Highlands Resort

Such a beautiful and lovely little oasis! Whether you’re looking for an escape in nature, or to experience wine country this little resort in the trees is everything its make out to be! From the cabins to the amazing hospitality, I would 100% recommend the Highlands as your place to stay. Izzy at the front desk is such a doll with such a warm and friendly smile. Overall really enjoyed my stay and all the people who made it out to be so memorable.

Clean, simple, and restorative. Highlands is sited on the hill above the town so there is little, if any traffic or bar noise. The resort has everything that you need and nothing that you don't need (I would have liked a microwave in the cabin, but I enjoyed my stay, so I didn't NEED it) . I stayed mid week in August, so there were people around but folks were cool. Armstrong Redwoods State Park is close by. Salt Point State Park, a personal favorite, is about an hour away. Will plan my next trip.

Had the best time at the Highlands Resort! Jessie was an amazing host, and really went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed. The grounds are beautiful, and so close to the town action while having a little space away from the main drag to make it a peaceful gem among the redwoods. Awesome swimming pool to relax, lovely breakfast, and clean, charming rooms. Highly recommend!

I stayed at camp coyote for 4 days. I prefer the tent or glamping as I like the outdoor shower. I loved the daily brunch the owner prepared as what they serve is everything I liked such as yogurt , juice , banana bread. The tent was cozy despite the cold evenings as they provide extra blankets. Parking was easy . The pool was also my favorite . I want to come back. Very quiet place in general. Easy to find time to meditate or alone time.

Great stay at the Highlands. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and the whole atmosphere was very calming, peaceful, and chill, from the pool area to the fire pit. We appreciated the light breakfast (hard-boiled eggs, yogurt and granola, quick breads, etc.) and it is a quick walk to the main street of Guerneville. We stayed in the Garden Suite, which is attached to the main building and has a deck with a view of the pool area. The only thing to know is the gate to the pool area is right next to the deck, so you may hear people coming and going through it. This didn't bother us (pool is only open 9am-8pm so it wouldn't be happening during sleeping hours), but something to be aware of when considering this cabin.  We will definitely be back!

We've traveled to many places, but Highlands resort stands out as a particularly special place to stay. The staff is kind and friendly, the rooms are beautifully appointed, and there is something so comforting about staying in a hotel that is for the lgbtq community. We cannot wait to come back again and again.

We spent four amazing nights at this cool forest resort. The free breakfast is all farm to table organic fresh and we enjoyed relaxing by the lazy Russian River, including the local dining. We were just minutes away from the ||Armstrong Redwoods State Park, and many Sonoma Wineries.

What a charming spot! Wreally enjoyed our time here—the hosts were so sweet and welcoming. The space is thoughtfully curated with personal touches from the owner, which made it feel extra special. A delightful surprise that made our discovery trip of the area even more memorable.

Such a beautiful spot! There's clearly a lot of attention and care put into this place. The continental breakfast, delicious. The sun room, perfect. The shower, hot. The big bathtub in my cabin, glorious. The redwoods everywhere, heavenly. The icing on the cake we're the rainbow flags everywhere. Made me feel not just safe, but welcome.

I had a wonderful weekend at the Highlands Resort. Note: this place is no longer clothing optional. When the new owner purchased the property about two years ago, they changed that policy. So bring your bathing suit I organized a writers retreat here and really loved the setting in the woods with redwood trees all around but still walking distance to town. You're just around the corner from the Guerneville library (for reference). We visited right at the end of the season, so there weren't a ton of people in Guerneville, but the weather was still nice. The decor is great. You can tell a lot of thought was put into the finishes. I loved how the curtains matched the homemade pillows and the fabrics were carried throughout the property. We were a group of 5, so we were able to hold our meetings on site. We made use of the fairy ring seating, the fire pit, the tables at the pool, and the music room (the one day it rained). Each "room" is a separate cabin. They're pretty close to each other, but you can't really hear your neighbors. Each cabin has a little wet bar with a mini fridge and a sink, but there are also two cabins with kitchens and one with a soaking tub that you can reserve. In the summer they also have a campground in the back. There's no smoking in property, but there is another fairy ring of trees with seating in the parking lot that is the designated smoking area. Breakfast was sparse but sufficient. If I were staying more than 2 nights, I would get tired of the yogurt, cold, hard-boiled eggs, and sweet bread every day, but for just 2 nights, it worked. I really loved this location and would definitely stay again. The large open shower with public goods products was a pleasure to use. I enjoyed getting cozy with the fireplace in the room. It was a nice thing to fall asleep to and wake up to. It kept the room at a perfect temperature that you could control with a thermostat. The people who work there are great and were helpful in providing suggestions for what to do in the area at what times. They helped to confirm which restaurants would still be open so late in the season and suggested wineries to visit. Many thanks to Cathy, Isabella, and Ashley for making this trip a success.

