Inn of the Lost Coast

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.

Great location and atmosphere! We had the upstairs corner room, and the view was breathtaking. The ocean, the night sky, Milky Way - we enjoyed it all. Bring some food with you if you’re after hours - the pizza place is amazing but has a long wait as it’s the only place that’s open late on the weekdays. In the morning there’s a cafe downstairs with pretty decent breakfast and lunch options. The room was ok, had a coffee machine, a mini fridge, and a really nice shower. They could’ve refilled the shampoo and body wash though, as I had to stumble around wet looking for my travel ones.

Fantastic experience with plenty available nearby and an amazingly friendly staff who were very helpful!

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.

This is more a motel than a hotel. Stayed here for one night as part of a road trip around Northern California and was very disappointed with the quality of the room. We stayed in one of the biggest rooms with 2 queens, and while we had a large deck with great views of the ocean, the room was extremely dated with lots of wear and tear. The carpet was heavily stained, there were cobwebs in the corner and there were some clothes in the wardrobe! We were glad to be only spending 1 night here!

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