We stayed here for a weekend in June. Sharing what we loved and what we didn't... First the location is excellent - it is walkable to downtown Guerneville, which opens up more food options including the amazing Boon restaurant, which we loved so much we had two dinners in a row there. The grounds at Dawn Ranch are also vast with lots of room for pups to run around and for humans to explore. There are 2 pools and direct access to the river, where they also provide kayaks, floaties and beach chairs. There are also 2 food establishments onsite: one offering casual grill items near the pool and the other formal restaurant/bar at the lodge. Overall, the shared space is nicely imagined and used. The only exception is the horrendously narrow parking spots and claustrophobically small cabins. Both still give me anxiety on reflection and are annoying enough that makes me question whether I'd return. The establishment is dog friendly but only certain smaller cabins accept pets so you will be relegated to Sycamore if you bring your pup. They tried to make the cabins nice/luxe with Parachute linens and Frette towels but the Sycamore is just too small, dark and narrow so I found it hard to relax as I was constantly banging my knees on furniture or balancing items on the tiny surfaces for the few pieces of furniture that fit into the room. Comparatively other glamping options like Autocamp, Wild Haven, Mendocino Grove have more space and light so it felt less claustrophobic. This cabin size constraint is the only reason I wouldn't stay again. The other watch point is that Dawn Ranch also hosted a lot of families during our stay so expect screaming children at the pool and picnic areas, especially during summer stays. Since most of the Instagram reels presents Dawn Ranch as relaxing and romantic, it's important to know the vibe can vary. It's such a large property, it would have been nice to have quiet, adult areas instead of having to use earplugs to avoid the gaggles of children. On the other hand, if you have children or dogs, expect them to find themselves companions while on site! We also enjoyed the daily wellness experiences, such as free s'mores at night, crafting activities, journaling, colored sketching, and river activities. Forest bathing was canceled the weekend we were present.. anyhow lots to do on the resort as well as nearby. read more

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My favorite place, truly. There's nothing quite as magical as staying in a place that is so peaceful, allows you to disconnect, has amazing food onsite, and a stellar spa for ultimate relaxation. I've been here at least 4 times now, and each time I leave feeling restored, and with so many wonderful memories. My one drawback is that they've recently changed their restaurant to be a 12 course tasting menu whereas before it was à la carte. So this last visit we opted to dine in Healdsburg for dinner instead. I understand the desire to elevate the experience but I wish they would consider having à la carte with the option of opting in for a tasting menu. read more

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Dawn Ranch is a dreamy getaway in the redwoods. My boyfriend and I spent our anniversary/my birthday weekend here a few weeks ago. I felt right at home. The grounds are gorgeous and we immediately explored the space after settling in. Great outdoor spaces for events -- we saw a 40th birthday party during our roam. There's also a garden, pool, hot tub and access point to the Russian River. Take advantage of the complimentary s'mores and wine during happy hour! We initially reserved a tent for glamping, then paid for an upgrade to a Roadside Cabin. When we first got into our room, we found ants on our bed. Sam at the front desk explained that they've been dealing with an ant problem since the recent rains and happily upgraded us to a Redwood Cabin. It was way more spacious! Also came with a patio and mini living room with a couch that offered a beautiful view of the redwoods. The restaurant is a cozy space, I could curl up and read a book in here! (That's also true for most of the grounds.) We had breakfast both mornings we were here. Each guest can order both a juice and a coffee. You can tell their orange juice is freshly squeezed. I usually don't prefer pulp, but I actually didn't mind it here. I ordered the egg toast w/ avocado and salmon toast, while my boyfriend got the classic breakfast (eggs, toast, bacon) and burger. All simple, yet delicious! I reserved a morning yoga class during our stay. The instructor was great and the routine felt accessible to all levels. Going into the trip, I thought the class would be outdoors, but was in an outdoor tent that's used in between seasons. Not quite the environment I expected, but it was still peaceful. Parking at the main lot can get full fast. They have another lot nearby that is a little farther down, but there are paths that take you to the bungalows, cabins and tents. Also appreciated the metal wagons where guests can load their luggage and wheel it to their room. A weekend wasn't enough, I hope to come back to Dawn Ranch and take advantage of more amenities! read more

