If you are on a cross country road trip and need a place to stay, this is a gem. Nestled in the mountain side, it is an EXTREMELY small town with a little charm. Grab you a couple of brewskies and hang by the pool while the kids play. There are some sketchy people wandering around, but the hotel is gated. Also, it is worth to keep in mind that this is a chilly area, so as soon as the sun sets, you will be heading inside.
If you are a nature enthusiast, then you must stop here! It may kill your soul to see how, in the past, they willingly destroyed many beautiful trees, however, what is left in the area is a view like no other. Also, if you want to see the house built out of one hollow redwood, then it will cost you $2.
It’s a beautiful landscape, yet please keep in mind that the city has highly commercialized this area. Unlike other parks, where you can pay for parking at the main post, you must reserve a particular time slot and parking lot for your stay. This does not allow you to enjoy the terrain on your own time nor explore all of the trails. In or to do that, you will have to purchase additional parking and times. Honestly, keep driving north. You will have “more bang for your buck” and a better experience by driving an additional 45 minutes to the actual Redwood Forest.
Before you drive halfway through the country just to see this place like we did, please know that you MUST reserve tickets at least 2 weeks ahead of time. Also, you need to keep in mind that if you are driving to the pier, parking costs $40 for the day, which doesn’t include ANY surveillance of the area, which is considered their parking lot, and your vehicle will, I’m not kidding, will be broken into.
This spot is a gem in the treasure trove, however, it has been riddled with graffiti and trash, which is extremely disheartening. It has the potential of being one of the most beautiful places along the route, yet it is in dire need of some TLC!
Stay away! Stay FAR, FAR AWAY, as Shrek says it with anger! First, don’t let the lobby fool you, for this is where they focus their cleaning. The hallways smell like a combination of trash and urine. As we were leaving, a dog urinated on the walls, which are already stained with undetectable substances. The carpet is riddled with stains and resembles the waves of the ocean, as it no longer adheres to the foundation underneath. Within the rooms, you will find shredded and rotted furniture, stained linens, and a lingering smell of both urine and fried pickles. There was also hair, not from a persons head, that riddles the bathroom floor and tub. We had to ask twice for another room due to the horrific surroundings, but each only got worst.
If you are an intellectual individual who thrives on the nerdom of films, history, music, and literature, this is the place for you! They allow you to explore the grounds as long as you only venture through open doors. My little one and I had one of the greatest adventures exploring this magnificent revel. Keep in mind that if you are not aware of the historical relevance and importance of this place, then you should look for a hotel with a more monotonous feel.