Vacation Rentals by Owner

Mendo. Water Tower

Guest: joe (Elk Grove)
Date of Stay: 10/14/11 Review Submitted: 11/10/11

Unique,clean and within walking distance to all of the sights. We would love to visit again.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Place to Stay

Guest: Michael (Battle Ground, WA)
Date of Stay: 10/07/11 Review Submitted: 10/14/11

We just did 3 nights in the Tower, celebrating an anniversary and a birthday. We loved the viewing deck on top; the bed was perfectly fine; we enjoyed having the kitchen and living room... but best of all, I think, is the complete sense of privacy in that much space. I would not think twice about staying there again-- it's a winner! SW Washington

Owner response:Thanks so much for your review. We're glad you had such gorgeous weather to enjoy the garden and views from the viewing deck.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

What a wonderfull place

Guest: Judith and Rene (the Netherlands)
Date of Stay: 07/06/11 Review Submitted: 07/28/11

For the second time we spend a week in the lovely tower of Wendy and Robert. It is such a nice place to stay. Comfortable, with a nice kitchen, fine beds, great bathroom, lovely garden and all in the beautiful environment of Mendocino. Thank you again, Wendy and Robert, for beining our hosts. Judith Budde and Rene Meijer, the Netherlands

Owner response:We appreciate your business and your kind words and look forward to greeting you again in the future.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

An incredible retreat

Guest: Mizword (Santa Fe, NM)
Date of Stay: 05/27/11 Review Submitted: 08/17/11

I have stayed often at The Water Tower over the last seven years: it is my go-to place in the Mendocino area! As a writer, it affords me quiet and comfort. I love being able to walk to town and sea. The gardens around the tower are unbelievably gorgeous. I can't recommend it highly enough!

Owner response:Thank you for your kind words. We always enjoy your visits and the contributions you and other guests make to our local writer's community through their teaching and public readings. I wish I could include your name and the title of your recent collection of poetry, but if others would like this information they can e-mail me and I'll be happy to provide it.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Thoughtful Owners! Amazing comfort - Rooftop View is Spectacular

Guest: Bob (Willits, CA)
Date of Stay: 03/30/11 Review Submitted: 04/25/11

We felt right at home the minute we walked into the ground floor of the Water Tower. The view from the roof is amazing! It gave us a real understanding of the Village. Ocean views to the south, west and north - great for photographers. Our 2-day stay during some of the best weather in months meant that we could stroll to great nearby restaurants as well as make a quick run up to the Botanical Gardens - a must see for us whenever we are on the coast. I loved listening to the sound of the surf at night. Best of all... when I realized that I had forgotten to pack the clothes I left in the downstairs closet and called to make sure they were in fact still there, the owner offered to personally deliver them to me on her next trip inland. Talk about service!! Needless to say, we are already planning our next visit.

Owner response:We also look forward to your return visit in the fall. That's typically when the dahlias are in full bloom at the botanical gardens.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Lovely retreat in downtown Mendocino

Guest: LuLu (Sonoma County)
Date of Stay: 03/11/11 Review Submitted: 03/19/11

Staying at the Tower was a relaxing and pleasant retreat experience. The owners are pleasant and not at all intrusive though they live next door. The rental was very clean and the experience was a feeling of a home away from home. The home is private and the location is excellent for walks into town or to the beach. The unique nature of staying in a tower and the ability to have a 360 view at the top of the tower was fun and great if you are a photographer. There is a lovely garden ouside the French doors which lends itself to a visually pleasant experience along with the deck to sit on and enjoy the weather (rain or shine). The cost is reasonable for the location and feeling of privacy. The rental was as it appeared on the Internet. Two restaurants I would recommend but are of a very different fare. The Mendocino Hotel is a historical hotel with French influence to it's menu. The sea scallops were excellent and a good wine selection. Raven's Restaurant located at the Stanford Inn only a four minute drive away was exceptional. It is truly gourmet vegan and some of the best food I have eaten. If you are a meat eater you will not find any there but what you will find is some of the most creative and healthy food you will get in a restaurant and you will be full. No eating a pile of steamed vegetables there. The downtown shopkeepers are friendly and easy-going. Also, if you are a dog lover and want to travel with your furry companion, Mendocino and staying in the tower is for you. Our two small dogs loved the trip and were fully able to be with us on almost all our outings. If you have a well-behaved dog they can even join you at the Raven's, all you need to do is sit in the lobby area which is just outside the main restaurant. The seating area is lovely and you do not feel like you are sitting away from things. Overall, if you are looking for a relaxing or romantic or just overall pleasant and pleasing trip, a stay at the Tower may just be what you are looking for.