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I really love Dawn Ranch--the grounds are beautiful, peaceful, and it's one of my favorite places to get away. Unfortunately, the front desk experience has been disappointing enough that it's affecting my overall impression. This is not an inexpensive property. Dawn Ranch charges premium rates, so I expected the level of hospitality and customer service to match. Sadly, that wasn't my experience. The check-in and check-out times also feel particularly guest-unfriendly. Check-in is quite late, while check-out is as early as 10 or 11 a.m. (depending on the reservation), leaving very little time to enjoy the property. On both of my stays, I requested just a one-hour late checkout, but it was denied. During my most recent stay, the front desk agent appeared to "check" whether a later checkout was possible, but it didn't feel genuine. This was the second time this has happened--the first was during my stay in June. On that visit, I was told my room couldn't be extended because another guest was checking in, even though I had inquired just a few hours earlier about extending my stay and was told the room was still available. That left me questioning whether I was being given accurate information. The front desk staff also weren't particularly accommodating during check-in. I waited about two hours for my room and checked several times to see if it was ready. No one offered a place to relax, a drink, or any gesture to make the wait more comfortable. I also found the $150 pet fee difficult to justify. When I asked what amenities were included for that fee, the front desk agent paused before saying "nothing," then followed up with, "We have water bowls." For such a substantial pet fee, I expected at least a more thoughtful explanation or some pet-friendly amenities. Ironically, the friendliest and most helpful staff I encountered were the team down by the river helping guests with the kayaks. They were genuinely welcoming, helpful, and seemed happy to be there. Their hospitality was exactly what I expected throughout the resort. I genuinely enjoy staying at Dawn Ranch and would gladly return because the property itself is wonderful. However, the front desk experience has been consistently lacking in warmth, flexibility, and customer service. At this price point, guests should receive service that reflects the premium rates being charged. I hope management invests more in hospitality training because the resort deserves service that matches the beauty of the property. read more

I recently treated my girlfriend to a birthday spa experience at Dawn Ranch Spa, and it was truly one of the most relaxing and memorable experiences we've shared. We booked their Bathing Rituals, which felt like a beautiful, intentional communion with water. The handcrafted redwood soaking tubs, inspired by the Japanese Ofuro tradition, created such a calming and grounding atmosphere. The entire experience felt both therapeutic and restorative as well as physically and emotionally. We loved learning how the different temperatures serve different purposes, from stimulating and detoxifying with hot water to deeply relaxing with warm soaks, and refreshing with cooler rinses. The soaking tub itself was definitely the highlight so it was peaceful, private, and incredibly soothing. I would come back for that alone. The staff was so accommodating and thoughtful throughout our visit. We appreciated the little touches like the snacks and tea, and they even offered natural relaxing drops you place on the tongue that helped create an even deeper sense of ease. Everything about the experience felt intentional and elevated. I would absolutely do this again in a heartbeat. read more

Dawn Ranch - Hotels Near Me - Guerneville, California

Dawn Ranch was the highlight of our Summer. We absolutely loved all the activities and abundance of things to do here! Right off the Sonoma Coast, we spent the morning along the coast and then drove along the Russian River to explore Guerneville before checking in. My partner and I had THE BEST time here! Reasons why you should check this place out: - Fantastic location, right on the river - Kayaks and tubes are available during the summertime AND there are staff to help you get the kayaks out in the water (they have the cutest little dock) - The space is BEAUTIFUL - FREE S'MORES! - We just really loved the summer camp vibe it was giving off (if you have bags you get a little cart to wheel them in on) - Different accommodations options depending on what your looking for (glamping, cabins, cottages, bungalows) Overall such a fantastic summer spot!!! read more

Dawn Ranch - Little bumblebee taking a nap in their gardens! - Hotels Near Me - Guerneville, California

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Chefs tasting menu was delicious, the waygu picanha was the best piece of beef I've ever had. Fantastic experience. read more

Dawn Ranch - Tasting menu - Hotels Near Me - Guerneville, California

Upon walking up to my cabin the door was open (outside bugs making their way in-forest area), I am like " ok... I camp, that's fine". Then the nightmare began: Walking in- my sink was covered in red stains (wine vs. blood, hoping for wine). All the glasses were used with wine or blood stains (hoping for wine), random bottle cap on top of bed board, toiletries not available, one toiletry left open and used, flat iron on a side table, cabinets wide open... this is a real review, this is not made up - Please look at my photos. I am an average guest planning a special surprise birthday weekend for my partner at an advertised above average establishment. For my fellow American Express holders, this hotel was on the recommended list of "Fine Hotels", ha! Not a fine hotel lol, there was NO early check-in and NO room upgrade with abysmal costumer service experience upon check in. Amex had never steered me wrong until now. I first asked to talk to a supervisor, I was told nobody was available. Once I came back to front desk from my filthy room, a supervisor was "found" but he expressed no apology, no accountability for the situation and it was almost as if it was my fault I walked into a disheveled room that they gave me keys to!!! How is this possible ?! We requested an immediate refund as there is no way I will stay at this hotel. There was no apology or "hey, let me get you guys a different room I know this was a very special weekend, how can we make it better?", NOTHING. Look, I have stayed at a variety of accommodations from camping in a tent in the middle of nowhere to stunning properties and this is by far the worst experience I have ever had. I am posting this so my fellow travelers can avoid this ostentatious "farm chic" wannabe. You wish! I also do NOT recommend their restaurant, we had reservations for all our nights, about $600 a pop each night... once I experienced the substandard check-in (before I saw our nasty room) and after observing the restaurant was quite dirty- toilet paper on the bathroom floor, unclean tables, stained carpets/furniture, I decided to cancel our reservations as I had a very strong intuitive feeling the food and most importantly "the experience"would also be subpar. Well, I did not get to try the food (thankfully) BUT it took me 20 min to get assistance from unenthusiastic staff in an empty high end restaurant... that speaks for itself. read more

