Sitting right off of Highway 1, this property is owned by a friendly husband-wife team; the couple can often be found on the premises, especially during the free evening wine hour which they help to serve and during which guests socialize and take in the stunning ocean views from the patio. The inn largely attracts middle-aged couples in the area to explore quaint Mendocino Village; children are welcome, but there's not much for them to do here. Facilities are few (there's no pool or gym) and grounds are not expansive, but the views are -- thanks to Brewery Gulch’s hilltop location overlooking the ocean. 

Most of the activity here takes place in the lobby area, which also includes the dining room -- they are separated by a beautiful, large fireplace. Guests chat over the free breakfast, which includes a range of delicious hot entrees served a la carte, and also the free evening wine hour, which is more of a dinner buffet with numerous items; during our stay, bread, greens, Brussels sprouts, flank steak, orzo salad, and dessert were all served. Guests can also take their wine and plates out to the patio, which provides stunning sunset views. 

In Mendocino, Brewery Gulch Inn is technically within walking distance of Mendocino Village, where guests can find quaint shops, tasty restaurants, and numerous photo ops of the stunning coastal views. However, considering the general lack of pedestrian paths along Highway 1, and the many blindspots the winding road creates, it's best to hop in a car and drive the less than five minutes. Most local attractions are state parks; other points of interest include Kelley House Museum (three-minute drive from Brewery Gulch) and the Mendocino Art Center (four-minute drive).

The inn is not quite a two-and-a-half hour's drive south of California's famed Redwoods, and the Avenue of the Giants. It's just over a three-hour drive north of San Francisco.

Aside from a cottage down the road (that can only be booked through the hotel), the Brewery Gulch Inn has just one suite and ten rooms, each with a name inspired by the region; examples include Raven, Redwood, and Smuggler's Cove. Decor varies slightly in each, but all exude a warm, homey atmosphere with cozy, earth-toned accents like gas fireplaces, large leather arm chairs, and throw blankets that are as pretty as they are comfy. While the overall look can't quite be described as luxurious, it is attractive and suits the laid-back, Northern California vibe. Plus, the highlight in (almost) every room is the sweeping view of the Pacific from a small patio outfitted with a table and chairs. Rooms also come with large flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and Wi-Fi, although the connection (like cell service here) can be quite spotty.

Bathrooms are also spacious. Some have large shower/tub combos where the soaking tub is big enough for two, while others have a more traditional, smaller shower-and-bath. All come stocked with upscale toiletries and bathrobes. 

Note that there is no air-conditioning, although most find that it's not missed. The inn provides fans upon request.

There are few features here, and even the grounds don't consist of much beyond an outdoor patio -- but they feature stunning ocean views, which are more than enough for most of the guests here, who come for the scenery and laid-back vibe rather than a gym and a pool (both of which the inn lacks). The freebies are also significant; the inn serves daily breakfast (with delicious a la carte options delivered by a server -- guests can also request room service delivery) as well as a popular evening wine hour with substantial bites. Coffee, fruit-infused water, and treats like scones are left out all day as well. Wi-Fi is also free.

There is no spa, but in-room spa treatments can be arranged, and the friendly, knowledgeable staff can advise guests on various activities and noteworthy sights.