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Boonville Hotel
Categories: Event Planning & Services Hotels Hotels & Travel Hotels Restaurants Hotels, Restaurants [Edit]
14050 Highway 128Boonville, CA 95415
(707) 895-2210
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
58 reviews for Boonville Hotel
Review Highlights
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"They grow their own veggies in the garden." In 18 reviews -
"It is a must-stop every time we're in Anderson Valley." In 13 reviews -
"The hospitality was gracious and the grounds peaceful." In 9 reviews
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58 reviews in English
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Review from Richard C.
Buffalo, NY
5/13/2012
I can not vouch for staying here as a Hotel, but I can definitely say that I had one of the best dinners of my entire life here. This is how more restaurants should be and how more of us should eat. Understandably though most places couldn't even pull off something this beautiful and rustic!
First of all the Kitchen looks like a family kitchen and not at all like a commercial one. Everyone cooking looked nice and relaxed, chatting while chopping, and heading out to the garden to pick the mustard greens for our dinner.
Every course is served in a family style that reminded me of my time in southern France. My wife and I sipped our wine while overlooking the beautiful garden below. Our waiter was very attentive without being obtrusive.
The PEI Mussels were without a doubt the best I have ever had. Mussels are so often over cooked and chewy, but these were as delicate and soft as a fine cheese.
The Pork Tenderloin was cooked to perfection over a salad of fresh greens. The olives, sun dried tomatoes, and olive oil were a perfect salty match to this lean dish.
The cheese course had a beautiful soft almost whipped fromage blanc with a perfectly tart rhubarb compote. The honey drizzle balanced out the sourness of the rhubarb and the fresh lettuce greens added the perfect bitter balance making this almost a desert in itself.
The dessert was a chocolate torte with some of the best whipped creme I have ever had. I thought the torte was a bit dry, but the whipped creme and delicious coffee made for a perfect finish.
My wife and I watched the sunset while lounging and listening to a beautiful Garcia, Grisman medley.
This was simply one of the best dinner experiences I have ever had anywhere. -
Review from Stephanie H.
Calabasas, CA
4/24/2012
This review is just for the restaurant which was delicious...granted I was a bit toasted while we were eating dinner but that's the point of eating right? Good food and good drinks?
The menu is similar to the Ad Hoc style....the menu changes daily and there is a set course for dinner. We had a potato leek soup, paella, salad with taleggio cheese, and dessert. The paella was sooo yummy: there was sausage, chicken, some seafood and a bit of a kick. I usually don't do kick very well but this paella was absolutely delicious.
We shared a Joel Gott zinfindel from their list of $30 bottle of wines....was great!
Next time we're in boonville, we're eating here again! oh and libby's because everyone kept on talking about libby's but it was closed when we were visiting! -
Review from Christine W.
San Francisco, CA
2/26/2012
Do not let the name fool you. This is certainly not a hotel, even though their prices are equivalent to a high end one.
The staff was not friendly and my stay not comfortable at all. For $200 a room, I would expect at least a moderate level of comfort and service. I received neither. This place has a great location and you certainly are paying a premium for that.
Just go camping, you'll save a lot of money doing so!Listed in: Never again
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Review from SassyCassy B.
Fort Bragg, CA
5/13/2012
Dining at the Boonville Hotel was one of the best experiences of my life. First of all, the atmosphere is rustic and gorgeous. We wondered around the gardens before dinner, rows of beautiful vegetables and herbs. We dined on the deck, enjoy the amazing view and music. The PEI mussels were the best cooked mussels I've ever had. The pork tenderloin was perfectly cooked and the cheese course was delightful. Dessert was a delectable chocolate torte with fresh whipped cream and mint. I really loved how the cooks were walking back from the garden with fresh vegetables and herbs in their aprons. The service was exceptional and I felt completely catered to the whole time. Overall, it was a very pleasurable experience and I can't wait to go back again!
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Review from B A.
San Mateo, CA
5/13/2012
My wife and I visited for our wedding anniversary (which I told them up front) and it wasn't even acknowledged, lame. I have operated restaurants for 17 yrs now and that can't slip by. It's a prime opportunity to make a lifelong patron.
The food was mediocre at best. The smoked salmon was shaved an inch and a half thick and they put blue cheese on a brined pork chop, not smart.
We coined our server, Katie, a zombie. At one point, my wife asked her to pass the carafe of water so she passed it but didn't offer to pour it. She never topped off our wine either. The bartender was a really cordial guy though. All in all, the food was acceptable but service ( or lack there of) killed it. Then they tacked on 15% auto gratuity, not cool or smart. I would have still tipped 20% but that's not the point. We were 2 ppl not 10. That takes balls to even attempt. We spent $200 and I didn't walk away feeling it was worthwhile.
Anderson Valley has to have a limited talent pool for all positions but that is where training and development come into play. The restaurant has a lot of promise but more attention to detail is needed. -
Review from Brian S.
Oakland, CA
9/19/2011
We had a large group of 12 in Labor Day weekend as we do every year for past 6 years and were well taken care of again. Had dinner out on the deck with views of the garden. The onion tart to start was delicious. Everything is served family style so you get plenty and if you want more just ask and they will send out more food. The main was a double cut pork chop with a vegetable medley. The pork was really tender and smokey too.
We had dessert out around the fire pit and was a nice end to the evening.
Thanks Mark and Marcus for looking after our group.
Cheers! -
Review from Paulina L.
San Francisco, CA
7/6/2011 2 photos
I am so enamored with this hotel, it really is an oasis for a city-dweller like moi. The staff is wonderful and warm. Marcus is very amiable and a delight to talk to. Their dinner menu is both fresh and delectable ( the duck leg is making me salivate as I pen this review.) A discerning wine and food enthusiast will absolutely be satiated. I'm fortunate enough to have experienced this gem.
Couple of things to remember during the summer months:
1. No AC in the rooms but it cools down as the night progresses.
2. Hydrate, hydrate. Vino country while it's 100F after multiple of tasting can leave you a tad heady, sluggish and parched. If you ask the staff at boonville hotel, they will be happy to provide a carafe of ice-cold agua to bring back to your room. They did that for me and muy stars for that. Cin cin! -
Review from Terri B.
Petaluma, CA
9/14/2011
Having read some of the reviews I was expecting something more than this hotel/b & b actually is.
I stayed here over a Sunday and Monday night. We stayed in the Studio Suite, 295.00 per night. Dogs are allowed in the two most expensive rooms and the patio of the restaurant
Good points:
Lovely grounds, spacious room, fenced in yard for our dog, french doors that opened onto the back fenced yard, small refrigerator in the room.
So so points:
No air conditioning and the room gets quite warm both day and night, no covers for the bed other than down so you have to strip the bed and sleep with just a sheet or bring your own, no conditioner to go with the shampoo, no hotelier from after 5 pm until 8:30 am, no coffee until 8:30 am, in the room we stayed in there isn't a real shower - the bathroom is set up like a gym locker room with the water just spraying on the floor which is odd and messy, no full breakfast - for the price there should be full breakfast.
Overall the place was nice but not worth the money. Would I stay there again - no. I've stayed at quite a few B&B's in several different wine regions and of them all this was the least value for the money and I'm sure I can find something more suitable next time. The hotel staff was neither friendly or unfriendly.
The restaurant here is quite nice, portions are small though so if you are a big eater this isn't the place for you. They have a good wine selection both by the glass and bottle. The menu is prixe fix and there are no selections other than the one offered for that night. Sunday oysters are good but you get only one oyster per person which was sad because they were served fresh with the most delightful sauce. For 40.00 you get a starter, some kind of salad/appetizer, a main menu item, and a desert. Coffee is extra as is wine. The food was tasty and fresh - quite a few items coming straight from their garden. The service at the restaurant was very good. They allowed us to have our dog come with us for dinner on the patio outside. Would I eat at the restaurant again - yes.
To sum it up - wouldn't stay at the hotel again, most definately would eat at the restaurant again. -
Review from Sunshine L.
Oakland, CA
8/6/2011
I wish this place was closer to Oakland. We stopped here before heading back home from our trip to Mendocino. I loved this place. The food was delicious, the servers friendly, and the ambiance warm and cozy.
Check out their website and see what's on the menu for the day you plan to go as it is a prix fixed menu that changes daily and make a reservation. It seems that the Sunday night dinners are a little cheaper than the other nights but not certain about that.
The night we went we started with some raw oysters - that was a surprise that wasn't on the menu. The main dish was a roasted chicken and these amazing garlic mashed potatoes. mmmmmm. I love mashed potatoes and these were one of the best I've ever had.
I hope I get a chance to go back there. It may even be worth the couple of hours drive to go again. -
Review from Matty B.
San Francisco, CA
2/18/2011
You cannot find a classier place to eat, sleep, and drink within 40 miles.
Foodie J clearly has not had a great blow job in a long time. -
Review from Annie F.
2/23/2011
I adore the Boonville Hotel. I am so sick of places that try to make it so you never leave their "resort," and the Boonville Hotel has this perfect blend of making you feel warm and cozy so that when you're there, you enjoy it, but they also don't overload you with things to hold you to the hotel so you actually go outside and find adventure.
Things you should REALLY know:
1. There is no TV. If you are a TV person, don't stay here. But really, you're supposed to be outside if you're truly enjoying what the Anderson Valley has to offer . . .
2. There is wi-fi, but it is rather slow. It's good for things like iphones, checking email, but if you want to watch a movie, it may be hard. Again, you should probably be outside or reading a book.
3. There is a heater but no a/c, there are no key cards, etc. It's like living in a fancy big house. But having a maid. And servants :). Some of the rooms have these fantastic over-sized tubs. I took a long bath one evening and it was SO relaxing.
4. They make the most FANTASTIC breakfasts and dinners (dinners only on weekends during the winter). Delicious granola, rhubarb compote, yogurt, scones, hazelnut cake . . . it was to die for. My fiance and I are not morning people, but we dragged ourselves downstairs at 9 for the breakfast and were NOT disappointed.
The dinners are pricey ($40/person) but worth it for the quality of food. We got a huge portion of braised chicken, soft polenta, and we also got a dungeness crab salad with other goodies, and a massive cookie plate at the end. Plus, if you want, there are less expensive meals available in the area if you only want to eat there one night.
5. The town is charming, and the hotel ground are simply beautiful. You can get a sandwich or an ice cream across the street, and just bring it back and sit out in the backyard. You can also drink one of your wines from your vineyard trips. There are animals roaming everywhere.
I just think this place is perfect for the people who want to experience the quiet Anderson Valley in its natural state. If you're a Las Vegas type person, Napa might be more for you. If your a California seasonal dreamer who enjoys the outdoors but likes to be comfortable, come to the Boonville Hotel! -
Review from Davey G.
Los Angeles, CA
1/15/2011 2 photos
Stopped at the Boonville Hotel on my way to Grants Pass, OR. I actually didn't intend to stay at this specific hotel, but it got late driving along the winding Hwy 253 and before I knew it, it was time to look for a place to stay. I wasn't sure how far the next town would be, so I took a chance.
At this point, dinner service was wrapping up and my friend and I weren't sure where to stay or eat. We walked into the lobby and a very nice young man told us they had a vacancy. Because we were obviously only looking for a bed and shower at this hour (after 9 -- Boonville closes down early), he gave us a reduced rate for a room.
After setting our bags in the room, we briefly wandered around town looking for some sundries and a quick bite. Across the street was a Mexican restaurant, so we picked up a couple of tortas and carried them back to the room.
Our room was spacious, super clean, very comfortable and the bathroom was HUGE! We scarfed down our meal, washed up and called it a night.
Early the next morning, there were complimentary scones, jam and coffee. (SO GOOD!) We then wandered the grounds for a bit. The garden out back is where they source a lot of their ingredients for dinner service, or so I was told. I have to admit, I had serious garden envy. I also went gaga over the hotel's patio. There was also a cute cat wandering around the hotel's garden.
We left the Boonville Hotel well rested, fed and inspired. -
Review from Shira G.
9/15/2010
Decided to make a break for it and flee the city for a night of R & R. The hotel noticed it was our anniversary and upgraded us to their Bungalow Suite complete with sun room and hammock!
We read in the sun, explored the adorable town and ate on the patio at the incredible restaurant. (Afternoon apps and cocktails available on Sundays). The people, service and food were all fantastic. I kind of want to keep it a secret but this charmer deserves all the praise in the world. We are already planning a return visit with our extended family. -
Review from Mara T.
San Jose, CA
7/12/2009
This place is cute cute cute. The gardens, the entry lobby, the restaurant layout...it all makes you feel like you are in an adorable home that you would love to live in.
Shared a nice meal here with friends. Started with smoked salmon and creme fraiche bites which reminded me of appetizers I've had elsewhere. Their iced tea was freshly made which was a nice touch, and their foccacia bread was soft and practically melted in your mouth with an abundance of olive oil.
Mustard greens salad was good. My steak with horseradish cream was also good. A taste of my husband's halibut offered up a similar response.
Desserts were a breath of fresh air, a smooth and creamy baked Kahlua chocolate pot de creme and an affogato with gelato and espresso. Unusual yet simple.
Reading the raving 5 star reviews one would definitely expect more than just a feeling of GOOD throughout the meal itself, but the food was just that, good. Our company was hugely enjoyable as were the wines and conversation shared.
The one negative was the service at start, it was INCREDIBLY slow to get any food on the table. And since I was starving, but didn't want to fill up on bread...waiting 40 minutes from seating to salad arrival was a drag. They were crowded, but for a place this popular...they should staff accordingly.
I hear this is the best that Boonville has to offer, so if you are in the area definitely try it. -
Review from Jak K.
Baton Rouge, LA
8/21/2011
Excellent food, service and atmosphere.
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Review from Betty N.
7/13/2009 3 photos
Best Restaurant in Booneville?
Yes, it has to be.
Perhaps the most charming hotel that I have encountered in a long time, a sharp contrast to my ultra modern trendy hotels and oh so refreshing!
At 7:45PM on a Friday evening, the restaurant was packed. We sat near a window which overlooked the outside back patio with an endearing apple tree, lined with lovely garden lights.
Ordered the following with comments:
1. Mussels - fresh and broth was delicious. The mussels were decent-sized and I was pleased that the broth was not salty.
2. Halibut - Good fish should stand in its own. The served halibut had too many things going on. Rice, sauces, etc. I would have preferred a lightly seasoned fish with just a small side dish. It was too heavy for me.
3. Kahlua chocolate pot de creme - not enough punch to make me go wow. I thought it was rather boring. The affogato is definitely better.
The service was choppy at times, but everyone had a friendly attitude so it was soon forgotten.
Meal and wine bottle prices were reasonable. A big PLUS.
Overall a pleasant experience and will return again.Listed in: 72-HOUR TRIP: ANDERSON VALLEY!
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Review from Moe J.
San Francisco, CA
9/14/2009
Boonville Hotel is a wonderful charming classic home converted into a hotel. Our room was a larger suite with a nice sitting area and a wonderful balcony overlooking Main Street.
The grounds of the hotel are beautiful. There is a vegetable garden, a couple of picnic tables and great spots to enjoy breakfast. The homemade breakfast pastries, fresh fruit and coffee were all great.
The hotel is a great jumping off point to all the wineries of the Anderson Valley. Can't wait for my next visit. -
Review from Marni K.
San Jose, CA
8/15/2011
Had a lovely dinner at Restaurant 128. We stopped by with our dog on a lazy late afternoon walk and made a reservation, then sat in the beautiful garden with a glass of wine for a relaxing aperitif. The waiter said that he would just add our wine on to the dinner later that evening, and he trusted us even though we were not guests at the hotel, and we left after our wine to freshen up before returning for dinner.
We sat outside for dinner, still with dog, and they very sweetly brought her water. There were 5 dogs outside that night and no problems at all. When it got cold, our waiter brought me a shawl to keep me happy.
And the food! Aside from a truly wonderful ambiance in the garden, the food was mostly terrific. It started with a taste of champagne and an amuse bouche of cantaloupe with olive oil. Who knew melon and olive oil complement each other so well? The corn soup was amazing. The beef, which I had asked for rare, came more medium to well-done, but I can't fault them because I could have sent it back and did not. The salad was great, and the desert scrumptious.
For a $50 a person, plus wine, for a prix-fixe dinner, I can say that I was a little disconcerted by the fact that the main dish and salad came on a shared, family style plate rather than each person receiving their own serving. But again, forgivable. I would definitely come back again, and very happily taste whatever they were offering. -
Review from christian C.
Philadelphia, PA
6/2/2011
Restaurant Dinner: 4.5 stars.
The prix fixe menu began with mussels, which were excellent and a surprise in the land locked Anderson Valley. Complimentary shot of cremant helped start things off right too.
The second course was a ceasar salad, that was good but nothing special.
The highlight was the lamburger and potatoes. The lamb was terrific with a mint aoili and watercress on focaccia. Excellent. As were the potatoes. They were simple, but so good that I talked to the owner about how to make them.
The dessert was an ice cream stuffed eclair. Nothing special.
The wine list was rather small and it's selection wasn't as broad as I would have expected.
Hotel: 4.5 stars.
The hotel is simple and charming with a very friendly staff. Love that there is no TV in the entire place, but lots of books and games. The room was a little tight, but the bed was very comfortable and the linens first rate. I got a terrific night's sleep. Nice lush shower too. Would DEFINITELY stay here again and look forward to doing so. -
Review from Abendigo R.
San Francisco, CA
9/23/2006
The food is amazing. Thursday is local's night (don't worry, you don't have to be a local to benefit from it), meaning it's a 3-course prie-fix menu ($36 apiece) and corkage is free. So drop by the Navarro winery and grab a bottle of something glorious to bring along. Trust me, it's every bit as good as you've heard and then some.
First, stag, I sipped my way through a Lost Coast Rasputin Stout and then a Boont Amber, while petting the cat on the veranda.
We had mizuna salad with feta, cucumbers, tomatoes, and mint. We had a paella with muscles, prawns, and chorizo. We also had a tart tartine with cream. Blute Bottle espresso. And we brought along a Muscat Blanc from Navarro, which paired perfectly with the spices of the paella, due to its dry, peach-hued length.
The chef John came out and greeted us , since he knows my girlfriend. Thumbs up John!!! He really kicked it up on the feast. Knocked me out. Couldn't express my gratitude for such wondrous, dazzling slow food, prepared with and ignited by diligence and love, clearly.
Unbelievably hip little hotel, complete with extensive panoramic garden, the most beautiful professional kitchen, a bright and glorious dining area, super-cool books to browse or buy, and extremely cute, unpretentious rooms.
Great place to land after wine tasting your way through Anderson Valley or after having gotten ripped at the Boonville Brewery. Clearly, it's happening in Boonville. -
Review from Jim B.
Philo, CA
12/29/2010
I have dined many times at the Boonville Hotel, both before and after the format change. And my last meal there will stand out in my mind forever as one of the best meals I've ever had.
Did it have the rarest ingredients? No. Was it fancy and trendy? No. Was it all i could eat? No.
It was as though I had the purest, most intense flavors of simply prepared honest food I had ever tasted in my life.
It started simply - a glass of Sparkling wine. Arriving seconds later were simple mussels in butter and cream and a whiff of garlic and white wine and herb. Every morsel, every spoonful, was perfect. Briney, warm, pristine, rich.
Then - cassoulet. Duck confit, homemade garlic sausage, lamb, lardons. Perfectly tender beans. And the crust - garlic, parsley and crumbs baked to a crunchy golden buttery spoon teaser with every bite. Rich sauce with just enough herb and tomato and meaty beany heaven.
Since I'm only getting to this over a month after the meal, I have forgotten the dessert but it was not forgettable. I just can't think of it. But i remember it was the sweet creamy ending to the Best meal in years. And I've had Cassoulet in Paris and Toulouse and my own kitchen. Johnny and the staff, Roger and the team, You're the Greatest!!! -
Review from Lynn L.
5/19/2008
Love everything about this place. The food is excellent (most sourced from their own gardens or locally), the service is friendly and warm, and the ambiance is very charming. It is a must-stop every time we're in Anderson Valley.
The chef/owner trained with Thomas Keller of the French Laundry, so you can be assured that the food is crafted with tremendous attention to detail. Call ahead for reservations on the weekends. There aren't a ton of tables.
If there is a mixed berry shortcake with warm cream sauce on the menu for dessert, GET IT!!! It is probably my favorite dessert on this earth - so simple, yet so tremendously satisfying. -
Review from Foodie J.
Los Angeles, CA
12/23/2010
I always find the 'personal story' part of yelp annoying, so I'll save you the opus of frustration my wife and I had with this 'hotel'. Here are the bullet points.
- So many corners are cut in the name of 'eco-friendliness' that the innkeepers just come off as cheap and out of touch. (This is coming from an environmentalist)
- During the slow season, a guest should expect a lack of livelihood in town, but shouldn't expect a complete lack of service at the hotel. If you stay here, you can expect both.
- Arriving, there was the smell of fresh cookies being baked...unfortunately, those weren't for the guests. There were no snacks available for the guests, even for purchase.
- The earth-friendly sheets are the responsibility of the guest. If your wife gets mascara on the hand-towels, it'll be reflected on the bill. Completely serious. Nothing gets you to relax after a hard day on the wine trail like having to worry if the towels you use are going to be stained. Glad these cheapskates don't take themselves too seriously.
- No fire - literally. We asked to have the fire ignited on the cold nights and were told that there wasn't enough occupancy to justify lighting a fire. So friendly!
- No happy hour. In wine country, a happy hour is a must-have. Come on guys! You're literally passing up money...all because you want to be closed up by 6.
- Oh, that's another thing. They close at 6. And don't expect to be bothered until 8 the next morning. So if you need anything in the middle of the (beautiful) countryside, you're on your own. It's almost like the people who own this place thought they'd be good hoteliers because they like staying at hotels. It's the classic story of the alcoholic who thinks he can run a bar. -
Review from Tracy Y.
Oakland, CA
9/26/2006
Update 11/11/2006
We were treated to a night in the Bungalow and Dinner at the hotel from a friend. We, once again, had a smashing time in Boonville.
We had:
Fatted Calf Rabbit Rillete
Grilled leeks with this crusty olive, goat cheese, bread crumb shmear
Sliced leg of lamb with mint-gorgonzola sauce, polenta and these tasty greens.
Roasted leg of duck with mashed potato and grilled radicchio.
The chese plate which was a blue with sliced apples and spiced walnuts.
Afogato
Apple gallette
And a bottle of Greenwood Ridge white something or other.
Our waitress was awesome and ourroom so cozy. Franny really liked the gas fireplace (I think I know what's #1 on her christmas list)
Breakfast the next morning was great coffee, warm scones with apple juice, plum jam and blood orange from Philo's The Apple Farm.
Once again, truly a great weekend trip away!
_____________________________________________
Dude, this was back in September. What did we eat - I can't remember.
I DO know that it was gooooood.
- They had misters out in the garden that you could run through since we were in the middle of a heat wave.
- um, they have a "dog table" which is a little ways away form the other tables and has a nice water bowl. Since we were vacationing with the Dog we tried to eat out with her.
- There were these 4 people getting seriously drunk and they almost knocked over the table and ended up breaking stuff and the waitress was cool.
Food so good and yet none of that pretentious frou-frou cripppity crap.
Thumbs up! we'll be back. -
Review from Cory G.
Oakland, CA
10/25/2008
The restaurant is lovely and delicious. The food here is always spot on, with a menu concentrating on what's fresh. The service professional and mellow and friendly, and the dining room itself has a modern layout in a rustic setting. Eating dinner here two nights in a row was a no-brainer.
The hotel itself. My God, this is what I always want from a rural hotel. The rooms are beautiful and comfortable, the beds make me want to shop for a new mattress at home, and the wonderful walk-in showers are just incredible. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the grounds are spacious and beautiful. Drink a cup of coffee outside, walk around the fire pits and looks at the apple trees and flowers, and listen to the quail poking around in the brush around the creek.
Love love love. -
Review from Dave C.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 9/14/2008
My family spends weekends in Boonville and weekdays in San Francisco. And the Boonville hotel used to be our favorite place to celebrate special family events. But now, they're only offering a very limited, fixed price menu, served family style. This just isn't as compelling for us, despite the high quality of the food coming out of the kitchen.
That said, I still love the idea of this cozy place - the attractive country decor, the welcoming patio surrounding the wood-fired oven, the wine list featuring local favorites, and the ever-changing seasonal menu, much of it drawn from the Hotel's own garden, which guests can wander before their meal.
And the oysters served on the patio during summer Sundays are a relaxing end to a too-short weekend.
Reservations are a must!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/22/2008
Anderson Valley is far better off than if the Boonville Hotel did not exist. They manage to attract… Read more »
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Review from LeAndra M.
San Rafael, CA
7/17/2006
I've never stayed here, but have eaten at the restaurant several times. Boonville in and of itself is an odd place....eclectic in the sense that it's a mix of hippies, immigrants, wine lovers, artists, and locals with more than one broken down car in the front yard (I can say this because my dad had a broken down car propped up on cement blocks in our backyard from when I was 10 til I was 20).
Anyway, the hotel is like a little piece of Napa chic in the middle of this soup. Anderson Valley has some of the best wine ever and so the wine list is top notch. And the fish and veggies are always very organic and very fresh. The desserts are divine. It's not cheap, but not outrageous either.
Go to Boonville for a little romantic getaway. Stay at the Boonville hotel. Drink some good wine (and beer) and take in the sun. -
Review from Katie L.
Minneapolis, MN
9/23/2009
We definitely enjoyed our stay at the Boonville Hotel. It is a very cute place with well manicured grounds and gardens. Our room was nice and clean, it was room 7, if you look on their website.
We ate at the restaurant the first night we stayed and it was good. I'm not sure it was worth the price, but it was good. My pork was a bit overdone and dry and the horseradish sauce overwhelmed the flavor of the meat. The service was just okay, our server wasn't very friendly, but serviceable. She seemed to force her "friendliness" and had an air of arrogance to her as though we were just snotty 'city' folk. The breakfast scones (magical) and coffee are a wonderful perk, included in the price of your room.
I truly recommend staying here with a few caveats: the price of the rooms is steep for what you get. They preach simplicity and relaxation and it is that...but I think it's also a scapegoat for being cheap with amenities. The service was just okay from the restaurant to the front desk. We didn't go to make friends with the staff of course, but for a small family, homey feeling...you'd expect service a bit more friendly and down to earth. -
Review from Jay G.
Holmes, PA
9/22/2011
a must stay if you are any where near this place. very hip, great food, ect ect i could go on and on about this place. love it.
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Review from nick g.
San Francisco, CA
9/21/2011
great hotel. tastefully decorated. great food and service. no tvs - the perfect place to get away from it all and use as you home base for wine tasting
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Review from Torrey D.
Mendocino, CA
7/13/2009
The Boonville Hotel is one of my favorite places. In an area with a number of yummy restaurants, the Hotel stands out as the best.
This is not the place for you if you are in a rush. If you are willing to step out of the hectic current of everyday life, enjoy the people you are with, savor wonderful food in a beautiful space with a low-key atmosphere, give the hotel a try.
Stroll the garden with a glass of wine and your honey, nibble on some starters as the light changes on the trees, then settle in for some truly delicious, thoughtfully prepared food. I especially appreciate the Hotel's focus on local food. We are fortunate to live in an area with many fine food producers, and John Schmitt makes a point to find and support them. Besides my home (my husband and I raise our own animals), this is the only place where I eat meat! And it is soooo good! -
Review from Michael S.
Altadena, CA
3/23/2011
Dinner at the Table 128 restaurant within the Boonville Hotel was wonderful. The Prix Fixe menu served family style is a great concept. We enjoyed a spectacular flat-iron steak grilled to perfection. The sides were absolutely perfect. If you are in the area, don't miss the opportunity to dine at the Hotel.
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Review from John D.
San Jose, CA
10/20/2011
It has a lot of potential but there were some problems with my stay and at the prices I paid they aren't acceptable.
1) Wasps. Eating oysters outside was pretty much ruined because the wasps were all over everything.
2) Mandatory gratuity. The restaurant has a mandatory gratuity which is just wrong. The service was good but I don't appreciate having my tip dictated to me.
3) Wear and tear. Everywhere you look the walls have scuff marks, the blinds are broken, the sink is cracked, etc. It looks like it was really nice about 10 years ago and no one has taken care of it since.
4) The service varied a lot. Some of the people working there were very friendly and some were pretty snotty. Example: They offered a Navarro wine by the glass but when I ordered it I was told I would have to buy a bottle because they didn't want to open it for just one glass.
5) No air conditioning. Yes I am spoiled but at the price of the place I don't want to lie awake at night and sweat.
6) The funk. The room and hallway smelled like old sweaty gym socks. -
Review from Gary L.
Little River, CA
3/7/2011
Love the quality of service... and the food is splendid! Wife and I often stop for dining when traveling between SF and Mendocino. We could not be more pleased with this restaurant.
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Review from Anita W.
Menlo Park, CA
3/28/2011
We loved our stay at the hotel. We had a large room, that was clean and bright, and the only downside was that it was on the front of the hotel and there is 128 traffic (and we like to open the window at night). But really, it was fine, and the next time we stay there we will likely stay in one of the cottages.
The food at the hotel restaurant (Table 128) was wonderful. On Sundays (off season) they serve small plates, and the amount of food, as well as the food itself, was perfect. This is the best restaurant in Anderson Valley, by far. Eat here even if you don't sleep here. If you do sleep here, you will have the added pleasure of wonderful scones for breakfast. -
Review from Jasmine F.
San Francisco, CA
7/22/2008
This is for the hotel only, as we didn't end up eating at the restaurant. I heard it was good, but the menu is very limited and the night we were there had very few options that we were into.
As for the hotel, I have some mixed feelings about it, but I left so relaxed and enjoyed the grounds so much that I've decided the good outweighs the bad. Here's the breakdown:
The Good:
*Beautiful grounds. The porch, patio, and garden area really makes you feel like you're "away from it all." There's even a gazebo down in the garden that we found very private in the evening.
*Gus the cat. So friendly and cute. This big boy obviously spends his nights on the prowl. (And he's only allowed outside, for those with allergies.)
*Super friendly staff.
*Quaint, non-corporate vibe. The guy who was working there while we stayed was darning wool on this old-fashioned device in the bar area one day. I shit you not.
*Awesome buliding. The structure has been there since the late 1800s. One older lady came by to chat with us on our first morning there while we were enjoying fresh apple juice and scones on the deck and said her grandma was married there in the 1890s. Cool!
*Delicious scones for breakfast. It's not hearty, but tasty nonetheless.
*Updated furnishings in the room. Soft beds.
*Fantastic water pressure.
The Bad:
*It's kind of pricey for what you get since there is...
*No TVs or alarm clocks in the room. This may or may not be considered a bad. One part of me likes this, but another part goes into technology withdrawals.
*No AC. Boonville gets HOT in the summer, and the room we were in (#4) had southern and eastern exposure and only cooled down around 3AM with the fan blasting and the window open. Thank God the forecasted 92-degree weather never materialized.
*Rooms seem unfinished. No closet door. No interior shower curtain, so the cloth one got soaked while showering.
*Uncomfortable flooring. They have this jute-like "carpeting" that has a nice look, but is hard and pinches the skin on bare feet. Ouch! -
Review from Samantha W.
Austin, TX
9/23/2007
We stayed here and were underwhelmed. The staff seemed bothered and low energy. The bed was beat. And, the bathroom included two unmarked bottles of which I guessed were shampoo and conditioner. A surprise to learn I'd been deeply moisturizing my hair with lotion all weekend.
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Review from T-Bone L.
San Francisco, CA
9/5/2006
Excellent entrees made with local ingredients, nice atmosphere (modern country decor) and great service in that letmesitdownwithyouandchataboutourspecials kind of way.
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Review from Andrew N.
San Francisco, CA
5/3/2009
I had an outstanding dinner here. I loved every part of the evening. My companion and I started with drinks in the comfortable living room before moving in to the dining room for dinner. The service was solicitous and helpful. The food was absolutely perfect, and with some great local beers and wines. The prices were reasonable. I'll definitely be back!
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Review from Yowlie Y.
San Francisco, CA
8/21/2009
Only went for dinner. Absolutely outstanding food, atmosphere, and service; as good as any of the top bay area spots. These people clearly appreciate the food they are preparing. Unsolicited review.
