I was given a weekend stay as a gift. When I went to make the reservation, I spoke with two different women (one of whom I believe was one of the owners) and they were exceptionally rude to the point where I almost considered saying to hell with it and not going (they couldn't find the gift certificate in their system, etc.) However, I ultimately spoke with another person who worked things out and allowed me to make my reservation. I went up with a friend this past weekend.

When we checked in, there were balloons in the room with a note wishing me a happy birthday and a long explanation of where on the property we could and couldn't drink the wine that they neglected to leave for us. The room itself was okay. It looked like it was paneled with reclaimed wood. Our room overlooked the garden and had a slight ocean view. The deck and the fireplace were the best parts. The room was pretty clean but I tend to be a bit of a germaphobe and was grossed out by the slight mildewy smell and water leak under our sink in the bathroom. Likewise, we moved the sofa in our room to be closer to the fire and there was schmutz under it.

As a vegetarian, I appreciated their attempts to be eco-conscious and at least serve all vegan dinners. However, there are some contradictions: They do serve dairy for breakfast, the bedding is down (my guest and I sneezed and coughed our way through sleep) and they have llamas on the property which they state they purchased to show their kids the wonders of breeding animals. They even gave us their newsletter at check-in with an article entitled 20 Reasons Why I am Vegan and Why You Should Be- with a recipe on the next page for 'their most requested recipe': dairy- filled scones. They make a real effort to push their politics which, to me, simply attention to their inconsistencies. Seemed a little 'green' bandwagony to me. The food itself was good but it was no Millenium and it was quite pricey. We spent over $130 (with tip) on a light dinner of 3 small shared appetizers (these were pretty tasty), a bottle of wine and a shared entree which was meager at best (one slice of tofu, cut in half with 6-7 asparagus spears- dull). Breakfast is included for guests and there are plenty of vegan choices with lots of organic ingredients. I wouldn't call the service especially knowledgeable e.g. we asked the waitress for a recommendation on the rieslings and she said, "All of our rieslings are sweet ones"- not much help.

Now, here is what they get above-average marks on: The location is great. Close to the little downtown of Mendocino and off the highway just enough to feel like a get-away while still being close to activities. The property is beautifully maintained with lots of wildflowers that attract all sorts of birds, etc., The pool was really clean, open 24 hours (with hot tub). They had nice touches like a great selection of movies for rent ($6.95 each), CD players and books in the room, a complimentary spread of vegan goodies in the afternoon, etc. Lots of cozy fireplaces in the common areas and minus the first interaction on the phone, friendly and accommodating staff.

Neither of us had been to Mendocino before and we were struck by the warmth and hospitality at the Stanford Inn. Truly a unique place--I loved the tropical plants in the greenhouse/pool area.

It was an anniversary getaway and we could only afford one night--but we found chocolates and an anniversary card waiting for us in our room! I loved the way the Stanford Inn balanced the "country inn" feel with the elegance of a Northern California retreat.

Every detail at the Stanford Inn was really perfect--and as the title of the review suggests, one of the best parts was the food at the Ravens restaurant. We enjoyed a truly fabulous meal for dinner featuring an incredible mushroom soup billed as a "shiitake mushroom bisque." You may be thinking, "mushroom soup, so what?" but this was truly something special. The only thing better than dinner was the breakfast. How they made such delicious pancakes without any animal products I'll never know, but they were fantastic and so was my partner's scramble.

I should note that the inn is also very convenient to the cute and picturesque village of Mendocino.

The whole place is so cozy and nice--I'd love to go again in the summer.

This was our first stay at the Stanford Inn and we will definetely be returning. We chose a garden view room in the Big River building and were delighted with the private deck overlooking the lush gardens, the horses and the ocean. I appreciated the quiet and relaxing atmosphere of the inn. If you are an animal lover, this is the place for you. We had a visit from one of the feline residents who popped into our room and made herself at home in front of the fire. The gardens are perfect for a peaceful stroll. My only regret was not bringing a swimsuit to indulge in the heated pool and dry sauna. We also enjoyed the friendly but not overbearing staff. Home made cookies delivered to the room and personalized notes make you feel right at home. Expensive? Yes, but worth it.

For me, I cannot imagine a trip up to beautiful Mendocino without thinking of the Stanford Inn by the Sea. For each of the times I have stayed there, immediately upon arrival I feel completely relaxed and at ease. Maybe it's the smell of lavender from the garden, or the sounds of the llamas and horses grazing along the footpath. Or maybe it's that warm feeling that hits me each time I walk into the main lobby and into the dining room, as I'm welcomed in by Jeff or Joan or a member of their friendly staff. Or maybe it's just the absolutely amazing veggie and vegan dishes and treats on the menu that I never can get enough of - breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Whatever it is, the environment and the atmosphere just seem to fit and you know you're going to be well taken care of during your stay. Plus, I'm always excited for the chance to go paddling around the river behind the inn and possibly see an otter, or maybe take a dip in the pool and then hit the hot tub - all this before retiring to my cozy room and falling into deep sheets for a perfect ending to a perfect day. I have no complaints whatsoever and would recommend anyone to stay at the Stanford Inn by the Sea (as long as they take me with them!). It truly is a hidden treasure and my home away from home.