Highlands Resort — Hotel in Guerneville

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...

This review is for day pass use of the pool/grounds: I've always enjoyed Highlands from time to time for a quiet reprieve from, say, the R3 right in town. Given that Highlands right now is the only gay resort with a pool that is open, I decided to hang out there today in the 91 F heatwave. First thing I noticed is that a day pass is now $20 (vs $15 last time I was there). There were at least 10 people on the sign in sheet when I got there and many who arrived after, so they easily make $300 to $400 a day on weekends in extra revenue from these day passes -- not inconsequential. But you don't really get much for that $20 other than access to the pool, maybe a chair if one is free.

There was literally no shade, except for two tables with umbrellas. All the other lounge chairs have no umbrellas. I've never seen such a thing in all my travels: not even one umbrella for any of the lounge chairs. I ended up hiding out under a tree, which eventually ran out of shade and people kept scrambling to find shade. The lawn is basically dead from lack of water and upkeep. The drought is over, so not sure why they are letting the two lawn areas go. They also don't provide a jug of drinking water (R3, for example, does). My stay was cut short and pretty unpleasant from the lack of shade. I highly suggest the owners consider some umbrellas and re-adjusting...

Highlands Resort is spectacular! Ken & Lynette are such wonderful hosts and they make this place a true gem. The best dates are waitlisted months to years in advance because of the loyal following they garner. One stay and you'll see why!

They have mastered the art of hospitality, with simple, streamlined check-in and check-out, offering as much or as little information and engagement as you seek. They are a true font of local information, so I highly recommend asking for their input on dining, wine tasting, hiking, or anything you'd like to do in the area while visiting!

We stayed in a "King Spa" cabin. The setting is gorgeous, quiet, tranquil forest. Each cabin being separate makes for a real sense of privacy and solitude. The spa soaker tub easily fit my portly, 6' 4" frame. The small gas fireplace provides heat and ambiance in spades! Also, having a kitchenette with flatware, cutlery and all the basics made relaxing wine-and-cheese afternoons a pure delight!

This is a perfect landing pad for exploring Sonoma wine country, especially the Russian River Valley and neighboring AVAs. It's so worth exploring the area beyond wine, too; it's replete with artisanal shops selling cheese, bread, and all manor of craft goods.

I could gush for pages, but suffice it say... this is THE place to stay! We can't wait...