I love staying in the Highlands Resort. Even though I live in SF, it's such a great "get-away" where you're surrounded by fresh air and natural beauty. The staff is always so helpful and cheerful. It's the perfect place to bring out- of-towners to show off the diversity of the the Bay Area.

we just had the most relaxing staycation at The Highlands Resort with a cute little cabin, swimming in the heated pool and watching "hummingbird moths" in the gardens. Brought the dog and took him on many walks in the neighborhood and especially enjoyed a visit to the pioneer cemetery dating back to the late 1880s. He was on a vacay too! The setting at The Highlands is very peaceful with a magical fairy ring (circle of redwoods) in the center of the parking lot. Our cabin was elegantly rustic yet nicely appointed. We sat on our little porch which was surprisingly quiet and without any road noise. it is a short distance from downtown Guerneville with its cute little shops and restaurants. A continental breakfast was available in the morning with tasty pastries and coffee, and I enjoyed sitting by the fireplace with my coffee and chatting with other guests. Our cabin had a little kitchen but we didn't use it, choosing instead to have dinner at boon eat+ drink on Main Street followed by drinks at the Rainbow Cattle Company. Oh, and ice cream at the Bank Building My only regret is that I didn't spend more time in the lounge aka: music room that looks out over gardens and the pool. I found everything about my stay flawless.

Had a fantastic stay! Really enjoyed the genuine and friendly service, the cabin was beautiful with pretty small details. The whole stay and process was effortless and flowly. Next to gorgeous redwoods and enjoyed the crisp fresh air, definitely will come back!

Fantastic, cute place to stay while visiting the Russian River area. The hotel was very peaceful and quiet. The room was clean and spacious, and it looks recently renovated. We booked the king spa room and enjoyed the soaking tub and fireplace. We also enjoyed using their pool. Parking and breakfast were included. The hotel staff were very friendly and it was easy to communicate with via text. Overall, highly recommend for anyone visiting the area!

Our new favorite Bed & Breakfast in Guerneville. We stayed for 5 nights in mid-October to celebrate our 20th Anniversary. Newly refurbished cabins were clean, comfortable, and tastefully decorated. Our cabin was pet friendly, had a King bed, fridge & kitchen sink, and gas fireplace heater for colder weather. The property is meticulously maintained, perched up the hill among beautiful towering redwoods, and nicely landscaped flower beds. Easy walk down the hill to Guerneville's river and beaches, and town center where there are lots of great eats like Boon Eat+Drink, local shops to peruse, etc. There's also a Safeway on the other end of town in case you need just about anything else. They don't advertise that they include a Continental breakfast, so it was a pleasant perk to find daily featured fruit bakery items (pear bread, apple cinnamon, etc), hard boiled eggs, granola & yogurt, fresh fruit, juice, coffee and tea offered by the fire pit & BBQ area every morning. Nice pool area, seasonally heated, with plenty of deck chairs to sun bathe and read some books. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Already looking forward to our next visit!

I stayed in this Resort for 2 night. The stay was absolutely fantastic. The staff were informative and pleasant. The resort is peaceful and quiet. I would definitely stay here again on my next trip to the area or just to stay in and relax.

The cabins are clean and the rustic ambience is a great touch. Pool could be warmer, though. Free coffee and Continental Breakfast adds to the value. Cathy is very attentive and professional in her handling of issues. There are more pricier places to stay in Guerneville, but Highlands has a special place, because of the serene tall forest surrounding it. If you are bold enough, try Coyote Camp. Each cabana tent has a King bed and nearby wash facilities, many campsites cannot accommodate.

I was so happy here. The setting is idyllic, set in the midst of beautiful redwood trees with very nicely curated gardens. The resort cats are very friendly and add to the welcoming atmosphere. We got a cabin with a kitchenette, and it was perfect. We visit hotels all over the world and there is always something that is broken/not working/missing etc. The owners have absolutely put a lot of money into making these cabins very functional! I really enjoyed the upgraded shower/vanity/bathroom setup. I did use the oven (to bake a lasagna) and it worked perfectly. There was a comfortable patio out front, and we had many pleasant hours sipping wine, enjoying our charcuterie, and petting the loving lap cats (who were NOT beggars.) The silence of the massive forest is hypnotic. The sitting rooms of the cabins are very relaxing, and the bedrooms are very comfortable. The heated pool is an oasis. Although it was rainy and cold while we were there, the pool is like a spa. We are early risers and so the continental breakfast for us was a bit late (8:30AM). We did go one morning, and it was very pleasant; what I would expect at a small European hotel. Unfortunately, the surrounding town of Guerneville is a very odd town in that there are no breakfast places open and restaurants that have quirky hours. One last note, the staff could not be nicer or more welcoming. Thank you! And we'll look forward to seeing you again!

I loved my stay at Highlands! Everyone was super friendly and helpful. We stayed in the Scout Tent and it was amazing. The bed was more comfortable than my own and the tent was clean and cozy. They have a sink and outdoor showers by the tents and two private bathrooms with showers for use near the office. The town is also very cute with lots of activities and people out and about. Would 100% recommend.

we booked a tent spot here last minute on the 3 day weekend because our usual place was booked up. This was our first glamming experience. The property is absolutely Beautiful! Our tent was huge & so cute and clean. There we're sweet details like the lantern, hangers, towels, and cute little light. They had the coolest outdoor showers. And also two separate indoor showers. a Beautiful and peaceful pool. They also offer a nice continental breakfast in the morning with homemade bread. They have cute little sitting areas around the resort, super peaceful. it's in walking distance from downtown Guernville. And a very inviting vibe. Everyone who works there is super friendly and accommodating We were so lucky that there was an opening. We will definitely be back.

Delightful in every way. Great staff, wonderful accomodations, perfect small breakfast. I definitely plan to return.

Meh it's ok. First time staying at Highlands. It's actually multiple cabins that are next door to each other. I think all the cabins are the same except for the larger ones. They have a bed, pull out couch, full bath, and mini kitchen. You couldn't cook hot food, but you could pour drinks. They also have a patio. On the property is a pool and grill. The biggest complaint was no AC. Breakfast was nice. Right now you order at a counter and they bring it out. You can get coffee, juice, granola, muffin and fruit. Unfortunately, now that they no longer allow nude sunbathing the pool is dead. While the R3 was packed all weekend, I was lucky to see 1-2 people at the Highlands pool. It looks close to the main town, and it is. But what Google Maps doesn't tell you is that it's strait up a large hill. And there are no street lights. Walking up at 2am and drunk was no fun. I'd say there are other hotels in Guerneville to stay at that are nicer for the same price.

This breaks my heart my husband and I have gone here a few times. No more clothing optional hot tub or pool. We had such great talks with many lgbt people over the world during our stay. I wish the old owners the best but wish it hadn't sold so fast wish we had a few more years to enjoy. This special safe place is no longer our own community. I feel very saddened by this and hopes someone can return it to the glory it once was. We need to maintain the great history this space was for us. I wish someone would buy it and restore it to the old highlands.

Luvly , quiet, clean , private, friendly staff, secure, . Our friends and us stayed in 3 different cottages for a 3 days and we had a great time. Close to downtown, a little bit of incline but it doesn't bother us. Breakfast is simple but sufficient. BYW , one night we decided go grill, walking distance to downtown grocery, dinner was lovely and fun , grilled food and wine in a cool place.

My husband and I , along with some friends, stayed here this past weekend. I absolutely loved it!! It was quiet, the owners were SO nice, and the rooms/ cabins are very cozy. The king bed was dreamy and I slept better than I have in a long time. Everything was very clean and the Redwood trees on, and surrounding , the property are stunning! The gardens are beautiful too. We can't wait to return!

I've thought long and hard about even posting anything, but I feel compelled to simply say - Highlands was truly a special place for me, and now it isn't. This year has taught me how to accept change without it breaking my heart. Wishing the new owners the most luck in their enterprise. C'est la vie.

