Highland Dell Lodge - Monte Rio, California

Chris E.

This review is for Sarah's Kitchen at Highland Dell Lodge. We were staying nearby, visiting on a Monday night. Sarah's Kitchen is within the Highland Dell Lodge. Most of the restaurant's tables overlook the Russian River, along with outdoor seating. When we arrived, the restaurant was not busy. The restaurant was clean and inviting, with a nice crisp decor. We opted to sit on the patio. Our server was gracious and efficient. The menu consists mostly of authentic German style offerings. We selected the Hungarian style goulash with spaetzle, and pesto pasta. We also chose to partake in their homemade apple strudel dessert. I have to say, we LOVED the food. The food was excellent tasting, presented well and of a decent portion size. Our server was great. And, it ran us about $35 per person, plus the added cost of a bar tab. Absolutely reasonable, in my opinion, for the quality of service and food offered. Our experience was top notch.

ben T.

Absolutely stunning view from the dining room patio, highly recommend having dinner with friends here, friendly staff, clean and peaceful rooms , recommend spending the extra on a balcony room, lovely river views with access to the river in summer 🏝️

Jessica W.

Very pleased with this hotel! The staff were all so sweet and helpful. We had some issues on the way there and got in right when the kitchen was supposed to close, and they held the kitchen open for us while we got checked-in and got our bags to our room.

Beautiful grounds and view of the river. Common rooms, restaurant and bar were cozy and clean. The room we booked had a charming semi-private balcony overlooking the river as well.

The room and bathrooms were very clean, beds were super comfortable, not too hard, not too soft. The pork schnitzel was delicious and the complimentary breakfast was good as well.

10/10 would recommend and will definitely stay there again if I'm back in the area.

Jeffery B.

My partner and I have stayed at the Highland Dell two times, and we’ve simply adored our experiences with each visit. The place was built in 1906 and has all of the character/soul of an earlier era, but because it was flooded some years ago, it’s been beautifully renovated in a way that’s very respectful to its history. All the charm’s there, but none of the dinginess found in some older places. Yeah, the sinks are in the bedrooms, but that’s the way things were in earlier times. It’s quirky, but it’s cool. At least, we feel that way.

To those who wrote negative reviews, all I can say is that you’re just not “getting it.” For anyone who’d enjoy staying at a very charming, quaint, old hotel, in a beautiful, natural environment, this place is about the best. (BTW—the staff were absolutely wonderful to us.) For the rest of you, go to a modern, sterile chain hotel in a generic, urban environment. You’ll have all the modern amenities, and you’ll be happier there.

Dave W.

Months earlier we booked 3 nights here in October. We enjoyed our time here, doing a few hikes near here and successfully viewed the comet from Jenner. The hotel offered a nice breakfast, included with the room too. We were traveling with another couple that wanted to visit many of the sights to there next lodging far north on hwy 1. They wanted another day for that. The hotel manager graciously agreed to modify our stay to 2 nights. We would certainly recommend this hotel.

Ron K.

Nice patio overlooking the river for dinner. Hotel is 12 rooms, we just had dinner outside on the patio. Food was great. We had prime rib and potato pancakes. Staff very nice. Nice view of the river. Quiet place to have dinner.

Matt A.

This was my first time at the Highland Dell and my partner's second time. Herb and all his staff were fantastic and the property itself has a lot of character and charm, plus it's in a great location too. Our room had a balcony overlooking the river which made the relatively small room feel bigger. The only disappointment was that we were staying on a Weds and Thursday night and the German restaurant we have heard so much about was closed. We look forward to staying here again.

Nathan F.

Stayed there over Xmas break. Very friendly staff, solid food in the restaurant. Highly recommended if you're in the area.