Carter House Inns

In 1978, Mark Carter found the plans to a beautiful Victorian home designed by the Newsom Brothers in a thrift store right here in Eureka. The home had originally been completed in 1885, known as the Murphy House which stood in San Francisco until 1906. As many know, 1906 was the year of the famous San Francisco earthquake and fire, in which the Murphy House was sadly lost. It was upon the discovery of these plans that Mr. Carter set out to recreate the building in his hometown of Eureka. As an experienced builder, he found an ideal piece of land just blocks away from Humboldt Bay Harbor to construct this dream home for his family. Amidst many Eureka Victorians, the Carter House was completed in 1982, where it now provides hotel lodging for guests to Humboldt County and stands just a block away from another famous Newsom Brother design – the historic Carson Mansion.

While the Carters initially intended for the Carter House to become their family home, they unfortunately faced delayed construction and the extremely high cost of intricate Victorian moldings. However, they quickly found their calling as innkeepers, opening the doors of their 5-bedroom home as a modest bed & breakfast. It wasn’t before long that the Carters began to expand their business to include additional buildings, starting with the Hotel Carter located cornerwise from their home at the intersection of 3rd Street and L Street. The Hotel Carter opened in 1987, which they styled after a turn-of-the century inn with a gorgeous lobby and dining room. Guests are able to check-in and dine at the Hotel Carter, where they can choose to stay in the Carter House or Hotel Carter, as well as in accommodations also provided by the Carters at their renovated Carter Cottage, Bell Cottage or Annie’s House – all centrally located in the historic district of Eureka.

Co-owner and founder of Carter House Inns, Christi Carter, resides near Carter House Inns where she helps tend to the on-site Carter Gardens and enjoys the beautiful scenery of Old Town Eureka. Today, Mark and his wife, Sherri, commute between his hometown of Eureka and the beautiful Calistoga, located in the Napa Valley region of California. Down in Calistoga, the Carters operate a joint venture with wine legend, Nils Venge known as Envy Wines. Here, they produce Envy Wines as well as many wines under their original label, Carter Cellars, which has been in operation since 1998.

The latest Carter success is the release of Kentucky Owl Bourbon, made from a prohibition-era recipe of the Dedman family – close friends to the Carters and co-founders of the product. Already making a splash on Kentucky’s bourbon trail, guests of Carter House Inns can join us at our beautiful bar to get a taste of the award-winning Kentucky Owl Bourbon!

At Carter House Inns our staff works in conjunction with the Carter family to keep the passion and inspiration of that original vision alive!

Award Winning Wines

Carter Cellars Wine and Restaurant 301 have been the proud recipients of the Wine Spectator Grand Award since 1998. This prestigious honor has only been bestowed upon 77 other restaurants in the world.

We have over 3,500 wines on our list, which receives the Grand Award for not only its depth, but also for its quality. Carter Cellars’ Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot have been noticed by Wine and Spirit magazine, Wine Spectator magazine, Wine Enthusiast and Robert Parker, receiving scores as high as 100 points (a perfect score) from these industry leaders.

A well-known critic once described these Carter Cellars wines as “swoon inducing.”

While we’re not sure exactly where this quality originates — perhaps in the earth and sun of our low yield vineyards, or in the touch of our masterful winemakers — whatever it is that gives Carter Cellars Wine the ability to stir the passions and overwhelm the senses is simply wonderful.

Envy Wines is a joint venture between wine legend Nils Venge and Mark Carter that opened in 2006. Located in Calistoga, CA, Envy Wines is an estate winery with 11 acres planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah and Sauvignon Blanc. All of the Carter wines are made here, including Ancillary, Envy Wines and Ruby Kurant. The tasting room is open seven days a week. Please visit us.

The origins of Carter Cellars began in the mid 1980’s when the historic Carter House Victorian was built. When this small bed and breakfast became too popular for the crowd from the cities up and down the west coast the Hotel Carter was added and a restaurant (the highly regarded Restaurant 301) was needed for the guests. For the guests at the restaurant Mark Carter began compiling what has become (since 1998) a Wine Spectator Grand Award winning wine list. He began sourcing the best wines the world had to offer from first growth Bordeaux to the top Napa Cabernet and even the high quality, little-known gems that helped the wine list stand out. Because of the great recognition of the restaurant and its wine list Mark was able to host winemaker dinners with the likes of Dan Duckhorn and Nils Venge.

Mark and Nils became fast friends at these dinners while sharing their all encompassing passion for great wines. Mark wanted to expand his love of wines and start a new age wine label devoid of a brick and mortar facility but sourcing only the best fruit from the most renowned vineyard in Napa. His goal was to create the best Napa Cabernet that could be made. Nils Venge, the superstar winemaker responsible for receiving the first “perfect score” on a domestic wine from Robert M. Parker Jr. while at Groth in 1985, seemed like the perfect match on this quest for perfection.

Carter Cellars first vintage was in 1998 sourcing grapes from the steeply terraced Coliseum Block of the Hossfeld Vineyard. In continuing to source wine from top Napa vineyards Mark and Nils made a svelte Fortuna Block Cabernet from the ancient red volcanic soils of the Fortuna Vineyard in 1999. In 2000 Carter Cellars began a long and deeply rewarding relationship with the most iconic vineyard in the western hemisphere: the Beckstoffer portion of the original To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville. Thus began the rise of the famed and highly rated Carter Cellars Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet, a wine that to this day continues to receive top scores from critics worldwide.

In 2001 Carter Cellars deviated from solely making large and powerful Cabernet when they acquired Merlot fruit from the Truchard Vineyard in Carneros. This vineyard has varied soils and a marine-influenced climate which makes the ripe and rounded fruit which goes into our lush and ultra-premium Merlot. In 2004 Carter Cellars expanded again when they began sourcing Cabernet fruit from the Revilo Vineyard in St Helena right next door to some of the highest rated Napa Cabernet and farmed by Reg Oliver of El Molino. The Revilo Vineyard fruit makes for large and austere Cabernet with incredibly smooth tannins which benefit from some bottle age and will greatly reward those with the patience for fine wines.

Mark and Nils began looking for a permanent home for Carter Cellars and for a small Napa Winery at which they could produce wines from estate grown fruit. In 2006 they founded Envy Winery on Tubbs Lane in Calistoga. This 17 acre property would specialize in Estate grown Merlot, Cabernet and Petite Sirah and would become the new home of Carter Cellars.

In 2006 Carter Cellars expanded again. Still with an extremely small case production they made the Hossfeld Red Blend also from the Hossfeld Vineyard in Soda Canyon. This Predominately Merlot blend contains Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Verdot and is modeled on one of Mark’s Favorites: Chateau Petrus with a uniquely Californian side.

In 2012 Carter Cellars added two additional exciting Cabernets vineyards to the portofilo: the Weitz Vineyard and Beckstofffer Las Piedras Vineyard. Long considered one of the gems of Turnbull Wine Cellars vineyard holdings, the Weitz Vineyard, also known as the Leopoldina Vineyard, sits on 62 glorious acres high on the Oakville Bench. The fruit from the vineyard is renowned for its profound structure, elegant rich texture and lingering acidity and minerality. The Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard is a historic vineyard in the St. Helena AVA. Roughly translated to the stones or little pebbles, the vineyard sits at the base of Sulfur Creek on the southwest outskirts of St. Helena. Riddled with rocks, the soil is porous and provides ideal support for the vines and when matched with excellent farming techniques, the result is remarkable dense and concentrated fruit.

As Carter Cellars continues to create amazing wines from some of the best vineyard sites in Napa and Envy begins to receive recognition for its high quality hand crafted wines Mark finds his time increasingly split between his Hotel/Restaurant, the inspiration for his love of wine and pursuit of perfection and the Vineyard and Winery which requires much attention. At this point Mark has one of the longest commutes around, generally making the drive from Napa to Eureka every other week. He does this happily knowing that it is this kind of dedication and constant attention to detail that brings satisfaction to those who drink his wine and enjoy his hospitality.

Old Carter Whiskey

Click here to read about Old Carter Whiskey.

Channel Lineup

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Breweries

Lost Coast Brewery
1600 Sunset Drive, Eureka, CA 95503
707-267-9651

Lost Coast Brewery & Café
617 4th Street, Eureka, CA 95501
707-445-4480

Humboldt Cider Company Taproom
517 F Street, Eureka, CA 95501
707-497-6320

Wrangletown Cider
1350 9th St., Arcata, CA
707-508-5175

Business Center

To accommodate their business needs, our guests are welcome to use the computer and printer at the Front Desk. Copies and facsimile service are also available.

Check-In/Check-Out

Check-in time is 3 pm. Check-out time is 11 am. In the event of a late check-out, please make arrangements with the Front Desk in advance.

Complimentary Coffee

Complimentary gourmet coffee is available upon request at the Front Desk.

Complimentary Continental Breakfast

Please join us for a continental breakfast every morning from 7:30 to 9:30 am in the dining room. Includes pastry and/or hot egg dish, fruit, yogurt, coffee, tea and fruit juice.

Complimentary Wine

Please join us in our well-stocked Lobby Bar for a complimentary glass of wine, beer or sparkling cider each evening from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

Concierge Services

Our helpful staff is always prepared to render whatever personal assistance guests might require. This includes, but is not limited to, assistance with luggage, taking messages, recommending places to go, things to do and see, and making inquiries or reservations on your behalf.

Conference Rooms

Conference rooms accommodating up to 14 people are available for business meetings and other events. For information or to make reservations, please contact the Front Desk.

Copy Service

Black and white copies are available at the Front Desk.

Cribs

A limited number of Pack ’N Plays are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact the Front Desk to request one.

Dining Guide

Please request a printed local dining guide with restaurant names, type of food, locations and phone numbers from the Front Desk.

Emergencies

In case of a police, fire or ambulance emergency, dial 9, wait for the dial tone, then dial 911.

Exercise/Fitness Centers

We offer complimentary guest passes to the Adorni Center, located just down the street. Please contact the Front Desk for a pass.

Adorni Center Gym & Health Club
1011 Waterfront Drive, Eureka
707-441-4248
Monday – Friday 9 am – 7 pm
Saturday 9 am – 2:30 pm
Closed Sundays

Fax Service

Complimentary fax service (up to 10 pages) is available at the Front Desk. The incoming fax number is 707-444-2223.

Forget Something?

Overnight kits are available at the front desk.

Harbor Tours

Ask the Front Desk about Madaket tours around Humboldt Bay.

Housekeeping

Please contact the front desk 9 am to 1 pm regarding any special housekeeping needs, including extra towels, linens, blankets or pillows.

Ice

An ice machine is located on the 3rd floor of the Hotel Carter building. You may also ask at the front desk as we have ice in the kitchen on the first floor. For the Carter House and Cottages, ice is located in the freezer of the kitchen.

In-Room Amenities

For your convenience all guest rooms come equipped with coffee makers, hair dryers, irons, and ironing boards. Guest rooms in Carter House and all the cottages have refrigerators, and refrigerators are available upon request in the hotel building.

Internet Access

We are pleased to offer complimentary Wi-Fi in all our guest rooms. Please contact the Front Desk for the password.

Keys

If you lose your key, please notify the Front Desk immediately.

Lost & Found

Please dial 0 to contact the Front Desk regarding any items you may have lost or found. Carter House Inns is not responsible for lost items.

Lounge & Bar

The Carter House Inns bar is located adjacent to the lobby and is open 4 pm to 8 pm daily. You are welcome to enjoy our lounge which is in the lobby near the check-in desks.

Luggage Assistance

Our helpful staff will be happy to assist you with your luggage. Please contact the Front Desk.

Mail, Postage Stamps

Mail may be dropped off or picked up at the Front Desk, and postage stamps may be purchased there at the current postal rate.

Messages

The Front Desk will notify you if any messages have been left for you.

Newspapers

Complimentary copies of the Eureka Times-Standard are available in the Lobby of the Hotel Carter. There are several other periodicals that are available. Feel free to take or use any of them. There is also a lifetime of visitor information and guidebooks available in our Lobby.

Pets

Dogs are permitted in designated rooms, and are provided with a welcome kit. There is a $30 fee. Please declare all pets at check-in. There is a deep cleaning fee of $250 for having an undeclared pet in your room.

Reservations

Please contact the Front Desk by dialing 0 for future reservations, or book online at CarterHouse.com.

Restaurant 301

Restaurant 301 remains closed as we track the evolving COVID dining restrictions. We plan on having a restaurant in the hotel when it is prudent to do so. We appreciate the frequent inquiries, along with your patience.

Smoking Policy

There is zero tolerance for smoking in rooms. If smoking of any substance takes place in the room, you will be charged for an additional night’s stay to allow for room fumigation.

Social Media

If you have enjoyed your stay: we would appreciate your review on Facebook, Google, Trip Advisor and Yelp.

Telephone

• Emergency: Dial 9, wait for the dial tone, then dial 911.
• Front Desk: Dial 0.
• Housekeeping: Dial 0 between 9 am and 1 pm.
• Outside Calls: Dial 9, wait for the dial tone, then dial number.
• Room to Room: Dial room number.
• Wake-Up Calls: Dial 0 for the Front Desk.

Upgrade Your Stay

Please contact the Front Desk if you would like to upgrade your accommodations. We are sometimes able to do this based on availability.

Visitor Information

Our office staff is knowledgeable and equipped to provide assistance for you for planning your vacation for your stay in Eureka and Humboldt County.

Safety & Security

Traveler Safety

Do not admit anyone into your room without first verifying his or her identity. If you are unsure of someone claiming to be a hotel employee, call the Front Desk for verification before allowing entry.
Hotel staff members will never call your room and ask for credit card numbers or other sensitive information. Please notify the Front Desk if you receive such a call.
Do not leave cash or other valuables in your room or vehicle.
Always use all locking devices on the door. Before leaving your room, double check that windows and door are all securely locked.
Keep your room key with you at all times. Do not leave it unattended in your room or elsewhere.
Report any suspicious activity that you observe to the management.

Fire Safety

Upon checking in, locate the 2 nearest exits and the nearest fire alarm. Count the number of doors between them and your room, so that you can find your way in the event of smoke or darkness.
If you hear an alarm or smell smoke, act immediately; don’t just investigate.
To report a fire, dial 9, wait for a dial tone, then dial 911. Be sure to give your room number. Next, call the Front Desk by dialing 0. Then go to the door. If it is hot, do not open it. Turn off the fan or air conditioner. Cover the crack at the bottom of the door with wet towels, fill your bathtub with water, and signal from your window. Do not break the window or jump from it. Cover your mouth and nose with a folded wet towel. Wait to be rescued.
If the door is not hot, and there is no dense smoke in the corridor, take your key card, lock the door behind you and head for the nearest exit. Pull nearest fire alarm if possible. If there is some smoke, crawl; the freshest air is near the floor. Proceed quickly but calmly. Do not panic.

Earthquake Safety

If you feel any shaking:

Drop, cover and hold on: drop down to the floor as soon as you perceive an earthquake has started; drop down before the earthquake drops you down. Then seek shelter under a desk or table. Crouch down on your knees so that you can move with the table. Hold on to the table leg(s) so you can keep the table over you.
If there is no nearby desk or table, sit on the floor against an inside wall, away from windows, tall furniture or bookcases. Draw up your knees, bend your head toward your knees. Protect your head and neck with your arms.
Go outside once the shaking stops. Make sure you are wearing sturdy shoes before leaving the building. If possible take valuables and medications. Avoid touching downed power lines. If access to exit doors is blocked by earthquake damage, wait for a rescue team.

Tsunami Safety

If you are at the beach or near the ocean and you feel the ground shake or see rapidly rising or falling coastal water levels, move immediately to higher ground and stay there until local authorities say it is safe to return. DO NOT wait for a warning to be announced. If the tsunami is caused by a remote earthquake or volcanic eruption, you will be alerted by a siren, radio or television broadcasts, local first responders and/or an alarm at the hotel.

Often the first wave may not be the largest. The danger from a tsunami can last up to 12 hours after the arrival of the first wave. Tsunamis move faster than a person can run, and can be 30 feet high or higher; sometimes much higher. Never stay near shore to watch a tsunami come in.