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What a wonderful jewel nestled amongst the red woods it's beautiful. The grounds are lovely and the ambience is a beautiful setting and service . This was truly an experience and we enjoyed all of the delicious tastings and lovely wine recommendation. read more

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Dawn Ranch in Guerneville offers a unique getaway nestled among towering sequoia trees and right alongside the tranquil Russian River. The setting is undeniably beautiful--lush meadows, dappled sunlight through the redwoods, and the gentle sounds of the river make it an idyllic escape from city life. Lodging Options & Glamping Review: Dawn Ranch has a variety of accommodations, from cozy cabins and stylish bungalows to glamping tents. We opted for the glamping experience, and there were definite pros and cons. On the plus side, the glamping tents are attractively priced compared to other lodging options on the property. The shared bath house was impressively clean, with hot water showers and luxurious Le Labo amenities that added a touch of indulgence. The bed inside the tent was surprisingly comfortable, making for a restful night's sleep (as long as you can tune out the background noise--more on that below). However, there were some drawbacks. Unlike other glamping experiences I've had, there was no space heater in the tent, which made for a chilly night. There were also no charging plugs available in the tents, so plan ahead if you need to keep devices powered. A major negative was the presence of ants around the meadows--something to be aware of if you're sensitive to bugs or plan to spend a lot of time outside your tent. Another consideration: parking is only available up front, so you'll need to haul your luggage to your cabin or tent using provided carts. This isn't a huge deal, but it's worth knowing, especially if you're arriving late or have a lot to carry. Also, since the restaurant is open to non-resort guests, parking can fill up around dinner time. If you leave the property in the evening, you might find yourself circling for a spot when you return. Dining at The Lodge at Dawn Ranch: Dining at the Lodge was a highlight in terms of service and creativity. The Brazilian-themed menu was a delightful surprise, with the chef skillfully blending local Sonoma ingredients with bold flavors and textures that brought back memories of my travels in Rio. Each dish was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented. That said, the cost of dining at the Lodge felt steep for what was offered--the value just didn't quite match the price point. But the friendly and attentive service staff went above and beyond to make the meal memorable, which helped balance out the experience. Other Considerations: One thing that detracted from the glamping experience was the constant hum of generators throughout the night. Instead of the peaceful sounds of nature I was hoping for, the mechanical noise made it difficult to fully relax and enjoy the setting. Overall: Dawn Ranch is worth experiencing for the stunning location and unique lodging options, but there are areas for improvement--especially for glamping guests. If you're looking for a serene, nature-immersed stay with all the comforts, you may want to explore other options under the Mr. and Mrs. Smith or World of Hyatt programs. Dawn Ranch has its charms, but with a few tweaks, it could be a truly exceptional retreat. read more

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Service - 5/5 Ambiance - 5/5 Activities- 5/5 Food - 5/5 Wow! I'm so impressed by this hotel. Staff members were so kind and accommodating. HUGE shoutout to: - Jenny (forest bathing guide) - Jahnyha (spa) - Genaro, Jenn, Ryan (cafe) - Jason (reception) - Vinyasa yoga instructor (didn't catch her name) Food: - Arrived on a Thursday and dined at the restaurant. We were throughly impressed with the food quality here. Ordered everything from drinks to desserts here and everything we ate was fresh and delicious. We also had the breakfast package and every morning I looked forward to the perfectly scrambled eggs, sausage and toast. Spa: - I'd highly recommend enjoying a spa treatment if staying here. My husband and I got a couples massage and both therapists were good. The highlight for me was the steam room, sauna and relaxing seating area with books about local history and nature. Yoga: Yes yes yes. My only complaint is that I wish this was offered daily and at different hours. I felt rejuvenated after the session. Forest Bathing: The guide, Jenny, is an expert and passionate about the art and practice. So grateful to have experienced this session. It moved me and reminded me of the importance of using all senses when appreciating nature. Hotel Room: - Tight, but cozy. Le Labo toiletries was a plus. Also liked having a deck. Reception staff was great at using text for communication throughout the stay. Dog friendly: - My husband and I brought our 20lb pup, Otis. He LOVED the nature here but especially how much attention he received from staff and guests alike. Would highly recommend for dog owners. read more

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Here after one night and it's definitely a horrible experience. Whatever you do - do not bring very young children here. There's literally nothing for them to eat!! The lodge restaurant is inappropriate for kids and well that's it. There's no room service and their boathouse restaurant is NOT a restaurant. Think stand at a little league game but even worse- they don't start serving any hot food until 4 if you are lucky. Everyone working here seems like it's their first day on the job and you will hear different things if you ask the same question from different people. The amenities suck no idea how this place has 4 stars. Cleaning service only replaces your towels and they only give you one toilet paper roll lol. If your sheets are dirty they don't even change them! I'm fuming about paying $800 a night for this. We are also across the highway for some reason which is super fast and dangerous so you have to drive the kids across to do anything. Their marketing team is great because the website makes this place look picturesque but luxury it is not. read more