A bit disappointed - a true LGBTQ gem was sacrificed for the sake of marketing a "Glamping" experience for Herero people. A money grab thinly veiled as making a space more inclusive. I'm updating my review because the place is under new ownership. While there are some overdue upgrades like new bedding and refreshed amenities - Highlands is no longer an LGBTQ + retreat. The pool is unfortunately no longer clothing optional - the pool is as absolutely dead on a weekend with amazing weather. Guess no day passes gives you a dead atmosphere. I can't knock the actual property but here is why I will not be looking to come back in the near future: - We checked in with a person name Dar, not a friendly welcome at all and they seemed inconvenienced. Not the warm reception we are accustomed to. - Pool is no longer clothing optional. - Wifi was not useable. - Do not have a functioning iron for pressing clothes. - The target market is expanded beyond LGBTQ folks, it seems more inclusive in theory - but LGBTQ folks have to assimilate 99% of the time to Herero culture and staying here this time felt like any other straight hotel. Feels like we lost something that felt like a space for us.

This is my third review. I came back because it's peaceful, quiet, and just a wonderful place to stay. After having way too much fun downtown, I lost my footing going up the hill. I took a pretty good tumble and scraped my forehead. Dar was in the office when I stumbled in (do not drink and wear impractical shoes). If I didn't think this place could be more amazing...it is. I had a scrape on my forehead and Dar cleaned it, bandaged it, and put me safely to bed. She made sure I had water and brought me food from the amazing Continental breakfast the Highlands serves the next day. Most places would not care about a drunk guest but Dar did and she made sure I was safe. I am looking forward to my next visit but will not have this happen again. Our world is ugly right now but there are wonderful people like Dar and all of the staff that make this a loving, caring place to stay. Until my next visit

I booked this place last minute on hotel tonight. The reviews were good but I wasn't sure what to expect. Overall it's a super cute place. They serve continental breakfast, and have really nice decor. The rooms are updated, and there's a mini fridge. My only complaints are the beds are small (full size) and the showers are small, with poorly functioning, oddly-shaped shower heads. Aside from this, we had a great time, and it's located within walking distance to downtown Guerneville. The owners of this place also own a great German spot downtown called Brot which we enjoyed for dinner.

Have stayed here many times...each time in one of the stand alone cabins that allow my to bring my dog. Small, rustic, clean-ie spotless cabins. 1 room with the bed and bathroom (tight, but functional) other room with cute little kitchen, fully stocked &living room area with couch in front of the fireplace. The only problems with this place 1) no tv in rooms- forced quiet)..they do have a communal tv in main lounge. 2) hard to get a reservation...usually full...ie must schedule/ plan way in advance. This is my favorite hotel in Guernville area...consistently A++ accommodations. There is also a pool, but I've never used it. I can only say...it looks give, and they have many locals who regularly use the day use on the pool.

First, an affectionate, heartfelt thanks to the previous owners, Ken and Lynette. They're very special people, and they made the Highlands Resort a very special place. I stayed there for a week after the sale in June, and I have to agree with the other negative comments about the changes made by the new owners. The Highlands doesn't feel like an LGBTQ+ resort anymore. By eliminating camping, day use and the clothing-optional pool policy, and raising room rates, the new owners have effectively lost a large portion of the resort's long-established gay guests and locals. There were noticeably more straight couples and families during my stay. No surprise, since the updated website barely mentions the word "gay "(while the old website humorously described the resort as "straight-friendly"). There was little socializing. The pool area was often empty. The resort was like a ghost-town after 8 p.m., when the staff closed the office, pool and clubhouse, and left the premises. The new "glamping" tents are big, ugly and mostly crowded together, detracting from the natural beauty and spaciousness of the resort. Breakfast no longer includes the three homemade granolas. Wi-fi was spotty, at best. Everything that made the Highlands special has been eliminated. It's sad that the new owners - one of whom is a lesbian - didn't have a more original and gay-affirming vision for what was once a very special place. I've been going to the Highlands for over 26 years, but I won't be going back.

It seems the new owners like the word No. No more camping No more clothing optional pool No more pool day passes No access to the clubhouse No working wifi in the cabins For some reason they seem hell-bent on alienating their loyal regulars as fast as possible. They've jacked up their prices. They've turned the campsites into what looks like an overcrowded refugee camp with $159-79/nt rates which also includes the luxury of sharing 2 porta potties with the whole campground. No thanks. Not sure how you can possibly charge upwards of $300/nt & not have working wifi in the cabins or while sitting right next to the clubhouse. With next to no cel service in Gville, the feelings of frustration & annoyance often crept into what should have been a 100% stress-free, relaxing stay. Also gone is the care put into the included continental bfst. What used to be one of the Highland's enjoyable highlights, is now an afterthought. Overcooked, hard-to-peel, hard-boiled eggs, listless baked goods (how is that even possible), a tangerine & granola if that's your thing. But on the plus side, it's still a beautiful, quiet property. The staff were very friendly & helpful. Kathy, in particular, another woman who worked the closing front-desk shift, as well as the housekeeping women. It's just no longer the special place that it was. The former owners did an amazing job. They deserve a long, happy retirement. I'll cherish the memory of my many fantastic stays there. I used to love my impromptu, midweek escapes from the city. But I've been priced out, so don't see myself ever going back.

