Storybook Hotel in a Storybook Village
Don and I take turns finding hotels, when planning our road trips.
I wasn't thrilled when he said, "I booked the Victorian Inn, in Ferndale." Ferndale sounded like some hick town in a sitcom. The Victorian Inn, didn't sound like a very creative name. I figured this would be yet another cutesy B & B, with lace and red velvet and lots of the owner's favorite knick knacks. |
On Main Street Since 1890
It was hard to believe the hotel was nearly 130 years old. It almost looked like something created for Disney World's Main Street.
Decorated Bay Windows
The elaborate Italianate detail surrounding the windows, was stunning.
Finding the Door
The double doors on the corner had a sign that sent us to a side entrance.
Lobby/Shop
We found the check-in desk in the back of Silva's Jewelry Store. That seemed odd at first, since it seemed like a grand hotel, should have a grand lobby.
Second Floor
We checked in and carried our bags past my horse friend and up a stairway. The second story held about 15 rooms.
Hallway
I'm not sure what was behind the double doors at the end of the hall.
Room #210 - The Olivia
Our room actually had 2 doors. The first was near the cuckoo clock. It had some elaborate woodwork around the transom, but no number and no door knob.
Victorian Red
I had already peeked on the website to see our room, but I was still pleasantly surprised.
Books or TV?
I had to laugh at the tiny TV on the cabinet across from the bed. I think they should have hidden that little modern reminder, inside the cabinet.
Two Bathroom Pics
I always keep bathroom expectations low in old hotels. But, we had a decent sized bathroom with a window that went practically from floor to ceiling.
View
I do love windows and we had a few. It was nice having a view of the pretty town and sky, in the evening and morning.
After Dark
It was dark soon after we checked in. There might have been some dining options in the small town, but we checked out the hotel's cozy tavern.
Cheers
Don and I celebrated with a Martini and Cosmo, made by our bartender named Brandy. We figured she gets enough comments about her perfect bartender name, so we talked about other things.
VI Restaurant
We watched a few people come and go through the doorway to the Dining Room. "VI" was the name of the restaurant. It took me a while to realize those weren't Roman numerals, but initials.
Baby Spinach and Sliders
Our meal was just right. My salad had squash, strawberries, walnuts, raspberry vinaigrette and Humboldt Fog cheese. Brandy had to explain that Humboldt was the county we were in... which gets a lot of ocean fog.
Morning
Before bed, we helped ourselves to coffee in the second floor sitting area. Decaf options meant I slept well in our luxurious bed, with humming fan.
Breakfast
Breakfast was included with our stay, so took a window seat in the VI Restaurant. What huge windows!
What's Notable?
Our stay at The Victorian was a package deal. I feel like we experienced the hotel and town, all together. The combination was just lovely, but it was it too perfect? I wondered, "What's the catch?"
Okay, this hotel and town made me happy. I think we need to move!