on way north from San Francisco to Ashland, OR. We’ve stayed here for years, but probably won’t again.

Cons:

The Benbow really needs a total remodel. Rooms are very dated, bed was terrible, and bathrooms are outdated.. Sink took forever to drain, no makeup mirror, etc.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
V
Vanessa • solo_traveller • us
8
Wonderful stay in this historic place!
Pros:

Food was excellent, location is easy to find. There isn't much to the surrounding area, but Garberville a short drive away has good amenities. Great water pressure and comfortable linens. Fantastic staff all around.

Cons:

Not all of my windows closed, and the tub drain was slow. Housekeeping skipped my room one of the days.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
M
Mark • extended_group • us
8
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
P
Paul • solo_traveller • us
8
It's the other "Overlook" - old Edwardian luxury, but pay a bit more for one of the patio rooms
Pros:

great view from the front rooms

interesting amenities like complimentary bottle of sherry in every room

the opulent decor will remind you of The Overlook from "The Shining".... especially at night

Cons:

tv's, fridges not in every room

no real view of the river from the patio rooms

the neighboring KOA doesn't maintain the golf course

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee