We stayed here the last weekend in July.

On Sunday morning I woke up at 5:30am to walk around the lavender fields, stork-visited lagoons, and old trees. I’m an avid hiker, so that morning I was very pleased to find, only about 200 feet from my room door, an adult California lynx or bobcat. I didn’t have a camera, but I managed to get 20 feet from it and observe for about 3 minutes, until it went slowly off into the property’s lavender fields.

As we walked through the grounds on Saturday afternoon, it was also a treat to find at least 6 wandering skunks, a tunnel-like olive grove with trees that look hundreds of years old (probably about 150 yrs), and also the largest oak tree I’ve probably ever seen, supposedly about 1,100 yrs old. We also saw 2 owls on a hike in the next-door canyon and dozens of rabbits.

Walking around the grounds, we were pleased to find historic tidbits all around the property. The pool is worth a visit (we felt transported back to the 1920s) even though the Jacuzzi was out of service; the lobby has a wealth of information on the history of the property (it started as a hotel/resort in 1884), ie, Einstein was a regular visitor, and a lot of other interesting info. Old fountains were also a nice surprise, as was the architecture of the various room wings, although some of them have been added over more recent time periods. For haunted-hotel enthusiasts, something involving a fire or other catastrophe apparently happened in the pool house at some point in the past. The staff off-handedly mentions that people sometimes hear screams in and around the pool house. We walked into the pool house during the day, and you can definitely feel a very strange vibe.

The service was always friendly, although missing some depth as to employee initiative, knowledge of the product, and training. But all-in-all acceptable due to staff’s friendliness and their willingness to solve issues as long as you ask for a solution.

Our room was in the 800s wing (room 813) and other than a few ants which is normal during summer, the room looks recently remodeled and with attractive finishes that complement interesting antiques showcased inside the room. Frog song from a pond 15 feet away lulled us to sleep. When you reserve, ask for details for each room wing, because some have TVs and some don’t, some have different views, etc.

Like other reviewers mention, some of the building exteriors look very tired and even decrepit. But we kept in mind that the upkeep of such a large and ancient property is extremely expensive, especially when you only have a few rooms as income. A full refurbishment is apparently what the owners are envisioning, judging from what we saw regarding refurbishments that have already been made.

However, the lobby and restaurant buildings have been meticulously refurbished to their historic peak-conditions. Apart from the food being very good (we had dinner), it’s a pleasure to walk into the lobby, bar and restaurant and see such commitment to conserving the history of the property.

For the continental breakfast, they included what seemed like home-made pastries, using very tasty jams.

If this ever gets fully refurbished, the rates will be much higher. I’m glad we took advantage now. It was absolutely worth it.

Another plus for us was that it’s relatively close to Forest Falls.

We just spent the day there on Friday April 20th for an amazing wedding held under the 1100 year old Oak Tree. What a gorgeous venue. The grounds are stunning and the staff was very friendly, and available at all times, but yet were discreetly not around... in a good way. A few suggestions? Wear flat shoes. The grounds are very uneven because you are in true natural spaces, so ladies leave the heels at home or bring a purse big enough to secretly change into some flip flops. And bring an umbrella, the guests sat in the open sun, while bridal party was under the shade of the tree. We weren't in shade until the reception, held under a gorgeous line of olive trees, all lit up, with one side opening up to lavender fields.
So romantic

I wish we would've had an opportunity to really explore the grounds because there seemed to be lots of options of things to look at, however based on what I saw, I believe the buildings needed upgrading desperately.

Be aware that the use of the RESORT, is used very loosely. This is not a resort but seemed more like a camp ground. I wouldn't choose to stay here but for the wedding services, great choice.

I took my husband here for a Valentines day weekend and was sadly a bit disappointing. I'll start with the good. The food/restaurant is EXCELLENT! Very tasty, interesting lavender infusions and very vintage atmosphere. Beautiful views. The bar was also very neat. The decor was of the history of the place and very fun and pleasant. I wish it would have carried over into the accommodations. When we got into our room, somebody had just left because nothing had been clean. Bed sheets were still slept in. When we finally did get a "clean" room, The room had no TV, it was very stale smelling and was reminiscent of a hostel I stayed at in France. The "king" bed was simply two twins pushed together with a bottom sheet thrown on top to keep them together. This of course didn't happen, because on the slick floor as soon as my husband rolled over to make a move the two twins slid apart and he was headed for the floor (great entertainment however). The grounds are in gross need of remodeling. The pool area needs to be completely redone, and the grounds are in disrepair. I felt as though I was in the twilight zone. This place has so much potential if only someone would invest in some remodeling and staff.

Despite what it sounds like below, I do recommend this place due to it's location and the beautiful grounds.

My wife and I stayed here for the second time last weekend. Last year we stayed there the weekend after the Annual Lavender Festival and we had a fantastic weekend. We strolled around the grounds anywhere we liked and we were practically the only ones there. This year we came during the Lavender Festival and it wasn't as relaxing for the most part.

On both visits we had trouble with our reservations since we used the reservation system on their web page. The first time we stayed there someone was already in our room and we found out when saw their stuff in the room when we opened the door, with a key (now they have key cards like other hotels). Luckily they were not in the room at the time. When we went back and told the front desk, we were upgraded to a nicer room in the 800s facing the lavender field at no extra charge. Last weekend, we arrived and were told there was a problem and then that "a pipe in our room had burst" after the front desk person had a consultation with the hotel President. We had to downgrade to the 700s, with the lower rate that came with the room.

CALL FOR RESERVATIONS IF YOU WANT TO BE GUARANTEED A ROOM WHEN YOU ARRIVE!!

With that said, this last visit they gave us 2 coupons for admission to the festival (which we didn't need), a coupon for 2 free lavender flavored drinks at the festival (which we did use and saved about $7) and a gift certificate to the onsite restaurant that almost covered the cost of dinner. The food at the restaurant was good however it was a long wait to get it. Probably due to it being the weekend of the festival and the place was packed. Even with a reservation we had to wait for a table. Also the chairs at our table were very uncomfortable. There were other chairs that looked like they were not as bad.

The grounds are what makes this place worth it. They have open spaces, shaded grassy areas, a few ponds and lavender fields you can roam around like you own the place. There is a long lane lined with olive trees that was the entrance at one point several decades ago. It's very quiet and peaceful.

Now that we know to call for reservations, we feel better about going back to stay here. It will be on a weekend when the festival is not going on. We will drive out for the day to attend the Festival.