Owner response:Thank you for your thoughtful review. We always appreciate hearing feedback on local restaurants and activities that our guests have enjoyed.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Lauren, Kyle and Lon
Date of Stay: 02/18/11 Review Submitted: 02/22/11

Wonderful tower. My mom and step dad want to live here. The flat screen rocks! Don't even get me started on the widows walk. Amazing!!! I love the Kawala bear on the couch. He's so fluffy. My mind tells me I will be coming back to this magnificent towere. I feel like a princess. Chico, CA

Recommended for:

Great lodging and hosts

Guest: Eileen, Terry and Maggie the Vizsla (Grass Valley CA )
Date of Stay: 02/11/11 Review Submitted: 02/24/11

We stayed in the tower with our Vizsla for three nights over the Valentine's weekend and had a great time. Our hosts were working in the garden when we arrived, but then left it to us and our dog for the rest of our stay. We found everything that we wanted in the tower and then some. With a quick visit to a nearby market, we had what we needed to take advantage of the complete kitchen. The first floor with a kitchen, bathroom and living room was larger than we expected in a converted water tower and was very comfortable with plenty of light and space for us. The second-floor main bedroom was lovely with a nice comfortable bed and lots of windows for views. We didn't use the third-floor, but were thinking that our granddaughter would love climbing up the ladder to sleep in the built-in bed. Climbing all the way up to the great views from the top of the tower was fun. We found the tower to be as described by the owners and to be very attractive and clean. The personal effects scattered around make it very warm and friendly. We had nice warm weather until our last night when a rain and wind storm moved in, so we enjoyed the village and the headlands both ways. We were out on the headlands before dawn in the rain and wind on our departure morning soaking up the incredible coastline one last time. We recommend the tower most highly for a cozy get-a-way.

Owner response:Thanks for your kind words and the chance to meet your Hungarian Vizsla. We hadn't encountered the breed before and she's beautiful. It's a good thing you brought your rain parkas as well as shirt sleeves for the unseasonably warm weather. Walking on the Headlands in the rain is a special experience for those with warm gear and hardy spirits. See you next time...and thanks for the suggestion of trading for a stay in your home in Grass Valley. We look forward to taking you up on that.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

An excellent little bed and breakfast in Mendocino village

Guest: knox (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/04/11 Review Submitted: 02/22/11

This is the most absolutely fabulous little bed and breakfast, set squarely in the heart of Mendocino. Mere blocks from Main Street and the Headlands, this picturesque little place offers a stunning 360 degree view of the whole village from the top of the tower. Complete with kitchen, dining room, living room with a flat screen TV, porch, swing and an enclosed garden this place is absolutely to die for!! Such a great place. Plus the owners are so nice. Can't wait to go back.

Owner response:Thanks for your enthusiastic review Chris, but the Tower isn't really a bed and breakfast. It is "self-catering," as they say in Europe. We just found ourselves with an abundance of hot cinnamon buns:):) We're glad you enjoyed them.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Jessica and Mindy
Date of Stay: 02/04/11 Review Submitted: 02/22/11

What a wonder! The weather was perfect--gorgeous light throughout the tower and the town. Two sunsets, colors magnificent! Dinner at 955 Ukiah--our favorite. Thank you for sharing your home. Oakland, CA

Recommended for:

