Inn of the Lost Coast

First off -- if you are debating whether a sidequest to the extremely isolated and hard-to-get-to coastal escape known as Shelter Cove is worth it, I can assure you -- run, don't walk, and enjoy every second of this tiny slice of untouched California utopia. The Inn of The Lost Coast is a beautiful, foggy dream you will find yourself revisiting time and again in your mind. Is it the Ritz? Absolutely not. And it's all the better because of that. The moment the cool evening breeze caresses your neck as you lay atop a 40 year old mattress and a thin TJ Maxx comforter, you will know exactly what I mean.. The Inn of The Lost Coast fits like your favorite pair of old shoes. ENJOY.

Spectacular ocean views from all rooms come with the cost of the hotel being uncomfortably close to the edge of a surf-pounded cliff that appears to be eroding. I may be a nervous Nelly about this but I would have slept better a few hundred yards further back. I’m not sure the cliff looks the same now as in the photos I saw beforehand. However, the hotel owners were very nice, the room well equipped with bowls, wine glasses etc, and the Black Sands Bistro was better than expected, with decent coffee even by Bay Area standards.

This is hands down the best place to go with friends for a trip to shelter cove. The view, super clean hot tub, ping pong, cafe on site.

First off -- if you are debating whether a sidequest to the extremely isolated and hard-to-get-to coastal escape known as Shelter Cove is worth it, I can assure you -- run, don't walk, and enjoy every second of this tiny slice of untouched California utopia. The Inn Of The Lost Coast captures the spirt and dare I say....magic?...of the true Shelter Cove experience. Is it the Ritz? Absolutely not. But as the swelling pacific tides rhythmically lash against the rocky seawall below, a perpetual updraft carries the bubbling seaspray up and over the edge of the bluff, stretching and waltzing through your slightly cracked patio door where you lay in a deep and wondrous sleep. And as you rest between a paper-thin, overwashed 1990's TJ Maxx costal themed comforter atop a mattress that dates back to the Reagan administration, this pure and intoxicating breeze caresses you ever so gently, punctuated by a stillness that can only be found here, in this special place, and you thank your lucky stars this is where you are, in this exact moment, having this experience in this exact way, and all the tiny misgivings you had assumed would be detriments are in fact....indescribably perfect. Also, the breakfast bistro connected to the hotel is staffed by the most pleasant, good-hearted people you will ever find. Grab a burrito for the road and leave with a smile. The Inn of The Lost Coast is a beautiful, foggy dream you will find yourself revisiting time and again in your mind. Enjoy.

By far the best place to stay in Shelter Cove. We ended up at this hotel late one evening and the manager hooked us up with an amazing room, The room had a jacuzzi right by a view of the ocean which was breath taking. The bed was very comfortable and the rooms are very spacious. Just an amazing experience! The views from each hotel room are unbelievable! The owner of the hotel was very sweet an very pleasant to work with. Great price for all that we got in a one night package for sure. Also the breakfasts are very good ! 1rst class Hotel I must say. And best yet they have a pizza /restaurant right next door 10 stars plus for all! Thank you , Rena and Michael

We were heading down to Santa Rosa, with a stop over in Ferndale. Decided to take a detour at the last minute to Shelter Cove and I'm so glad we did! While to steep mountain climb up, then down, with endless sharp turns was daunting, we loved the end result of Shelter Cove. We both thought about getting a room for the night and happened upon Inn of the Lost Coast. The gentleman at the reception was wonderful helping us to get the best deal for one night and gave us a great room with a wonderful ocean view of the King Tides. He recommended restaurants and places to view the sunset and the King Tides, in addition to giving us a history of the area. I wish we were staying more than one night. The room was nice with a small kitchenette, very clean, and homey feeling. Plenty of pillows and blankets.bi would definitely come back and I've already recommended it to others.