Little River Inn in a Nutshell :
The Little River Inn has been family owned and operated for three generations, giving it a familiar and friendly ambience. The inn, which opened nearly 70 years ago, is on three separate plots of land, all overlooking the Pacific. Like the nearby town of Mendocino, it has a New England feeling, with dramatic views of the pounding waves, cozy rooms with fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs, and a cheerful staff. The grounds include a 9-hole golf course and tennis courts.Guest Rooms at the Little River Inn:
The Little River Inn has 65 guest rooms in three locations, most with fireplaces, ocean views, refrigerators, wet bars, and Jacuzzis. The majority are on the main property, along with the golf course, tennis courts, and spa. The Van Damme House nearby is a cozy hideaway. But the most spectacular spots are the three-unit Mallory Farmhouse, built around 1890, and the very private Coombs Cottage behind it. All rooms are comfortable, with luxurious bathrooms and a warm, homey feeling.Dining at the Little River Inn:
The Little River Inn’s restaurant is as welcoming as someone’s dining room, with fresh flowers and large windows overlooking the gardens. Ole’s Whale Watch Bar in the front room overlooks the ocean. Breakfast and dinner are available. Dinner entrees include Dungeness crab pot pie and pork ribs barbecued with molasses. Desserts are luscious, especially the raspberry-like olallieberry cobbler. The wine list has 100 selections, most from Mendocino, Napa, and Sonoma. Room service is available.Weddings at the Little River Inn :
Wedding ceremonies at the Little River Inn can be held in the garden courtyard, in the spacious Abalone Room, or on the expansive lawn behind Mallory House, with spectacular ocean views. Up to 200 guests can be accommodated. The wedding coordinator, a family member, works with couples to customize events. The inn provides all food except wedding cakes. For couples who want a small and private affair, the inn also offers a Romantic Elopement package, with officiator, champagne, flowers, photography, cake, dinner for two with wine, and a room.Spa at the Little River Inn :
Third Court Salon and Day Spa offers deep-tissue massages and the Little River Hot Rock Massage, as well as facials, sea salt scrubs, aromatherapy wraps, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and hair styling. Couples pedicures and in-room massages are also available. The spa offers bridal and wedding party services such as make-up application and packages that include “Pure Pampering” — a European facial, salt scrub, manicure, pedicure, and shampoo and blow-dry.Facilities at the Little River Inn :
The Little River Inn has a nine-hole golf course and two tennis courts. Guests can also borrow board games, complimentary videos and DVDs, and books from the inn’s library. Wireless and dial-up Internet service are available in the guest rooms. Two shops are onsite: Horse Feathers, which sells antiques and handmade jewelry, and a pro shop for golfers. There is no swimming pool or communal hot tub.Nearby the Little River Inn:
The Little River Inn abuts Van Damme State Park and is two miles from the charming seaside village of Mendocino, which is filled with galleries, shops, and restaurants. Fort Bragg, a much larger town eight miles away, has more shops and restaurants, as well as the Skunk Train, which meanders through the redwoods.What Could be Improved at the Little River Inn:
While there is extensive information about dial-up service in the rooms – including a warning about the 25 cents per minute cost – there is no mention anywhere that wi-fi is also available. During our stay, we wouldn’t have known about it unless one member of our party decided to try logging on just to see what happened. Cell phone service is spotty throughout the Mendocino area, and there is virtually no cell phone service anywhere on the property.Is the Little River Inn Right for You? :
There’s no glitz or glamour at the Little River Inn, just a friendly feeling and quiet surroundings. Like most of Mendocino, there’s little in the way of exciting nightlife. But if your idea of a romantic getaway is curling up in a big comfy bed in front of a fireplace or watching the sunset on a private deck with a glass of California wine, you’ll find this peaceful, private resort to your liking.Find Out More About the Little River Inn:
Little River Inn7901 Highway One
Little River, California
888-INN-LOVE or 707-937-5942
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As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodation and meals for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