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Love the food and the spa services : massage, facials and redwood soak. Didn't love the room and location next to a busy road. Would come back to use their services and restaurant but not to stay. read more

Good hotel for a road trip. I recommend booking a room away from the road. Really enjoyed our breakfast here. The rooms are small but it's great for a one or two night road-trip stop. read more

stayed a couple nights to celebrate my birthday. food was AMAZING, service was phenomenal, and the grounds are just so pretty. all of their food is so fresh and there wasn't anything that we tried that we didn't like. their homemade sourdough is to die for. they have a lot of food options for people with food allergies and dietary restrictions. the grounds are so beautiful and peaceful. they have so many fun activities. be sure to check out the river access and rent kayaks or inner tubes to relax on the river. the spa was also super nice and relaxing as well. we did a couples massage and it was much needed. they also had a meditation sound bath that we attended as well. highly recommend!! we will definitely be back read more

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Very disappointed, after using pool and hot tub got pretty bad chemical skin burn in several spots, which appeared immediately after use, stuff didn't seem to care. read more

Dawn Ranch - Hotels Near Me - Guerneville, California

Highly recommend to stop by to grab a massage from Elise. She was the Absolute BEST. THE SPA has a steam room and infrared hot sauna. The staff was very friendly and helpful. I recall Heather and Natalie if I'm not mistaken. read more

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Food: Amazing Service: Terrible with the exception of the bartender. Follows a lot of the reviews listed here. Party Size: 2 I haven't written a review in years but felt compelled to write one. We saw there were some open reservations on Monday night on OpenTable , I did not make one as we were 5 minutes down the road so we showed up around 6:30 PM. Manager in the pink shirt was not welcoming at all. Informed us our wait time would depend on if we would do the a la carte menu or the tasting menu. He said they had reservations and were quite busy (but why still have reservations on Open Table?). He stated if we were to do the tasting menu we would have to 30 MINUTES, IF THEY COULD ACCOMODATE US. So a restaurant that has such high prestige in the area cannot figure out if they can accommodate a party of 2? They have to wait to see how their kitchen is doing? We chose to wait at the bar for the next 30 minutes and ordered bread and some beverages. The bartender was very lively and nice. At NO point in the 30 minutes, did the manger even smile, glance at us, look at us or even provide an update and he passed us several times. Finally, the bartender had to go nudge the manager. By 7:00 PM the manager said they were too busy to accommodate for the tasting menu. There was no "I'm sorry, I tried to speak to the chef ". He basically stated, we could do a la carte or make a reservation of the tasting menu for another night. Because we were now hungry at this point, we stayed and ate off the a la carte menu. From that moment at NO point did he ever check in on us, ask us how our food was, interact with us or even say goodbye. There was no care. There was a table of four men sitting together and he graciously took his time to check on them several times to see how they were doing. All the while we watched the staff walk in and out of the kitchen with the manger not smiling with his own colleagues and having to direct them. There is no friendliness among the staff. With or without reservations we were still customers, and we still paid the bill. However, this manger was awful. Highly recommend going to River's Inn in Jenner, great service and owner you could see still working in the evening and interacting with his staff. read more

I'm bummed to be writing a negative review, because this is a beautiful property with a lot of potential. This review is specifically for the spa. I visited once before as a day guest and thought it was just okay, so I tried again a year later hoping for improvement. Unfortunately, it seems to have declined. First issue: communication. It's nearly impossible to get ahold of anyone. The spa closes at 4 PM, with the last appointment at 3 PM, and day guests aren't guaranteed access to spa amenities unless there's "availability" which they won't confirm until the day of your appointment. Access also costs $95. For context, the spa is tiny. It's very pretty, but it's not designed for privacy or for handling both resort guests and outside guests at once. That's a design limitation, not a moral failing, but the spa needs to decide what it is. Either serve resort guests or operate as a public spa. Trying to do both with this footprint just doesn't work. Some specifics for those who care about layout: the outdoor baths are on a public deck with minimal privacy, the infrared sauna is in a shared area and fits two people max, and the outdoor showers feel like an afterthought placed right in the walkway. The locker rooms are also small. On our first visit, one shower and the steam room were out of order. Finally, the service timing. Offering 50- and 80-minute treatments instead of standard 60 or 90 feels like nickel-and-diming, especially when you're charging $300+ and the actual hands-on time ends up closer to 70 minutes once everything gets started. For a spa with this much booking friction and limited infrastructure, it comes off as aspirational pricing without the operational support to match. All good information to have going in. read more