Won't go back. As others have stated the pool area is dead and boring. So was the breakfast which used to be fun time to meet and talk with people. I wound up going to other places in town rather than being the only one at the pool here. They have definitely done their best to kill a fun area to hang out with friends at the pool. They have put up tents now and I guess are renting those out to people. They have definitely made of point of running off all the old guests and have pretty much done that. Very sad to see what was a fun place to stay go so badly. Will not be back and will tell others not to bother as well. Better places to stay that are actually IN TOWN without a hill to climb. Very sad to see what was done here.

Wishing Ken & Lynette the best of days with their retirement; they truly made this place so extremely special. The pool policy change caused me to cancel my reservations, but I do wish the new owners much success. It won't be the same.

Oh no... With the new ownership and no longer clothing optional the Highlands Resort just died. Such a shame. This was one of the best places to hangout natural, so secluded, peaceful and beautiful. This place definitely goes down in history for the LGBTQ community but I will not pay more for less.

I'm updating my review to 5 stars because since I wrote my original review, I think they've updated their mattresses. I had no trouble sleeping the last time I was there back in April. :)

Let the straight folks have it and quit trying to pull in gay guests who believe its a gay men's resort from your website. Nothing gay about it, except the flag that flies over the pool. It's too bad, because I know it was one of the most popular gay resorts in Guerneville for many years. Would not go back or recommend to others gays.

This resort was peaceful, well thought out layout, and a great place to stay!! It was immaculately clean and the staff was so courteous and friendly and very attentive. I would recommend this place to anyone who is trying to get away from the rat race of life in the Bay Area. One downside of our trip was that the river level is on the low side. But other than that everything else was cool. There are a few restaurants and a couple of breweries near by. I'd recommend this restaurant named Timberline. The owner Larry is a very cool person and the food was very good!!!

Epic place to escape to. Amazing staff, accommodations, food and grounds. It was truly one of those rare experiences where you felt like you got more value and quality than you paid for. Bed was like a cloud. Home cooked scones, muffins and granola. Too much good to describe here. Just go experience it for yourself. Can't wait to come back!

I very rarely use yelp to write reviews but our experience warrants one. my wife and I stayed during Christmas week, so certainly not their busy/summer season. I must say everything was perfect by our standards The owners were amazingly friendly & hospitable they served us a light supper on Xmas eve & a wonderful little brunch on Xmas morning. Complimentary champagne, a crackling fire & it's a wonderful life on their TV. such a pleasant experience. The cabin is rustic, for sure. But very clean, quiet & exactly as advertised. We were given ample suggestions about the town & local attractions. Was just such a great experience. 10/10 I would stay there again. I even forgot an item and it was easily & promptly returned. These are definitely professionals who know exactly how to cater to their clientele. As I said, writing a review is very rare for me but I felt compelled to spread the word on here for anyone who may be unsure.

I have loved coming up to The Highlands over the years, and enjoyed the vibe there, but the recent new pool policy by the new ownership is so disappointing. Where else nearby could one go to enjoy such a beautiful nature setting, with it being clothing optional. The redwoods and grounds are beautiful, but the clothing optional policy at the pool was the unique quality that made it so special. Now it's "just another resort", and makes me wonder what are the other nearby resort options that I've been missing.

The worst part about this place is that we had to leave... Seriously though. I booked the King Cabin for my boyfriend and I for a little birthday getaway and I could not have picked a better place. The staff are friendly, the grounds are gorgeous, and I can hardly wait to return! We barely left the cabin because, well, ya know, AND it had a bathtub for two!!! I took a two and a half hour bath. For reals. Not all cabins have the huge bathtub but if you can afford it, it is totally worth it! Our cabin felt more like a studio apartment with little things like the dining table and mini fridge in the kitchenette. No stove but they did have a microwave available. Even with having neighboring cabins, we felt like there was a good deal of privacy. We met some lovely people at the continental breakfast whom we spent an hour chatting with. Instead of going to one of the local restaurants for lunch, we opted to eat the food we brought on our patio. We did make it out to a dessert place inside of an old bank and it is in walking distance to the resort. Okay, okay... we did get out for a couple hours and took a walk at the Armstrong Forest that is a short drive away from the resort. We definitely took advantage of the fact that the pool and hot tub are clothing optional. At night, just before the pool closed (or maybe right at closing), we cuddled up on a lawn chair and gazed at the stars. So romantic... I didn't want to go, but sadly, all things must end. Until next time, my friends at Highlands!

