check the winecountry.com message board (it's located under the "connect" heading). Click the Mendocino link for some comments on Fools Rush Inn. (sorry I'm not good at attaching links)

You might be happier a little further up the road in Ft. Bragg somewhere like the Shoreline Cottages.

You might check out Pine Beach Inn (between Mendocino and Fort Bragg on Hwy 1. . . just up the road from Fools Rush Inn). I've been staying there for years. It's situated on 12 acres of land with it's own private beach. There's also a Mexican restaurant on the premises. The rooms aren't going to remind you of the Ritz, but they're big and clean.

Not sure when you'll be traveling, but prices are lower during the week and in the off-season (I believe Nov-May). I stayed there for a week before the Xmas holidays and got a great rate. . . so check with them and ask for the off-season rate (the "Whaler Rooms" are the least expensive).

Here's the web site:

www.pinebeachinn.com

Have fun and enjoy where ever you stay. . . .

I suggest looking in Fort Bragg. I've never seen anyplace in or near Mendocino for the rates you seek. It might be challenging even in Fort bragg.

I have just found a lodge in Mendocino for $82.50 per night plus tax in May. Their website is www.riversrunlodge.com. We are also looking for decent lodging for under $100 and it has been difficult! I always trust the reviews of TA and they have saved us from a disastrous trip many times!

Fools Rush Inn has great individual cottages. Kitchenette, separate living room and bedroom. They are extremely inexpensive. We don't stay there anymore since we have dogs, but that used to be our only place.

Other great place that takes dogs is the Cleone Gardens Inn. It's on the other side of Ft. Bragg, but close to downtown.

LOVESF: River Run in Leggett is actually not in Mendocino - it's approximately 2 hours away.

You mentioned Cleone Gardens Inn as a great place - can you elaborate a little? We've booked rooms there and I haven't heard alot.

Iwishgrrl:

We stay at Cleone now because they our dogs stay there. Cleone is not on the ocean, it feels like more of a forest setting, but you are very close to the beach. Cleone is inexpensive (although the last time I stayed there, which was after my last post, the rates did go up, but still very reasonable - don't trust the website - it is not updated re: price, but check it out cleonegardensinn.com for room descriptions). Not the Ritz, but a clean place to stay on the cheap!

cajoelle

Thanks so much for the info. I was able to see our rooms on the website and everything looked clean. It's reassuring to talk to someone who's actually stayed there though. Many thanks.

I think this place changed hands. We just stayed there, and the new owners told us a few stories about the last owner! Sounds like quite a character. Anyway, they now allow pets in 2 of the units, and the place is still a bargain. They did raise rates, but we stayed in Farallon for $129/night, and is is a real nice place. Great views, fireplace, kitchen. The landscaping needs some help, but the new owner said they are working on that.

This property is under new ownership and has been completely renovated. I just stayed there with my husband. It is gogeuous. Check out their website www.cottagesatlittlerivercove.com/index.php