A Hidden Gem Surrounded by Nature What an amazing place! Even though the cabin space is small, everything is so thoughtfully designed and incredibly comfortable. The use of redwood throughout adds a warm, natural charm, and the landscaping is absolutely beautiful--perfectly maintained with plenty of cozy spots to sit, read, chat, or enjoy a meal outdoors. The on-site restaurant was a highlight. Every dish we tried was delicious, and our server, Jessica, made the experience truly unforgettable. Her warmth and attentiveness added a special touch to our visit. Although we visited in cooler weather, the pool area looks like it will be an absolute blast in the summer. Can't wait to come back when it's warm and enjoy everything this gem has to offer! read more

I came here two days in a row, excited to try a drink and some delicious food. both times there was a sign chalkboard that said closed for a private event. no details or anything, hence the returning the next day. both times, the check in staff was rude and dismissed me when i popped my head in to confirm the restaurant was closed (it's a bit confusing if you're never been to the property). definitely snooty, in my experience, and a total bummer they didn't update hours online for multiple days (apparently also closed tomorrow) and a super bummer for this mama who rarely gets away. read more

My husband and I brought our dog here for a get away . The cabins were cute . The restaurant was amazing for breakfast and dinner . My dog enjoyed staying and meeting other dogs . The staff were friendly and helpful . We enjoyed the wine tasting . read more

I had such a lovely long weekend staying in a 2 bed/2 bath cabin with my BFF for our bday weekend. Our cabin was quaint, nestled in the trees of beautiful grounds. The living area could have used some more comfortable seating but we didn't spend much time in there in the end. We had massages and really enjoyed lounging in the spa. We took advantage of the steam room and sat outside drinking our cocktails and having some snacks. The grounds of the ranch of really beautiful. We didn't get to use a lot of it due to a wedding happening while we were there, but there were river activities, firepits and outdoor lounge seating. We paid for breakfast to be included which really only makes sense on certain days of the week. They don't offer a full breakfast every day and some days its just coffees/tea etc.. and pastries. The ranch is situated within walking distance to town and restaurants and shops. The Armstrong redwoods are also close by and we hiked through that amazing wonder. I loved this spot and would happily come back! read more

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I'm at the hotel and I am already leaving a 1 star review. Teach M. Don't even try to fix this. Your team is terrible, front office staff is arrogant and condescending. I called earlier in the week and your staff said I'd be ok with a late check out. I show up and it's the absolute opposite, charging me a late check out... and even different prices based on time - ranging for $100-$200 based on time of day (isn't this back charging? Pretty sure that's illegal in state of CA). Specially I asked for a late checkout since I had a 9 AM massage appointment. The front desk staff still expected me to be out of my room whilst at my spa appointment... in the middle of my massage. Canceled that massage immediately! But ruined my entire anniversary experience- wouldn't it ruin yours? I can't believe happy weddings take place at your hotel, it's a heartbreaker of a spot. Also, bare minimum supplies in rooms. No q tips, towels, or even shampoo. You didn't have a wine opener in my room. This isn't a luxury hotel, motels have better service and at least humanity. Quality is same of an hourly roadside. read more

Long story short, there was a significant change in our reservation that we were not told about until check-in. Unfortunately their "upgraded" option did not meet what we were hoping for - but within a short time they made up for it and were able to move us into a much more comparable cabin. Liberty and Teach were both incredibly apologetic and understanding of how frustrated we initially were, and offered some extras to repair the mix-up. Customer service is key, even when significant mistakes are made, it can change the entire experience... it went from 1 to 5 stars all because of how quickly, appropriately, and kindly Liberty and Teach responded. Thank YOU both for ensuring my bday stay happened as planned! To add... the beds are comfy, cabins are impeccably clean with cute little extras, bathroom products are lovely, and the grounds are lush and serene. So glad we truly felt taken care of - we look forward to coming back! read more

Loved my experience here. First off, it's a great location. You're basically in downtown and also a 5-10 min drive from great hiking trails. We stayed in a cabin and everything was spotless. Their AC and heating system worked great! We enjoyed their restaurant for drinks, breakfast, and lunch. Erik our bartender was very knowledgeable about his craft and entertaining. The rooms/cabins can get expensive but you feel really far away from home, perfect little staycation area. The spa was also another benefit of staying here. You can literally stay here for two days and not have to leave their grounds. Also, they text you so you practically have concierge one message away. They also give you free access to things like binoculars, bikes, picnic blankets, and nightly items to make smores. A lot of people also brought their dogs, so the whole facility are dog friendly. read more

We stayed from Mon - Weds in April so the Lodge wasn't open for dinner, although the lounge was open and most of the restaurants nearby wasn't open as well but we still thoroghly enjoyed our stay. We stayed in a Redwood Chalet and it was great. No TV so get ready to get unplugged. They had complimentary smores kits in the evenings, yoga mats, bikes, yoga and the amazing smelling Santal 33 soap in the rooms. There is a Safeway conveniently next door. With most restaurants not open it was nice that there was a Mexican and Indian food truck a short walk away. We took a short drive to Rivers End in Jenner for dinner one night. The Armstrong Redwoods was a quick drive away which was very kid friendly we took our 3 year old and he loved it. Lunch at the near by Korbel deli was also good. The Lodge does serve breakfast and there's only a few items on the menu but everything we had was very good. The croissant was flaky and buttery. The sausage, eggs, toast and potatoes dish was very basic but also very good. The sourdough bread that came with it was so yummy. read more

