Established in 1926, Benbow Historic Inn sits on the banks of the Eel River in Humboldt County. This historic property offers guests a getaway in the heart of California Redwood Country. The inn combines old-world hospitality with resort amenities, including its own RV park and golf course. Rooms are located in the original historic building and a separate terrace building. Guests can enjoy dining under the redwoods, a swimming pool, and free tea and scones daily. The inn is near attractions like the Avenue of the Giants.
Should you book Benbow Historic Inn?
A historic hotel experience with resort-style amenities and rooms spread across two buildings.
Best for
- Redwood country exploration
- Historic charm
- Resort amenities
- Pet-friendly stays
Maybe not ideal for
- Rooms without TVs in the historic building
- Some views are of the garden or terrace rather than the river
Historic redwood country setting
Located in Humboldt County near Garberville, this 1926 inn offers a stay in California Redwood Country. It sits by the Eel River, with many rooms offering river, mountain, or garden views. The property is also near the Avenue of the Giants.
Themed Founders' Suites
Suites are named after original Benbow family members. Many feature vaulted ceilings, gas or wood-burning fireplaces, soaking tubs, and garden, mountain, or river views. Some are ADA-compliant.
On-site dining and drinks
Enjoy dinner nightly at the Benbow Restaurant, with seasonal outdoor dining available under the redwoods. The Bar & Lounge opens in the afternoon, and guests receive complimentary tea and scones daily from 3-4pm.
Resort amenities
The inn features two swimming pools and a hot tub. On the grounds, find a 9-hole golf course and an RV resort. Bicycle rentals are also available for exploring the area.
Rooms & rates
Deluxe Queen Room
19.0 m² · 1 queen bed
Mountain view · Air conditioning · Private bathroom · Coffee machine · Free Wifi
King Room with Mountain View
37.0 m² · 1 king bed
Lake view · River view · Air conditioning · Private bathroom · Flat-screen TV · Coffee machine
King Room
37.0 m² · 1 king bed and 1 sofa bed
Balcony · Lake view · Garden view · River view · Air conditioning · Patio
King Room with Garden View
39.0 m² · 1 king bed and 1 sofa bed
Balcony · Lake view · Garden view · River view · Air conditioning · Spa tub
Terrace King Room
37.0 m² · 1 king bed
Balcony · Lake view · Garden view · River view · Air conditioning · Patio
What you'll enjoy
Gallery
Amenities & facilities
Most popular facilities
- 2 swimming pools
- Free Wifi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free parking
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Restaurant
- Family rooms
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
Great for your stay
- Restaurant
- Parking
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Pet friendly
- Free Wifi
- Bath
- Free parking
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bath or shower
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Bathrobe
- Hairdryer
- Bath
Bedroom
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
- Alarm clock
Outdoors
- Outdoor fireplace
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Sun deck
- Terrace
- Garden
Kitchen
- Coffee machine
Location
445 Lake Benbow Drive, Garberville, CA 95542, United States, Garberville, California
Benbow Historic Inn is located in Garberville, California.
2 sights nearby, 1 of them within 0.5 mi; the closest is Julia Morgan’s Redwood Grove Estate & Garden Tours at 0.3 mi.
Things to do nearby
- Julia Morgan’s Redwood Grove Estate & Garden Toursattraction0.3 mi
- Southern Humboldt Community Parkpark1.4 mi
Straight-line distances from the property · data © OpenStreetMap contributors
What guests say
8.4 / 10 · Very good on Booking.com, from 461 guest reviews
The Benbow Historic Inn earns strong sentiment for its enchanting period atmosphere, stunning redwood-framed grounds, and genuinely warm staff, making it a memorable stop on the Northern California coast. However, recurring complaints about bed and linen comfort, inconsistent room maintenance, and restaurant pricing suggest the property's upkeep doesn't always match its charm or rates. Guests who embrace the quirks of a century-old inn will be delighted; those expecting modern amenities may be disappointed.
Reviews scoring 9–10: 11 · average 9
They wrote about: staff, room, breakfast
Reviews scoring 7–9: 19 · average 7.5
They wrote about: room, location, breakfast
No reviews in the selected score range.
Good to know
House rules
- Check-in
From 4:00 PM
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in.
- Check-out
From 4:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
- Refundable damage deposit
A damage deposit of US$100 is required on arrival. This will be collected by credit card. You should be reimbursed within 7 days of check-out. Your deposit will be refunded in full by credit card, subject to an inspection of the property.
- Age restriction
The minimum age for check-in is 18
- Pets
Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dining options at Benbow Historic Inn?
The Benbow Restaurant serves dinner nightly and breakfast daily in the lobby bar. The Bar & Lounge also opens in the afternoon with a pub menu. Complimentary tea and scones are served daily from 3-4pm for hotel guests.
Does Benbow Historic Inn have parking?
Yes, the hotel offers free parking for guests.
Are there family rooms available?
Yes, family rooms are available at the hotel.
What room amenities are offered?
Rooms include air conditioning and a private bathroom. Many rooms offer river, mountain, or garden views, and some have balconies or patios. Tea/coffee makers are available in all rooms.
Can I bring my pet?
Yes, the hotel is pet-friendly. Pet-friendly rooms are available in the Terrace Building, with advance notice and an additional fee.
What is nearby Benbow Historic Inn?
The hotel is close to Julia Morgan’s Redwood Grove and Southern Humboldt Community Park. It's also a short drive from the Avenue of the Giants and California Redwood Country.
Does the hotel have a swimming pool?
Yes, the hotel has two swimming pools and a hot tub.
Are there golf facilities?
The property has a 9-hole golf course associated with the on-site KOA RV resort. There is also a golf course within 2 miles that guests can use for an additional charge.