We stayed at the Whitegate Inn, in the Abigale Suite. Innkeepers were informative,everything was immaculate and shining. Decor was outstanding, the view heartstopping, the food comforting. What a wonderful experience.

You know that old saw about spending a weekend at a B&B in a beautiful little seaside town with your new love? When your friends ask what you saw, you answer, “I think I remember it was a pretty room.” Love is what matters in that joining of Inn, village, and romance. But even my heart’s joy (and, indeed, he is) couldn’t keep me from the pleasures of the room, the parlor, the gardens, the meals, and the people of the Whitegate Inn ...and Mendocino itself.

My boyfriend and I spent a beautiful February weekend in Mendocino, very much made magical by the people of the Whitegate. They were attentive, warm, thoughtful hosts throughout our stay, even making our dinner reservations and alerting the staff at the restaurant in Fort Bragg that we would need directions to the Symphony of the Redwoods’ Winter Concert. (By the way, as an English teacher, I could write endless purple prose on how much I recommend Fort Bragg’s symphony, as well. It’s a second, bonus prize in your Mendocino Cracker Jack. )

The Whitegate Inn itself is an old-world Lady with new titanium hips. It is a little weathered, as it should be, and very well-tended by its keepers. Just a block from the main street, the Inn is tucked among other charming homes and inns, but also looks out on the coastline and offers lovely gardens for ladybug viewing.

Our room offered a comfortable feather bed, fireplace, private bath with claw-foot tub, and (I did say titanium hips, yes?) quick and ready hot water, which is no small feat for the second story of an old home. From the scroll-work on the hall walls and bedroom ceilings to the eye-surprises everywhere, from the gourmet breakfasts to the gracious innkeepers, the Whitegate embodied the B&B experience for us.

We have been to perhaps a dozen B&Bs over the years – this is the best so far. We had the Cypress room – very attractive and comfortable. Good bathroom with a somewhat strange Jacuzzi bathtub. (Also, contrary to the Whitegate’s web-site, the view is mostly streetscape, see a bit of the ocean only if you are sitting just right; but we did enjoy sitting at the big window, and looking up from a book now and then.)

Nice garden and dog, tasty wine and snacks in evening, excellent breakfasts in a communal setting. Owner and staff were helpful. Good location - in town, near the main shopping -- half block from Café Beaujolais (went twice it was so good).

Overall, this is a charming place in an attractive town. Would return without question!

I was suddenly single two days before Christmas. My "boyfriend" & I had reservations at the White Gate Inn for 12/24 & 12/25. Thankfully, I had paid with my credit card, and so the time was mine to spend. My pooch & I headed up from San Francisco, with the knowledge that Richard (generous owner/innkeep) had "upgraded" my reservation to a room with a fireplace & deep clawfoot tub for me to (as he put it...) "drown (my) sorrows in." I had a wonderful time & will definitely treat myself to future stays at the White Gate Inn/B&B.