Private Mendocino Water Tower- Amazing views- Clean and Pet Friendly

Guest: Jana (Auburn CA)
Date of Stay: 01/13/11 Review Submitted: 03/11/11

As someone who has visited Mendocino regularly for over 35 years, this tower is my all time favorite place to stay. Completely dog-friendly with a comfortable covered front porch facing a lovely, private garden area that is fenced in. Cozy living room with television, books, and a desk for writing. Full kitchen with a romantic corner table for meals. Second level in this open floor plan is light with views from every window. Comfortable bed and a second television. Up a ladder from there is a small loft that is a fun place for a child or two (over about 5-years-old- the ladder is steep) to stay. A huge treat is that from the top floor (which is already 3 stories tall) there is a locked door (the key is provided) that leads to another ladder, this one on the outside of the tower, that leads to the top. From here you can see forever. Wonderful views of the ocean and the town. Comfortable deck (bring lawn chairs). This rental is located in the heart of Mendocino Village and you can easily walk everywhere you need to go. You'll love it!

Owner response:Thank you for taking the time to comment, as one of the many guests we've enjoyed welcoming back for repeat visits over the years.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Keith, Jeni, Sam, Bethany and Luciano (the dog)
Date of Stay: 12/30/10 Review Submitted: 02/22/11

We had a wonderful time at the tower. It's so cozy and has a magical way of bringing us all together. We're definitely looking forward to returning next year. Happy New Year!

Recommended for:

Nice but don't expect luxury

Guest: CG (SFO)
Date of Stay: 12/24/10 Review Submitted: 12/27/10

We enjoyed our stay in the tower, but can't really recommend it unless someone needs to bring fido and it's the only pet-friendly opening. With a little effort, it could be very nice, but the owners haven't yet given enough thought to the amenities to make it so. Hopefully they'll get to work on that after reading this. The tower's description of "2 bedrooms" is a bit misleading. The first bedroom is on the second floor, and no doors separate the third floor from the actual bedroom. It's really a loft with a ladder above the bedroom. The "futon" in the upper room is really a disgusting Ikea tri-fold piece of foam with a stained and torn cover. The built-in twin bed was also covered in yucky upholstery and covered with a stained coverlet. I know it was the end of the season, so dirty pillow slips and coverlets are a little excusable, as was the filthy carpet, but the entire place was in serious need of a deep cleaning (scrub that linoleum and get the mildew out from the edge of the shower, don't forget top of fridge!). Perhaps after the winter it will be shiny and new for the summer renters. The kitchen was indeed well appointed and easy to use, except no dishwasher so be forewarned. The dining area is tight for more than two people, but nice enough. Appliances were old but serviceable, although I had to fix one of the burners. The living room was comfortable, but if room had been made for an armchair (perhaps by removing the desk) it would have been nicer. The TV is small and probably over 20 years old, so it wasn't exactly modern technology, but the DVD player worked, so that was nice. The collection of VHS tapes might entertain the over 80 and under 5. The bathroom was nice, but shower only, no tub. Speaking of tubs, the property description makes it sound like the Sweetwater Spa is very close so you can rent a hot tub and get a message, but don't expect to be padding over in your flip flops and robe - it's all the way across town. Granted, that's about 5 blocks. The tower was cute, and would be very nice for a few days for a couple or maybe a family of 3 with a child old enough to deal with unprotected ladders, especially if the couple really enjoyed cooking. Two couples make it very tight in this tower. The owners would behoove themselves to hire a new cleaning service and spruce up the furnishings by replacing the futon and the coverlets and getting a new TV. It's a small price to pay for something that could then fetch a bit more per night.

Owner response:We welcome guest feedback and take it seriously, but can only guess that this individual got coal in her Christmas stocking and was having a very bad day. Future guests may rest assured that the tower was thoroughly cleaned after a stay that included extra guests and one of the few destructive animals we've ever experienced. After nearly 20 years, I guess it was our turn for a lemon. The lemonade??? You can now enjoy a new flat screen television and we promise to make extra sure that the top of the refrigerator is dusted:):):)

Recommended for:Pet owners

Guest: Joe and Judy
Date of Stay: 11/28/10 Review Submitted: 02/22/11

We've stayed in dozens of places in Mendocino in the past 30 years, but the tower has been one of our faves. San Francisco, CA

Recommended for:

Still the Best

Guest: Don, Jill and Lillian (Stanford, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/24/10 Review Submitted: 02/22/11

A great place, even with 3 of us. We could be together or we each had our own space. We enjoyed beautiful sunsets. Sitting at the bar at Little River Inn is always the best. We've been coming to Mendocino for over 25 years--camping, B&Bs--vacation homes. This is one of the best! Thank you!