My new favorite place in the world! I booked a weekend for my 40th birthday and ended up there on Sonoma County (aka Guerneville) pride weekend. I was looking forward to a relaxing retreat and was worried the festivities would ruin that, but not at all. If anything, it made it nicer because I could go down the hill for the festivities for a little bit then head back up to my cabin for quiet R&R. I stayed in a King Cabin (#8) and loved it. The soaking tub was awesome. I loved having the kitchenette; I only went into town for one meal, the rest I just had there in my cabin. Breakfasts were great, the homemade continental breakfast alone gets this place more stars than most hotels. The other guests at the hotel were very friendly. I went by myself, but never had a problem chatting with folks at the pool or at breakfast or in the TV room. So yeah, 5 out of 5 for me.

Love, love the ambiance. The cabin was peaceful and quaint. James was very welcoming and accommodating. We were within walking distance of downtown. I can't wait to come back!

Lynette and Ken, super nice people. Own a super nice place. Whenever clients ask me where they should stay in town for a relaxing stay/vacation, I don't hesitate to tell them to go to the Highland Resort. There are quite a few choices as far as resorts and hotels in town, none of them are as cozy and thoughtful in detail, as the Highland's.

Guerneville has been a weekend destination for us. We always come to Highlands and grab a daypass and sit by the pool. It's a great area with lots of chaises and a patch of green with a hammock. Highlands caters toward gay men but is straight-friendly. Guests are mostly gays with occasional straights. The pool area is clothing-optional. People usually keep a low-profile but are friendly. My only complaint is that the pool is frigid even in summer. During the most recent visit, which was Labor Day weekend, I only lasted 3 minutes in the pool. The resort is beautiful and serene, cabins hemmed in by sequoias. Some cabins are dog-friendly. They also have campground for rent. Complimentary continental breakfast served in the common room next to the office, where you can find a small library of books and movies. The folks who own this place are super friendly. It's one of the best places to stay in Guerneville. It's walking distance to town for food and shopping. On weekends, if you're planing on just a day visit, get here early to secure a swim chaise.

Have stayed here quite a few times. Of course because of Covid things are different. But our hosts did a tremendous job in planning for it. "Breakfast To Go" was well executed. Sanitizing the pool area was done at least a couple of times a day. If you're looking for a tranquil serene place to stay this is it. Very Gay friendly. I definitely will return.

Cabins were super comfortable and clean with lots of extras like extra pillows, reading lights, fridge, micro-wave, coffee maker, safety motion detector night light in bathroom and nice balcony with table and chairs. Very quiet and up the hill in the woods with a nice breeze but close enough to walk to town. Heated clothing-optional pool and a wonderful Continental breakfast with fresh fruit, three kinds of Granola, and home baked muffins and bread. This is THE place to stay in Guerneville! Pet friendly. Free WIFI. LGBTQ.

Nicely landscaped cottages and poolside. I've stayed here annually for 8+ yrs. camping area can be a tad noisy in the morning from street down below hill. Service is always pleasant. Clothing is optional.

"The Angry Smile" - the whole time I thought of this book and how the staff had this trait in common. Maybe they've had a challenging summer full of difficulties. I didn't experience any genuine warmth from any of them. Except for the housekeeping staff, who were efficient and kind. Things you may want to consider: The central redwood grove is a smoking zone. The smoke blows into the accommodations. As opening the windows is the only form of ventilation, it can't be avoided. Unless the owners were to go smoke-free. The crowd ranges from middle aged to elderly. The place can have a faded retirement home vibe about it. Albeit one with a swimming pool surrounded by lots of queens of a certain age. The grounds are well-kept and generally peaceful. Not all of the rooms are remodeled. You might want to inquire before you book, if you want one that looks like the pictures on the website. The breakfast is kind of boring (cold cereal, cold bread, cold fruit, hot coffee & tea) but it will hold you over until you can walk downtown. There are snacks offered some evenings and coffee and tea available as well.

