Olema House

"Give us a quick overview. Just minutes away from the rugged shoreline of Point Reyes National Seashore is one of Northern California's treasures - a boutique hotel with peaceful, rustic-chic rooms nestled over a bubbling brook. What's the backstory? It all starts with the lobby, a soaring two-story space with pitched ceilings and a dramatic starburst chandelier. Natural materials like reclaimed wood and sea-blue design touches draw on Olema's inherent one-of-a-kind characteristics. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? There are only twenty-two rooms and two cabins on site, so it never feels overly busy here or loses its boutique charm. Entry level rooms come with generous picture windows overlooking the woods or the neighboring creek, providing a great sense of appreciation for the outdoors, even when you're in bed. Other design highlights include stone fireplaces, down comforters and pillows, and radiant heat warmed floors. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? Wi-Fi is free and fast. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? Thanks to the proximity to Sonoma and Napa counties, food and drink are taken very seriously at Due West, the house restaurant. Pretty much everything comes from right near the hotel, including meats and dairy from Point Reyes ranches, produce from Bolinas farms, oysters from Tomales bay, and of course, a great range of California wines. Obviously the menu rotates with the seasons, but recurring favorites include the heirloom tomato panzanella, and the petrale Sole made with summer squash and brown butter Yukon potato mash. Even by California standards, the food here is fantastic. And the service? Expect to rely heavily on the staff here for their suggestions - they're happy to oblige. If it's outdoor adventure you're after, they can guide you to hiking trails that leave from the back door of the hotel, or suggest something more challenging along Point Reyes. If you're keen to soak up some local culture, ask the hotel staff to organize a a visit to any of the local artist studios or - because this is California, after all - crystal shops. There's so much to do here, and the best way to unlock it all is to enlist the hotel's knowledgeable staff to guide the way. What type of travelers will you find here? There's a sense of mystery to this part of California - you never know who you might bump into. Due to its location just one hour north of San Francisco, there are a number of tech industry folk who seek weekend respite here. It's also a pitstop for roadtrippers on their way up and down the California coast. There are earthy-crunchy types, flower power hippies and crystal-loving vegans. You know the drill. What about the neighborhood? How does the hotel fit in? The hotel is right on Route 1 just two miles from Point Reyes Station, an adorable town with a a cheese shop, a dive bar, a thrift shop, and not much else. Is there anything you'd change? It would be great if the hotel were set just a little bit further back from the street. It would feel less like a quirky motor lodge and more like the placid forest retreat it's trying to be. Any other hotel features worth noting? The hotel goes to lengths to really immerse itself in the local community. The front desk is a great resource if you're looking for the best vintage shop in the area, or the best place to ride a horse, or the best place to go for a meditation class. That's the good thing about being in California - everything is at your fingertips. Bottom line: Why are we choosing Olema House? It's a pricy take on the classic California motor lodge, but the hotel does a good job at providing comfortable rooms with a strong sense of place." - Todd Plummer