Owner response:Thanks for the tip about the missing garlic press. It's been replaced. Glad you enjoyed the fresh herbs from the garden. We enjoyed meeting all of you and look forward to your return visit in the spring. Happy holidays.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

WOW!!!! The View!!!!!

Guest: DeeDee (Reno, NV)
Date of Stay: 06/28/10 Review Submitted: 07/09/10

We had such a great time bringing my sister-in-law here(she is from Slovenia). The views were wonderful and the garden was lovely!! We also took her to SF for 2 nights, and 2 nights in San Rafael: I now wish we had spent all 7 nights here!!! The kitchen is well appointed, and I brought my crockpot and waffle iron for convenience. We hope to return soon!!! (the ladder/stairs might be a concern for older folks...) But we hope to return soon!!!

Owner response:Thanks for the review. We enjoyed meeting you and look forward to next time. VRBO really works! We just had our second great stay at a VRBO listing, this one in a charming apartment in Florence, Italy.

Recommended for:

Guest: Amy137 (Oakland, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/09/09 Review Submitted: 10/09/09

Wendy and Don's water tower was PERFECT! Very clean, cozy, comfortable, and perfectly located. We enjoyed all of the amazing views, sweet garden, and easy location.... Not to mention Wendy and Don themselves!!! They were very informative and know very much about the history of Mendocino.... what a great resource! Thanks Wendy and Don! We'll surely be back! - Amy and Bernhard

Owner response:We're always happy to hear that people plan to return and enjoy welcoming them back. These days about half our bookings are returning guests, some from as far away as England and Germany!

Recommended for:

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/13/09 Review Submitted: 04/13/09

A charming place to stay in a charming village with charming hosts. What more could one want? Maryen and Mark Ashland, Oregon

Recommended for:

Guest: M T & SSC
Date of Stay: 04/12/09 Review Submitted: 04/12/09

Great place to stay--wonderful for dogs. The Mendocino Caafe and the Botanical Gardens both allow dogs. We'll be back!

Recommended for:

Guest: R&L
Date of Stay: 04/12/09 Review Submitted: 04/11/09

This is our home away from home for two weeks every spring. Can't say enough good things about staying here. The lilacs are blooming. Pumpkin the gray neighbor cat came to visit and we celebrated our 24th anniversary

Recommended for:

Guest: MB and Family
Date of Stay: 04/08/09 Review Submitted: 04/07/09

I'm so glad my dog walking friend told me about this place. It's the most unique, unusual place I've stayed. We all loved it. It's peaceful and quiet and we were able to enjoy our yearly get together.

Recommended for:

Guest: R & J
Date of Stay: 01/29/09 Review Submitted: 01/28/09

We loved our four nights in the water tower and Mendocino. It brought back some lovely memories of our wedding here two years ago.

Recommended for:

Guest: B & B
Date of Stay: 12/25/08 Review Submitted: 12/24/08

Thank you for your hospitality. Interesting house! I've always wanted to stay in one of the water towers. The views were great between showers.

Recommended for:

Guest: E and K M.
Date of Stay: 10/19/08 Review Submitted: 10/18/08

A very quiet, peaceful spot. We loved the tower and views it provided. Mendocino remains the shining gem it was years ago. Thanks for your hospitality.

Recommended for:

Guest: D & D S. and G W
Date of Stay: 08/30/08 Review Submitted: 08/29/08

Loved this water tower. Hopefully someday we will have our own. Great weather, great views. Loved the flowers and hummingbirds. Bought the best steaks ever at Mendosa's Market and barbecued them here. Great place to get away.

Recommended for:

Guest: V & J and Parents
Date of Stay: 08/28/08 Review Submitted: 08/27/08

We thoroughly enjoyed our four nights in the tower. So well situated and so well equipped for a getaway with parents visiting from France. Thank you for the lovely space and thoughtful things you've included. We enjoyed the special touches...the kitchen, garden, lovely views framed by fresh curtains, comfy beds...and peace and quiet.

Recommended for: