Mendocino LITTLE RIVER INN Hotel Review — Ocean Views and Hiking Paths Outside Your Door

Walking the grounds of the Little River Inn, you might notice that almost everything is facing west. Windows, balconies, rocking chairs, benches, the long white facade of the main building, the barstools lining the historic Whale Watch Bar — all are angled in the same direction, like spellbound audience members of a piecemeal Greek theater.

Turn to see what they’re looking at and you’ll quickly understand why: 400 feet from the front entrance is a sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean and the jagged green coves of the Mendocino coast.

All of the rooms share this view, many with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies from which guests can linger on it. Perhaps you’ve just dropped your bags after the long, winding drive up Hwy 128, head spinning from the twists and turns of the narrow two-lane road. Before you dive into your travel plans, you might relish the opportunity to recharge in one of the balcony’s wooden rocking chairs as you rest your eyes on the horizon, and the abundant greenery that frames it.

Originally built as a family home in 1857, and officially open for business in 1939, Little River Inn has since expanded to include 65 rooms and cottages spread out over 225 acres of oceanfront land. Guests are free to roam the property and explore the gardens, paths, restaurant, golf course and tennis courts that comprise the grounds. As you wander you might run into a number of trees and flowers in bloom — on this early spring visit we encountered frilled purple iris flowers, trellised wisteria, and lush pink rhododendrons just a short walk from the entrance to our room.

Little River Inn Offers Immersive Experience of Mendocino Coast

Though the view from the grounds is scenic in its own right, the highlight, in this writer’s opinion, is the inn’s private access path to the Van Damme State Beach and Park campgrounds below. Starting at the bottom of the front lawn, the trail takes you on a light five-minute hike along a dirt path lined with tree-framed ocean views and bright green plant life. At the bottom of the path you can take a left and cross the road to get to the beach, or right to access the campgrounds and 10 miles of additional hiking trails through the Van Damme State Park.

We had to forgo a longer outdoor expedition in order to make our dinner reservation, but you might agree that a meal at the Little River Inn Restaurant is well worth the time. Located in a spacious gardenview dining room with white tablecloths, warm yellow lighting, and honey-gold wood lattice decor, the atmosphere is elegant but warm — as are the attentive and knowledgeable restaurant staff that serve you.

We heeded our hostess’ and server’s recommendations and ordered the Thai-inspired rock cod, which could be described as a meal, experience, and work of art all at once. This locally caught whole fish comes lightly fried, scored, glazed with a sweet chili sauce, garnished with pickled red onion and cilantro, and served over a bed of jasmine rice and a light yellow curry. Fins are splayed in a crispy flourish, and head and tail extend two to three inches off both sides of the plate. The result is visually striking and very delicious, with a harmonious range of flavor, color and texture. It’s a bit of elbow work, but if you choose to pry all the meat from the craggy interior you might find that this, too, is part of the sensorial delight.

The menu is heavily seasonal, so you may not encounter this dish on a future visit. It is also relatively seafood-heavy, although there are a few vegetarian and meat options (a neighboring table who ogled our fish on the way out spoke very well of the braised short rib). But ask your server for a recommendation and you are unlikely to be disappointed. Many of the ingredients are locally sourced, so if you have the time it is worthwhile to make a reservation so you can get the full sensory experience of the Mendocino coast.

Once you are stuffed full of the catch-of-your-choice, you might retire to your quarters for a soak in your room’s jacuzzi-style bathtub, or turn on the wood-burning fireplace for a very cozy night in. This travel duo was too stuffed with food (and activity) to try either — but each room offers a unique set of amenities that allow for whatever level of R&R you seek. All have ocean views, and many have fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs in addition to lounge chairs, tables, work spaces and unique decor.

Though the interior features make for excellent resting grounds, you might agree that the real strength of the inn is how it presents and facilitates your experience with the surrounding environment. It seems that the minds behind Little River Inn are well aware of the natural beauty that Mendocino offers — whether you’re taking it in from a balcony, hiking trail, or dining room, you’ll likely enjoy the show.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

For more information and booking details, visit the Little River Inn website.

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