We stayed here for a wedding weekend and it was fabulous. Rooms are small but charming and perfect and location is excellent. Access to spa and restaurant is great bc they are great! read more

Maybe cute and all but bad service. I'm only talking about the restaurant. I haven't stayed there so I can't speak to that. On multiple occasions we have tried to eat there and we try to go and nobody responds to us or even welcome us even though they see us. Very cold. I can't recommend this spot. Many other great places to go in the river. I hope they get more professional staff. read more

We absolutely love the Russian River area, it's so woodsy and beautiful. Kayaking the river is an amazing adventure. There are excellent hikes in every direction and we especially love the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. There are a few cool shops and some great restaurants. If you visit the Russian River area like we do, you know that the accommodations can be hit or miss. There is nothing like Dawn Ranch, our new favorite place to stay in Guerneville. Dawn Ranch is a new luxury resort with tons of fantastic amenities like a full-service spa, saltwater swimming pool, kayaks and river tubes, yoga, an evening fire pit with s'mores, picnic blankets, and complimentary bicycles. The location could not be better, you can easily walk to Main Street with its great restaurants and funky shops and galleries, and bars yet, it's very secluded and private. We were able to check in a bit early and we headed directly to the spa. This rustic-luxe building looks like something out of a rustic interior design book. Beautiful finishes and fixtures and a very comfortable waiting lounge room area plus a shaded patio with lounge cushy chairs. We enjoyed the sauna and steam room before our really, really good massages. I saw pretty outdoor bathtubs -next time! Heidi and Shay were super professional and made sure we were relaxed. When I commented that I was sad to take off my butter-soft spa robe, she said I could walk to my room in it and borrow it for my stay. Ahh... We were surprised at how vast the grounds were. It's a huge property with a boat house (direct river access) a garden, an orchard, a meadow, glamping tents, small cottages around a shared "green" with lawn games and picnic tables, and Chalets, Cottages, one and two-bedroom Cottages, Cabins, Bungalows, plus, the Grove etc. Do your homework before you reserve your room because there is a wide variety. The Cabins are sweet but, petite and most of them are around the communal Green where there are lots of lawn games and picnic tables. This would be a great choice for a family reunion, wedding party, or girlfriend getaway but, it's not super private for a romantic quiet getaway. We love the Chalets for more peace, elbow room, and privacy. Check out the map and pick a room away from the road and closer to the creek for a more tranquil vibe. We stayed for dinner one night and really loved the "Lodge at Dawn Ranch." It's quite upscale for Guerneville! The food was great, the service excellent and we loved the leafy patio with great outdoor furniture and they even had live music. We were excited to ride the bikes but, never did because we walked to everything! The staff was terrific, especially Carrie at the front desk. We're already planning our next visit. read more

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Everything about my stay was perfect. I wanted a serene relaxing weekend and that is exactly what I got. The beautiful setting in the trees was amazing.The spa was so cozy and nourishing. The restaurant was incredible! If you are looking for a getaway on your own or with your partner or girlfriends this is the perfect place. read more

I had an exceptional stay here at the Dawn Ranch for an event I was attending (Lazy Bear)! Transparently, I did have a slight issue at checkin but it was a system issue from the third party vendor I booked through regarding the room type. Dawn ranch was really under no obligation to help correct the issue, but went above and beyond to make sure I had a great stay here. The property is absolutely stunning. Loved the orchard, gardens, and direct river access. Pictures don't do the place justice. It's super serene and majestic. Also the restaurant was the best dining experience I had on my stay here in Guerneville. If you go, definitely get the fresh sourdough bread. Living in San Francisco I have pretty high expectations here but I was blown away! So good! Finally, shoutout to the staff for making my stay so great. The front desk staff was really exceptional. You could tell they were super busy for the event that weekend but were able to handle the situation professionally and with great friendly attitudes! Shout out to our server Tate at the restaurant as well. She was super personable and did a great job recommending drinks and dishes. I would definitely recommend giving this place a chance and will be back next year! read more

Definitely a not worth almost $400 a night!! and all the other reviews of people being unhappy is the more reasons not to go too bad. I grew up in Forestville and love visiting, but not this place. read more

This review is tough for me because there are high highs, but disappointing lows. My wife and I visited for the first time in the fall of 2023 and had a wonderful time. We stayed in the glamping tent and had a wonderful experience. However, the trip that we are currently on has soured our opinion of Dawn Ranch. I WANT to love this place, but at this point, I'm not sure that it's worth the price. For our current trip, my wife and I took our 11 year old kid with us. We booked the Fern Cottage which is $467/night. Our first disappointment came when we checked in and we're told that our cabin was across the highway and we would need to drive to get there. It's a minor annoyance, but already not what we thought we were signing up for. We expected to be on the main campus where we could easily walk around. Then, when we got to our cottage, there was no available parking nearby. We had to park on the highway (quite busy and in the rain), and had to lug our suitcases up to the cottage. Keep in mind - there IS parking right in front of each cottage but for whatever reason, they aren't assigned so anyone can park anywhere. Seems like each cottage should have designated parking. The cottage itself is cute, although the living room furniture is so tiny and uncomfortable that it renders the living room useless. We had planned to spend time in that room playing games and stuff, but it was so uncomfortable that we haven't. Also, the great fireplace they advertise online doesn't even work! It's for "decor only". We had booked this cottage for a family "staycation" and were planning on cozying up by the fireplace as it's due to rain most of our trip. We won't have the opportunity to do that, which is literally why we booked the cabin. Then, we had dinner reservations at The Lodge. We had to drive over and upon arrival, there was no available parking! I went into the lobby and was essentially told "it is what it is". (AGAIN, we are paying $500 night to be told to go park on the rainy and dark highway. We ended up finding a spot that may or may not have been a parking spot, but was a dicey place to leave the car. Dinner at The Lodge was pleasant. Try the scallops, they are delicious! After dinner, we drove back to our cabin and *surprise surprise* NO PARKING. Meanwhile, it's fully raining and we have our kid with us. After driving around for a bit, we finally decided to illegally park in a handicapped spot so that we could get into our room for the evening. If we have a ticket tomorrow, I will be escalating this to management because this is ridiculous. This was my last straw. For $500/ night, I expect to at least have parking available to me. Especially when we are also spending $300 on dinner. I also expect for the couch to be built for adult humans, not toddlers. Our second night here, my wife and I went to take a hot shower and within 6 minutes the hot water was gone and we were left with an ice cold shower. FOR $500/NIGHT. WHAT THE HELL?!? I hate to leave this review because every single staff member has been so pleasant, and as a gay person, I really want to love and support this place, which was the first gay resort in Guerneville. The owner, Teach, was so wonderful to speak with and we really want to be big fans...But they need to either step it up in their services, or lower their prices...because the basic offerings (at high prices) are lackluster. That said: the beds are SO comfortable, and it really is a beautiful property. The restaurant is lovely and the people are all warm and friendly. It's got a great aesthetic, and we really enjoyed the glamping tent to unplug for a weekend. Unfortunately, the amenities in the cottages don't justify the "luxury" price tag. This experience has put a sour taste in our mouths and we likely won't be back, which sucks because we love the area and the *idea* of the place! If Dawn Ranch is able to step up their hospitality services to match the price, and upgrades their couches, perhaps we will be back!! Update: we had Breakfast at The Lodge this morning and it was just fine. They did forget to bring us part of our order though. Again, for these prices, the service and offerings don't cut it Update 2: After seeing our review, the general manager, Teach, stopped by our cabin to apologize. He is very kind so I wanted to make sure to shout him out! The staff here are great and we don't have any complaints about them personally. This review isn't at all a reflection of how friendly the staff are. Teach explained that the parking issue was due to employees from the neighboring restaurant used the hotel parking lot which takes up spaces from guests....and that it *could* happen again. To our point - this is why dedicated parking spaces would make a lot more sense. He did give us a credit for breakfast which was kind. But this doesn't fix the myriad of other issues, including lack of hot water. read more

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Yelp has a max and min word limit so the review is in the screenshots (see captions in images for ordering) but to satisfy the min word limit I've put the first few paragraphs below: "My girlfriend and I had been here back in October 2023 and fell in love with Dawn Ranch. Since then, I think I've preached to at least 50+ people how it is almost mandatory that they visit. However after we visited again for our anniversary last weekend, we experienced one too many signals that this place is on a not-so-good trajectory. Trust me, we're the first ones to be sad about it. Now, none of these experiences alone warrant a 2-star review. It's the combination of them over a span of 2 days that really got to us. Here they are:" read more

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I don't like leaving crummy reviews and I wasn't going to but given the cost of staying at DR and the disappointment we had , I felt compelled. I'll start with the positives. The food at the restaurant is legit. And the grounds are nice. The front desk staff seemed flat out annoyed every time we popped in, including check in. I've had more welcoming experiences at the DMV. Service at the restaurant was uneven at best. Has to track down the server to get our bill. We stayed in the most eastern cabin, which is close to enough to the Safeway next door which has a generator that goes off and on. Not ideal for sleep. And the property is right off the road which was a surprise. Lots of traffic so not so cozy in the redwoods. They have made a nice place here but unlikely we'd ever go back give the poor experience read more

If you are going to advertise on Insta to Millennials, get ready for our long-ass and honest Yelp reviews! The rooms and bathrooms are super TINY and CRAMPED like a NYC apartment so forget going to the redwoods and river for peace, calm and serenity. There is only room for ONE bed, not even a chair or table in the room. The heater was loud so didn't sleep well. The guided tour of the forest advertised as an activity for guests was actually provided by a volunteer park ranger, not the property. We didn't try the restaurant, but heard from another couple that the restaurant was overwhelmed and that they got their dinner comped because service was so slow. We kept receiving annoying email + text messages trying to upsell us for a room upgrade prior to check-in and late check-out during the stay :( read more

I came in for Easter and got the burger and Fries for 25 bucks. I was expecting something very tasty. The quality of the beef was good but other than that, I was not impressed with the flavors. The beef patty was very under seasoned, there was no sauce on the bun as I thought there was supposed to be. It was simply beef, bacon and cheese. The cheese didn't have much flavor either. I ordered a side of garlic aioli and even that was bland. Lastly the bun was soft but soaked up so much fat that the bottom bum was nearly as thin as a crepe. The fries were homemade and pretty tasty. The service and staff were very polite and attentive. Overall, I don't see myself going back based on this experience alone because at the end of the day, taste is what matters most at a restaurant and the flavors did not live up to the price point. read more

This review isn't easy to write, but if it saves even one couple the stress and heartache I went through, it's worth it. First, I want to acknowledge Alexandra at Dawn Ranch, who was the only person who truly cared about us and went above and beyond to save our wedding day. She was so helpful and deserves a raise for doing what no one else there seemed willing to do. But beyond Alexandra, I can't say much positive about our experience with Dawn Ranch. What should have been the happiest time of my life became 12 months of pure misery and constant regret over picking this venue. From the start, there were glaring red flags that I ignored because I fell in love with the location. It took weeks of emails and follow-ups just to get a response, and I had to call the property directly multiple times to get basic information and lock in our date. Communication was abysmal throughout the entire planning process. Staff turnover is a huge issue here--we were passed around to four different coordinators, each with zero background on our event and little willingness to help. Each time we met with a new person, it felt like starting over from scratch. No one seemed to care about our vision or even bothered to read up on our plans before meeting. Every question was met with indifference, and it felt like they were always guessing about policies or shrugging off our requests. Jesse, in particular, was unbelievably dismissive. When I introduced her to my father, it felt like we'd interrupted her day by simply being there - for a scheduled appointment. She was unprofessional, cold, and didn't even try to hide her disinterest. On top of that, the venue mishandled billing for our accommodations numerous times. They initially "forgot" to charge us, then months later, they realized they still needed to process it. When we checked in, they attempted to charge us a second time despite my showing proof of the first charge. Instead of correcting the error, they told us the wrong team charged us and that it would be kept as a "deposit" and that they couldn't remove it until checkout. Even though we'd paid for our stay in full 8 months prior. This was unprofessionally handled and honestly felt like they were just grasping at any excuse to get additional charges out of us. There was also constant confusion over what we could and couldn't do, which seemed to stem from a change in ownership or policies. It became clear that they didn't intend to honor the initial promises made to couples who'd booked under the previous terms. I had to involve the general manager just to ensure our day wouldn't be ruined by their internal disorganization. On the wedding day, my friends and family who were helping with setup reported receiving attitude from the staff. While they managed to "fake it" during the event itself, it was disheartening to know that even on the day of, they couldn't bring themselves to be courteous to my loved ones. What's even more telling is that I have a friend who got married here around the same time, and she's expressed she experienced the same mess--maybe even worse. Dawn Ranch is stunning, but they are absolutely not equipped to handle weddings professionally. I can't, in good faith, recommend this venue to anyone looking to celebrate a big moment. It's truly sad because the property has so much potential, but if you want to enjoy your engagement and have a stress-free wedding, avoid Dawn Ranch at all costs. read more

3 Stars - OK Stayed at Dawn Ranch during my most visit stay to Guerneville. The grounds are beautiful and well kept. Parking was included and there is plenty of spots. We stayed in a Redwood Cabin during our stay and our accomodations were very comfortable. The bed was clean and mattress was comfortable. The bathrooms lack a bit of ventilation and shower pressure could be stronger but it was great. HOUSEKEEPING - Definitly the highlight of the trip. These ladies work their behinds off and do it with a smile on their face. When we needed extra towels for the pool parties they always had some for us. MAKE SURE TO TIP YOUR HOUSEKEEPERS. Some inconsistencies with the text service, we requested ice one day and they brought it out to our cabin, the next day we asked for another bucket to be delivered and they requested we pick it up at The Lodge. Wifi is also included and worked well for us during our stay. Also, wish they had more trash receptacles through out the property. I has piling trash on our porch, thankfully housekeeping was removing it daily. I took off 1 Star for the RESORT FEE, I know amenities like swimming gear, bikes and other items are provided but I dont need any of them and I didn't use any of them. The other star I took off because on our last day while packing up. I picked up a someones mouth guard from under the bed thinking it was my husbands. IT WASNT. Will I be back, yes. I have reservations for next year. But if I find a comparable place at a better price I would cancel it, its not cheap. read more