This is a well appointed beautiful place and I would definitely go back. The only reason I cannot give it 5 stars is the food. I have eaten and prepared vegan food for many years and there's no excuse for the totally tasteless breakfasts that come out of this kitchen. The oatmeal could have been sawdust and the "french toast" was dry cardboard. The fruits were not fresh. After two breakfasts we opted to go elsewhere even though breakfast was included.

My husband and I returned last month from our fifth annual week long vacation to The Stanford Inn by the Sea! Late September is our favorite time to travel to this idyllic locale which has it all! The ambiance is impeccably styled to create an upscale, affluent setting with a very laid back and comfortable feel. The Stanford Inn is situated in magical Mendocino - a very picturesque village on the bluffs of the Pacific Ocean. We love to return to this area for fantastic hiking at Russian Gulch and walking along the bluffs and Big River, as well as for superb wine tasting and exploring majestic redwood forests in nearby Andersen Valley and Hendy Woods (be sure to also check out Montgomery Woods a little farther away.)

There is so much to enjoy in Mendocino and the Stanford Inn serves as the perfect home base to take it all in, offering exquisitely decorated guest rooms with majestic sunrise/sunset views on the Pacific, wood burning fireplaces, outdoor terraces and beautiful gardens and grounds to stroll around! In addition, there is a fabulous solarium style indoor salt water pool, hot tub and sauna - the perfect way to end (or start) a day of hiking or bicycling on the nearby trails, as well as expert massage therapists and yoga instructors at the inn to round off a complete holistic experience of well being! Joan and Jeff Stanford have attended to every detail of the inn with great care and meticulous attention which ensures that their guests will leave feeling rejuvenated and refreshed upon leaving. Among all of the fabulous amenities are the awesome chocolate chip cookies in room each day, and the very satisfying and delicious breakfasts and afternoon tea time/daily desserts included in the room rate at their Ravens Restaurant on site which has beautiful views of the Pacific as well. (We always especially look forward to their sensational plant based hollandaise and cashew cream sauces featured in their breakfast menu items! ) The inn even has a fabulous book/gift shop which is a joy to browse through. The village of Mendocino also offers excellent restaurant options and shopping for all tastes. It is no wonder that we return again and again to this amazing vacation location!