Vacation Rentals by Owner

Graduation Getaway

Guest: HSU Parents (Colfax, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/10/12 Review Submitted: 05/13/12

My husband, son and I enjoyed spending time at the Whale's Tale Cottage so much that it was difficult to pull ourselves away for graduation festivities in Arcata! The house and nearby trails provided such a retreat for us. We would all give it 5 stars!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful property on the Mad River overlooking ocean

Guest: MSB (Washington state)
Date of Stay: 04/02/12 Review Submitted: 04/14/12

My husband, son, and in-laws stayed at the Whale's Tale in April for Spring Break. The property is beautiful, overlooking the Mad River and, beyond that, the ocean. During the cool evenings, we relaxed in the well-maintained hot tub watching the hundreds of ducks and geese, listening to the frogs, and occasionally catching a glimpse of bats. Descriptions and photos of the property listed on Web site are all accurate, although they do not capture the breathtaking view or the multitude of wildlife. The property is clean and well stocked with everything you need in a vacation rental (we especially enjoyed browsing the books in the living room and playing the kids' games), and Richard was easy to contact, helpful, and thorough. Richard gave us descriptions of local beaches, trails, stores, etc. and we followed his advice, stocking up at the local store, taking the trail overlooking the river bluffs and river's edge, and visiting the local beaches. Our favorite was Moonstone Beach just north of the Whale's Tale, but we also loved the beach in Trinidad with its 180 steps down to the sand (probably too steep for most older people, but I think there is another way down). The McKinleyville location proved to be a great jumping off point for our exploration of the northern Redwoods and the southern Redwoods in Humboldt State Park. We had fun at the Samoa Cook House restaurant, which is an old logging cookhouse just north of Eureka and enjoyed our lunch at Oberon Grill in Eureka, a 100-year old remodeled saloon . Unfortunately, we didn't get into the town of Arcata -- we just ran out of time. We strongly recommend the Whale's Tale and would re-visit in a heartbeat.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

View is mesmerizing and the house is just right

Guest: Mariposa visitor (Alamo, Ca)
Date of Stay: 02/08/12 Review Submitted: 02/18/12

I've stayed here many, many times and it never disappoints. My friends loved the house and can hardly wait to come back.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Fantastic Experience!

Guest: SG (Albion)
Date of Stay: 01/30/12 Review Submitted: 02/03/12

We stayed 3 days and I wish it could have been a week. The views from the cabin are Fabulous. The local beaches are wonderful with miles and miles of them to walk on. Everything is very convenient for shopping. Ramones Bakery has super goodies!! The rustic cabin is very warm and cozy even in February. Firm beds for a good night's sleep and a hot tub with an ocean view make it even more perfect. This is a Nature and Bird watcher's delight. We will make this an annual visit!! Thanks so much Richard.......SG Albion

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Our idea of Heaven

Guest: Al & Robin (San Luis Obispo, California)
Date of Stay: 01/03/12 Review Submitted: 02/14/12

This property is simply magic around every corner !! From sunrise thru windows in master bedroom, to sunset thru full length windows in living room. Watching the full moon rising over the trees onto the Mad river and west to the ocean was well what can we say but, HEAVEN. So much to see & do, we w/be back over & over and never have time to be anything but amazed. Thank you so for all you have done to make this so wonderful.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

What an Amazin View!

Guest: Joanne
Date of Stay: 12/13/11 Review Submitted: 12/17/11

Before the whole glow faded, I wanted to write and tell you how very much we enjoyed our time at Whales Tale. I wished we had another day or two there. What an amazing view! And such a lovely, comfortable house. The weather was absolutely perfect, raining one night and clear and bright during the days. We woke yesterday morning to a double rainbow over the dunes. Thank you so much for allowing us bring our dog along and for sharing your cabin. You are a lucky man to own that place. I think I'd never leave if I did! All best wishes, Joanne

Recommended for:

School Staff Retreat!