First I have to say I was pleasantly surprised that when I emailed the resort to ask permission to come they were more than welcoming of my gender, female. I've found many resorts in the area would prefer gay men only. Arrived from Santa Rosa, easy drive easy to get to the resort. We were greeted and helped immediately. The grounds were beautiful and there was a homey comfortable vibe. Husband and I went to the pool, it's a Monday so there was only one other couple. Clothing optional so the men chose no clothes. I felt accepted and decided to go topless, my husband stayed in his swim trunks, he's still a beginner :) Pool was clean and cool, the pool area had great comfy chairs and tables. They even offered an array of floaties for the pool. Nobody bothered us, it was quiet. I'm pretty loud and tried to tone it down as not to disturb anyone else. A few other men came and went, but I was the only female at the pool all day. Can't wait to go back!

We just stayed at the highlands resort and had a lovely time. My first reaction was that it looked old and tired but it was actually charming. It was so quiet. I was able to catch up on some well needed sleep. The flowers and plants around the cabins are wonderful. My only negative comment would be the bathroom as it could really do with some updating. Overall a great place to stay in Guerneville as it's so close to the center

((poolside day pass)) we had an amazing time here! The Highlands Resort provides a very charming atmosphere -- kind of like a secret (clothing optional) garden! The pool was FREEZING but I can imagine it'd be refreshing on a super hot day. I was especially impressed by the super friendly and helpful staff :) a great, queer-friendly space!

My love Michael and I had our Very First Weekend Getaway here this weekend, and we were enchanted by how lovely and wonderful this place was. The grounds are beautiful and serene. The staff and the dog Olive are graciously welcoming. The cottages are cute and perfect to rest in or to connect deeply with one's love in. The continental breakfasts are full of healthy and homemade goodness like fruit and nut granola and yummy pastries. And it is wonderful to be in queer space with the rainbow flag flying high. We would happily return.

no more clothing optional. i am so sad - being in the LGBTQ+ community my fam and i were going to book this place but without the camping and that - not going to give my money here.

We loved feeling like a very relaxed, at-home vibe the moment we got there. The Owner (I think) greeted me, "You must be Mr. Tran". I was pleasantly surprised! She checked me in and proceeded to explain everything we needed to know about their unique property and made excellent suggestions for activities. I had researched the resort and it was exactly what I had expected and more. The rooms are mid-century retro-cabin. If you want Carrera marble and Frette sheets, this is not for you. There is no cell reception and TV in the Common Lounge area. I Chose to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, read a book and imagined what it felt like to vacation in the 50's, a simpler time. The resort is nestled amongst Redwoods hundreds of years old, with humming birds and blooming flowers. It's easy to just immerse yourself. The next day, another lady took a lot of time during the busy breakfast set up to help us map out the perfect day trip. I went to give her a tip, which she wouldn't accept. She said the best compliment would be to write a review. So goes my first Yelp review. We had a wonderful time exploring this quaint historical town next to The Russian River. If you want to feel like you've really escaped to a different time and place, The Highlands Resort could be for you! If you want a real taste of local flavor, stop by the weird makeshift thrift shop/junk shop in The Safeway parking lot. The Owner grew up in the area and could chat you up on some local history. I found a really cool book of "Bear" illustrations!

We spent one afternoon and one night at The Highlands. Neither my husband nor myself had ever been to Guerneville before. We picked this resort because it looked very inviting. It was my preferred choice because the website didn't depict it so much as a gay male only type of place and being a female, I didn't want to feel too out of place--which I didn't. Our stay was on a weekday so it was pretty quiet. We basked in the sun by the pool for several hours in the buff along with about 5 o 6 other gentleman. Our room was the Garden Suite which was a great location. We sat on our little deck in the evening with the last of the sun overlooking the pool. Our room was small but worked fine. Not quite enough room for our luggage, but we don't travel light. It was nice to have glasses available. The shower is pretty darn small, so good thing I'm a small person. We enjoyed the little fireplace in the room. I think the only negative thing might be that coffee wasn't available until 8:30, since we are early risers, but we went down the street to a coffee place, drank our morning addictions and surfed the net. The staff is wonderful and so helpful. Lynette helped map out a little wine tour for us upon our departure that was perfect. Her dining recommendations were spot on--she seemed to know exactly what we'd enjoy. We would definitely go again, should the opportunity arise.