Guest: Montessori teacher (Eureka, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/08/11 Review Submitted: 10/09/11

Our small school rented Whale's Tale for a weekend staff retreat. Words can't describe the feeling evoked when walking through the living room and taking in the serene view of the river and ocean. I knew we had made the right choice. The house is clean and well appointed. We found everything we needed in the kitchen to prepare the dinner & breakfast ingredients we brought as well as enough wine glasses and coffee cups to go around. The patio was just big enough for our small group to bust out some Zumba as the sun set over the ocean. The furnishings were cozy and inviting. We particularly liked eating at the table looking over the water. We used the hot tub at night and were happy to see many bats flying overhead keeping any night insects at bay. All reported that the beds were comfortable and waking to freshly brewed coffee and the amazing view set the stage for our final sessions before packing up and heading out. We hope to make this retreat an annual event. We did not make use of local offerings much because we were focused on being together but as we are local, I can tell you there are more things to do than anyone could fit into a week or more. I strongly encourage others to give Whale's Tale a try - as long as it's not when we want it next.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Diane Curry

Guest: Diane (Willits, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/24/11 Review Submitted: 11/14/11

Thanks Richard. We rented the Whale Tale for 3 nights in September. WOW what a view. The house is very comfortable the view from the living room is just unbelievable. Loved being by the river and the ocean, The bird nerd in the family was in "birdie heaven". At one point I had to call my daughter to tell her that her Dad was moving the spotting scope back and forth from one side of the yard to another there were so many birds everywhere. We had fantastic weather and the sunsets were beautiful. Lots of banana slugs. Kitchen is well stocked with good cookware and bed are comfy. Had windows open so we could hear ocean. Since I am a bit of a coffee snob french press and coffee grinder would be great. Definitely will be renting in the future coffee press or not! Richard Thanks again.

Owner response:Thank you, Diane, for you kind words. We are really glad you enjoyed your stay. Your suggestions for a coffee grinder and press are great ones. I will get right on it. Watching birds from the bluff on the river side of the house is one of my favorite things to do at the cabin. It is really interesting to see the different flocks chase each other off the trees in their territorial games. Regards, Richard

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Relaxing Stay

Guest: Bill and Jan
Date of Stay: 09/19/11 Review Submitted: 10/01/11

Whales tale has been wonderful! Everything you said. Just got back from Wildberrys for our dinner looking at the Pacific. Super day again at Prairie Creek and Patrick's Point....incredible. We have slept like babies in the quiet serenity. Just what we wanted. We did not cook or use hot tub. We need to leave around 8 to head for west Marin ----Point Reyes area. We'll leave the key in the box for cleaning. You have done a super job and I'll leave very good comments on VRBO. Warm regards, Bill and Jan

Recommended for:

Great Place for Tree Huggers and Golfers

Guest: Travler (Corrales, NM/USA)
Date of Stay: 09/03/11 Review Submitted: 10/05/11

Location is great, only a few miles from airport and between the two Redwood areas on North and South. Easy one day trips to both and close enough to return, as we did, just to see more! Our golfer loved the two public golf courses and the ladies enjoyed the Victorian town of Ferndale along with the cheese factory on the way! The view was apparent only on the last day from the porch, but the sea air was apparent everyday! Those of us from desert really enjoyed the fog. We found if we drove a bit inland the sun was often out so the fog was no problem. We enjoyed the house. Best living room couches of anywhere we have stayed. Very comfortable 1950 's feel. We plan on booking again.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

great expectations; fulfilled and them some!

Guest: andy (NEW BRAUNFELS)
Date of Stay: 08/29/11 Review Submitted: 09/07/11

my wife, grandson (5) and i stayed at this house for a few days - nice, comfortable, clean accommodations with an amazing view of the river/ocean out the back. very private - didn't see or hear any neighbors for 3 days. loved the hot tub in the late afternoon with the ocean breeze. great location for nearby hiking, beaches, shopping, etc. owner very helpful with tips on where to go and what to do. wish we could spend all summer there! will definitely be back.

Owner response:Thank you, Andy. As the owner I wish my wife and I could break away from work more and enjoy it. I also love the serenity and views. We rally appreciate great guests like you. Richard

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

I Miss It!

Guest: Courtney (Bay Area)
Date of Stay: 06/11/11 Review Submitted: 06/30/11

I rented this cabin for myself and my 1-year-old son for two weeks while I was working at a conference at HSU. My only complaint is that I didn't get to spend more time there. My sister-in-law and her 2 kids (ages 5 & 8) were there taking care of my son the first week and they had a great time. They found a park with a playground about a mile up the road and took lots of hikes and beach walks. They also really enjoyed the Natural History Museum in Arcata. My parents were there the second week and they also loved the place. Everyone raved about the fabulous sunsets over the ocean. The cabin had almost everything we needed for our stay. At first we missed having a TV in the main living area, but after a couple of days, it wasn't a big deal and everyone did a lot of reading. I would definitely rent the cabin again!

Owner response:Thank you, Courtney, for your kind words...we have been debating whether or not to put a high def TV in the living room...we probably will eventually as I have an extra one, but it is nice just focusing on the beautiful natural environment without the distraction of a TV...the serenity at the cabin is one of the primary reasons we purchased it. Richard

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, sightseeing.

Cozy, well-appointed cottage with amazing views

Guest: Mandie (Savannah, GA)
Date of Stay: 04/15/11 Review Submitted: 05/16/11

My mother and I recently stayed at the Whales Tale Cabin while househunting in the Humboldt area. The cottage is tucked away in McKinleyville with gorgeous views of the river and ocean. The home was cozy and a nice place to come back and relax in after rushing from place to place during the day. Richard was wonderful to work while planning the stay and provided great information used during the stay. Thank you! When family comes to visit us in Humboldt, I would definitely recommend the Whales Tale Cabin to them.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A wonderful place to stay.

Guest: Catherine (Arcata, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/18/10 Review Submitted: 02/08/11

I really enjoyed having my family come and visit this Christmas. The Whale's Tail was wonderful! Very clean and spacious. The view is unbeatable and the location is also great. We had 5 people sleeping comfortably, and with out a television is the living room, we spent more time hanging out and talking. Thank you for having us.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Location Location, Location

Guest: David (Oakland, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/04/10 Review Submitted: 11/09/10

Did I say location? Gorgous setting for this home, located in one of the most beatuiful areas of California. From the livingroom, garden or hot tub, you have a stunning and relaxing view of the mouth of the Mad River, with lots of cool lighting, clouds and bird life. Within an hours drive (and in many cases minutes drive) you can see some of the most beautiful nature environments in California. And, the most comfortable bed we have ever slept in other than the Westin Hotels, which if you've stayed in a Westin, is saying alot! We spent most of the daylight hours exploring the area, the night time relxing around the fire, reading books and dining in. Plus, 2nd Sat. is Arts Alive in Eureka, and 1st Fri. Open Galleries in Arcata. All-in-all, high recommended.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Serene and Restful Setting

Guest: Katharine S. (San Diego)
Date of Stay: 06/18/10 Review Submitted: 06/28/10

The Whales Tale Cabin is a wonderful refuge. My family recently enjoyed a four night stay there and wished we could have stayed longer. The scenery from the patio overlooking the river and the sea is incomparable. It was great having the guides handy to help identify the myriad of birds in the estuary. The cabin is spacious, clean, comfortable and well equipped. It can be chilly, so it was wonderful to have the use of the hot tub and fireplace. There is also a good library and plenty of games in the cupboard. I would recommend that guests check out the supplies on hand before going to the store for items you may want, such as sugar and laundry detergent. We think we have found our home away from home in the Arcata area and look forward to our next stay at Whales Tale. Kathy

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Nice getaway!

Guest: Ahowler (Vacaville, Ca)
Date of Stay: 05/28/10 Review Submitted: 05/31/10

This is a clean and well maintained property. It has WiFi internet access, a hot tub outdoors and an awesome view. Throw in some fine wine, bread and a partner and you have the makings for a restful weekend. The kitchen and other amenities were fairly complete. In three nights we never ate a meal out. There is plenty to do within 30 miles.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/10/10 Review Submitted: 02/10/10

I just got back from a wonderful winter getaway at Whale's Tale Cabin. This was my third time here, and each time it gets better. The place is perfect with everything in great shape. The house and the views are even nicer than the pictures, because the pictures can't show you the sound of the crashing waves, or the quiet at night, or the wonderful clean smell of the air. And the owners are so easy to work with. We plan on continuing making this an annual trip. And, don't just wait till the summer, two of the times were in the middle of winter and it was wonderful.

Recommended for:

Guest: Ann Frimodig (Midland Mich.)
Date of Stay: 12/04/09 Review Submitted: 12/04/09

What a great place to relax!! We especially enjoyed the view and the hottub. There wasn't anything I looked for that wasn't there. Lot's of dishes, utensils and so many big fluffy towels. Truly felt like we were in a resort. Having three nice size bedrooms gave us alot of privacy. SInce we have a son living in Arcata, we may be back at the Whales Tail in the future.

Recommended for:

Guest: The Newby's from So. CA
Date of Stay: 10/19/09 Review Submitted: 10/18/09

The following was entered into our guestbook in June 2009: Beautiful relaxing time. What a cozy house!! My husband and 3 kids really were able to relax here. Great idea the TV's in the back. We played lots of games, sat on the patio every morning with coffee and every night for sunsets. We can't offer advice for restaurants as we BBQ'd fresh fish from Kay's in Trinidad and ribs from Ray's. We kayaked Big Lagoon, biked the Hammond Trail, and hiked Prairie Creek/Fern Canyon. "Awesome" places, all of them. Packed picnic lunches every day and just explored. Thanks, again. The Newby's

Recommended for:

Guest: Marco and Paola
Date of Stay: 10/19/09 Review Submitted: 10/18/09

Entered in our Guestbook August 9, 2009. Thank you, Richard. This place is perfect to discover this part of the California Coast. We visited Trinidad and her beaches, Moonstone Beach, and we walked to the Mad River Beach in front of the cabin. We discoivered the Hammond Trail, Prairie Creek Park, and Willow Creek. Our best restaurant is Moonstone Grill: You can watch the sunset if the weather is clear.... The cottage is beautiful, comfortable, and we appreciate the ocean scenery...relaxing and so natural and wild....very different from the view we are used to in our country....Marco and Paola

Recommended for:

Guest: Monique and Nick
Date of Stay: 10/19/09 Review Submitted: 10/18/09

Entered in our Guestbook July, 2009: Thanks so much for the beautiful house...it truly made our honeymoon!!! Sitting in the hot tub watching the birds fly by---what a great experience! We will see you next year! Nick We had an amazing honeymoon. Beautiful home, stunning views! We will book our first anniversary next July. Oh, and we'll bring binoculars next time to watch the birds. Monique

Recommended for:

Guest: Pete L.
Date of Stay: 09/27/09 Review Submitted: 09/26/09

Hey guys- Planning another trip to beautiful Humboldt. I have stayed at the Whales Tale Cabin, and the family loved it. Let me know if it's going to be available. (Comment from returning guests).

Recommended for:

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/17/09 Review Submitted: 06/17/09

We truly enjoyed our stay at the Whales Tale Cabin. The Giant Redwoods and beautiful coastline provided many wonderful activities. Our favorite was hiking Prairie Creek Park to Fern Canyon. We found the cabin cozy and comfortable. Hopefully the hot tub will be repaired soon. I would suggest adding a picnic table on the back porch for cooking outside and enjoying the beautiful ocean view!

Recommended for:

Guest: Kristina Kahl (Elk Grove CA)
Date of Stay: 06/14/09 Review Submitted: 06/14/09

This is a great property and I would recommend it to anyone. Everything was clean and bright. The master king-sized bed was new and very comfortable (perhaps the others are too, but I didn't sleep in them), the views were great, and the owners have made an effort to make you feel welcome, from the new, soft towels, to the home decor, and lovely bedspreads. We definitely will come back.

Recommended for:

Guest: Larry and Patti Mitz (Ventura CA)
Date of Stay: 04/05/09 Review Submitted: 04/05/09

This little home is such a treasure! We feel so blessed to have found it; thanks to VRBO! Our only negative thought is that we didn't stay longer! The home is very clean, light, comfortable, and has great views. The website descriptions are completely accurate. We definitely will stay here again and will tell our friends about it. Thanks for making this home available to us travelers. Maybe next time the spa will have it's new motor. Fireplace tools would be a great addition.

Owner response:Thank you for the kind compliments and suggestions. Our apologies for the hot tub under repair. The replacement motor is backordered. We are anxiously awaiting its arrival.

Recommended for:

Guest: Ashton
Date of Stay: 08/16/08 Review Submitted: 08/15/08

Thanks for the heads up about the credit card charge - I had hoped you had forgotten ;) We were very pleased with the house - it was everything the pictures and descriptions said, and more. It definitely made for a relaxing weekend getaway and we'll let our friends know about it if they ever travel up that way. Guest Ashton from Califonia, August, 2008

Recommended for:

Guest: Virginia Holladay (Nashville. TN.)
Date of Stay: 07/28/08 Review Submitted: 07/28/08

Many things don't live up to the advertise- ment, but Whale's Tale Cabin was even better than the ad. It is modern, well-equipped and comfortable. The view is lovely and serene. I would go back in a heartbeat.

Recommended for:

Guest: Jim & K.C. Walden (Yreka, Ca)
Date of Stay: 07/16/08 Review Submitted: 07/16/08

We really enjoyed our visit in this lovely home, so comfortable and such beautiful views. Everything you could possibly need is here and so comfortable. Thanks for a great relaxing vacation. We will be back.

Recommended for:

Guest: John Gillooly (Oakland, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/30/08 Review Submitted: 06/30/08

Lovely house at a great location. So calming having the ocean out the window. I will definitely be staying here again. Don't miss a trip to Six Rivers Brewing Co. up the road in McKinleyville

Recommended for:

Guest: Sara61 (Novato, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/11/07 Review Submitted: 10/11/07

I would recommend this house to anyone. Very clean, fresh, fully equipped and peaceful. The beds were incredibly comfortable and we just had a wonderful time! Thank you!

Recommended for:

Guest: Christine 5 (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/01/07 Review Submitted: 10/01/07

My recommendation of this spot is very high. I just spent a very relaxing weekend at the bungalow and have just booked the place for my birthday weekend next month. Great views of birds, beach, dunes and river-plus the sound of crashing surf; wonderful outdoor space with clean and functional hottub and big deck chairs; clean and warm house with fireplace and central heating; and secluded from neighbors. A great place to refresh your soul, commune with nature and hang with good friends. One recommendation is directions to Ray's-we thought you meant Roger's market and didn't discover the grocery store until our way back to SF!

Recommended for:

Guest: David Leon (Laramie WY)
Date of Stay: 10/27/06 Review Submitted: 10/27/06

Spent 6 weeks at the cabin. Unbeatable views. It was hard to go home again. Simply, but nicely furnished. Hottub overlooking the ocean is wonderful.

Recommended for:

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/24/06 Review Submitted: 10/24/06

Quiet, with the sound of pounding surf in the distance. Great light and views thru the many windows. Fresh ocean breezes and delightfully hot jacuzzie and private sunning area overlooking the river, dunes and ocean out back. Everything neat clean and working, no easy feat I know. [My only sugestion is to add some Oriental rugs and original work of local artists.] Thanks for making it all available, Robert

Owner response:Great suggestion!!! Thank you.... Regards, Richard

Recommended for:

Guest: Richard & Kotoji (San Jose, CA )
Date of Stay: 09/06/06 Review Submitted: 09/06/06

What a wonderful charming cabin!! Place was clean and so comfortable,and nice touch of decor. Plus, all those specutacular nature around you. This cabin totally revitalized our body & soul. This location which meeting mad river & ocean together provided us so many happiness and pleasure to our whole trip. Watching a beautiful sunset from hot tub was unbelievable! This is called a really vacation!! Thank you so much for bringing our smiles back again!!! We'll definately return.

Recommended for:

Guest: Brenda & James (-)
Date of Stay: 08/31/06 Review Submitted: 08/31/06

This is a lovely, charming bungalow in a beautiful location. It was soooo quiet, but you could hear the ocean when the patio door was open. The bed's were soft and luxurious and the spa was a treat. This is a lovely area of California that is highly underrated and seldom crowded. Definitely drive around to Mad Beach for a quiet walk along the ocean. It was a great vacation for our family. We played board games, hiked, barbecued, and just generally enjoyed ourselves. I highly recommend the cottage. Thanks!

Recommended for:

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/29/06 Review Submitted: 08/28/06

The views from the back deck, yard & hot tub are spectacular. Great spot.

Recommended for:

Guest: Jennifer Ayers-Ringler (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/28/06 Review Submitted: 08/28/06

We enjoyed our stay very much. It was everything the description said it would be. The place is very roomy, the master bed was so comfortable (we had trouble sleeping when we got home!), and it was very quiet. The spa was such a marvelous way to end the day; it really makes the cabin. Even though the property next door was undergoing construction, it didn't really bother us at all (only 4 workers at a time, and they started late and ended early). It took me a while to get used to cooking with an electric range and stove (tip: set the oven to ~25 degrees higher than the desired temp), but the kitchen was relatively well stocked (could use some tongs and mixing bowls). I would love to return for a longer stay, and I definitely recommend it if you have children.

Owner response:Thanks, Jennifer---we'll get some tongs and mixing bowls----we also just purchased new 600 count cotton linens and thick, lush towels----we appreciate your feedback---Regards, Richard, The Whales Tale Cabin

Recommended for:

Guest: J. Dickman (-)
Date of Stay: 08/27/06 Review Submitted: 08/27/06

This is one of the loveliest vacation homes we have stayed in in California. It was comfortable and incredibly quiet. We loved taking a jacuzzi while watching the river life drift by or just watching the sunset. A great location for visiting HSU parents/families.

Recommended for:

Guest: Anita Couture (Rochester NH)
Date of Stay: 06/09/06 Review Submitted: 06/09/06

We arrived at night after a full day of traveling and was quite happy to find a vacation home that was pleasant, clean and inviting. When we awoke the next morning we were excited to see the surrounding area. We never tired of watching the changes of the tide and the wildlife going back and forth. It was great being central to the Lost Coast and Redwood National Forest. We look forward to returning.

Recommended for:

Very Charming!

Guest: Curtman (Newport Beach, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/01/06 Review Submitted: 10/14/10

I stayed here a few years ago (before the jacuzzi was added) and had a great time. It was a pleasure to wake up every morning and have a cup of coffee overlooking that river and ocean views out back. We had some smaller animals walk around on the property. The owners provided playing cards and board games which we utilized in the evenings. We had a lot of fun on the trip and it was very relaxing. The neighbors don't bug you and with such a large yard there is a great privacy, but if you approach the neighbors they are very friendly. Also, this house is a short walk to a wonderful forest area with great Redwood trees and a path down to the beach. I highly recommend this home! My date below is estimated ... I believe I was there in April or May of 2006.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.