Stanford Inn

Drawn to this property, we were profoundly affected by the creative and healing energy of this corner of Mendocino. We were changed – finding a deeper relationship with nature. Wanting to share our good fortune, we have been working to help assure that our guests have an opportunity to experience what we experience: a special place that enlivens and inspires. This land inspires us to work with nature, creating gardens; plant-based cuisine that is both delicious and nutritious; opportunities to experience nature without damaging it; and techniques to live lightly on the earth and programs to make healthful change easier.

Now in our fourth decade, we are working with educational institutions to provide internship opportunities for those also inspired by nature and who seek ways to work with it both through cooking and farming.

The Stanford Inn provides internships in agriculture and culinary arts. We are one of three training sites for the international Green Belt Mini Farm Project. Interns from around the world come to Mendocino County and the Inn to learn techniques to help assure a sustainable future. These interns want to be a part of the solution to global problems – hunger, warming, and war. Providing interns housing and meals, we also lead seminars on nutrition, cooking, and our underlying philosophy.

At the Ravens we train chefs in concert with the Natural Gourmet Institute in New York City. Our interns are not required to spend their intern hours just julienning carrots and chopping onions, but learning the techniques necessary to serve outstanding whole food cuisine. Our program is a unique educational experience that encompasses both nutrition – the why – and all aspects of preparing plant-based cuisine – the how.

The Inn’s agricultural and culinary programs are timely and form an integrated approach to food and agriculture based on a whole food, plant-based diet. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development‘s report, Trade and Environment Review 2013: Make Agriculture Truly Sustainable Now for Food Security in a Changing Climate, recognizes the need for a new agricultural paradigm. The report’s authors advocate “changing dietary patterns towards climate-friendly food,” moving away from animal-based to plant-based, small-scale agriculture to increase food supplies and to sequester carbon through reforestation and preservation of peat bogs and grasslands.

We thought you would like to know that we are a part of that effort. Thank you for your staying with us and best wishes for a wonderful stay. If there’s anything you need please ask.

Sincerely,

Joan and Jeff

The Stanford Inn
44850 Comptche Ukiah Road
Mendocino, CA 95460
707-937-5615

Property Layout

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ADA Accommodations

The Stanford Inn is committed to providing accessible facilities for guests with disabilities. If you encounter barriers during your stay, please contact the Manager. If in the future you require an accessible room, please request one when making a reservation. We can assist you better if you let us know your individual needs in advance.

Afternoons at the Inn & Happy Hour

Afternoons at the Inn provides an opportunity to experience the delights of fine vegan baking from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Originally “Tea Time,” we now have a full bar where you also purchase cocktails, wine and beer.

Technically Happy Hour follows Afternoons at the Inn. However, our inn guests can purchase cocktails and beer at 50% off and wine at our regular prices during both periods:

For Inn Guests 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Outside Guests 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Mondays through Thursdays, Holidays Excluded

Big River Llamas & Donkeys

Our first llama was an anniversary present to Joan. We acquired others to provide an opportunity for our children to experience breeding, raising and training these gentle animals.

Recognizing the impact of ruminants on the environment, particularly cattle, we terminated our breeding program. Today, we have three males whose breeder named them Can Do, Can Too, and Can So. We call them Moe, Larry and Curly. They were “rescued,” that is, came to us from a breeder who did not need more males.

Monique, a miniature donkey, was given to us by other innkeepers who were moving abroad. We adopted Noel, formerly a pet in Texas, as a companion. Donkeys, like the llamas, are very gentle and, unlike them, they enjoy attention.

Big River Nurseries — Certified Organic Garden

Big River Nurseries is our Certified Organic garden in which we use French intensive and organic methods. The garden supplies The Ravens’ Restaurant with approximately 50% of its produce.

Working with our environment and its natural guidance, we grow a wide variety of lettuces, herbs, spinach, and gourmet vegetables. We are also experimenting with various fruit trees.

The gardens are double-dug, raised beds, to enable better use of square footage and to reduce erosion. With the exception of the road created through the garden, paths are grass to enable better pest control and to allow the soils to breathe and develop.

Planted among the vegetables are edible flowers which we harvest and use as garnish on all of our dishes at The Ravens.

Walking through our gardens you will see where land is “wild” in order to preserve a habitat for small birds, frogs, and a wide variety of beneficial insects.

Business Center

Our Business Center is located behind the Lobby and is open 24 hours a day.

Channel Lineup

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Catering for Events

Catering services are available for meetings and banquets in the hotel. Please dial 0 or contact the Front Desk to make arrangements.

Check-In/Check-Out

Check-in time is 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Check-out time is 11:00 am. In the event of a late check-out, please make arrangements with the Front Desk in advance.

Complimentary Coffee

Complimentary organic coffee is available from 8:00 am to 11:00 am in the Lobby. We also provide Keurig pod brewers in our Guest Rooms. Regardless of which brand, our coffees are organic fair trade blends, as is Big River Coffee Company’s blend at The Ravens. Our teas are from Choice teas and are organic and fair trade.

To use the coffee maker:
Keurig – follow the instructions on the brewer. For the four cup maker, measure four cups of water into the decanter and pour into the back of the machine. The decanter should be placed onto the hot plate. Place the coffee-filled filter into the basket that is above the decanter and return it to the pushed back position. Turn on the brewer and smell the wonderful aroma of your freshly made coffee.

Complimentary Breakfast

Please join us for breakfast every morning from 8:00 am to 10:30 am. Breakfast is complimentary for overnight guests when served in the dining room. Included is a choice of organic juices, coffee or tea, and an entrée. If you would like service to your room, you will be charged our regular menu prices and a service charge. If you would like to order to eat in your room, you can pick up your breakfast without additional charge.
Click to view the breakfast menu.
Click to view the on-the-go lunch menu.
Click to view the dinner menu.
Wine can be purchased from the Gift Shop. The menu is accessible from the breakfast and/or pages that are linked above.

Conference Rooms

Two conference rooms with different arrangements are available for business meetings and other events. The smaller room accommodates up to 20 people, and the larger room up to 60. For information or to make reservations, please contact the Front Desk.

Copy Service

Black and white copies are available in the Lobby.

Credit Cards

For your convenience we accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and Diners Club credit cards.

Cribs

A limited number of cribs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact the Front Desk to request one. A charge of $5 per night will apply.

Emergencies

In case of a police, fire or ambulance emergency, dial 911. If you are calling from your room, you will need to dial 9 and wait for a dial tone before dialing 911.

Exercise/Fitness Center

Our workout room includes an elliptical machine, treadmill, recumbent bike and weight machine. We are the only inn on the coast with exercise facilities, and provide it for those of our guests who exercise regularly on similar equipment. Please only use equipment you are familiar with, and please, no children under sixteen. The Exercise Room is on the lower level of the Ravens’ Building – one level below the Lobby – and is open 6:00 am until 10:30 pm. Your room key card will allow you access.

Fax Service

Fax service is available at the Front Desk. Please inquire there for the incoming fax number and rates.

Fireplaces

1. Have a window partially opened to allow outside ventilation to feed the fires. Otherwise they draw air down the chimney and it can make the room smoky.

2. Be sure the damper and air vents are open.

3. Please close the screen, as fires will often spit out burning embers.

4. If you are leaving the room or going to bed, be sure to close the glass or metal doors.

5. Please do not reduce the dampers in an attempt to use the fireplace for heating. The rooms are well insulated and have heaters.

6. If you make a smoky fire, do not attempt to dismantle the smoke alarm. It will stop signaling once the smoke has cleared. Push the logs to the back of the fireplace with the poker, close the screen and the fireplace doors, and open the room doors and windows.

7. Building the fire: We have found that the most successful method is to lay a few pieces of kindling on the grate and a couple of logs on top, slightly askew of the kindling. Another two, somewhat smaller, logs should be placed on top, aligned with the kindling. Place crushed paper under the grate and light. You may need to stuff more paper under the grate as the first is burned. Please make sure to use the poker or the shovel to avoid being burned.

8. Remember to use care. If you have difficulty, please ask for assistance.

Forget Something?

As a courtesy to our guests, we are happy to provide complimentary personal items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste and razors.

Front Desk

You may contact the Front Desk from your room by dialing 0. The Front Desk is open 8:00 am until 10:30 pm. Concierge service 8:00 pm to 10:30 pm. There is always staff after hours for emergencies.

Heaters

All of our rooms have individual heaters which are controlled by wall-mounted thermostats. If you wish to change the temperature in your room, just use the thermostat. In your closet you will find fans, should you require additional ventilation.

Housekeeping

Please dial 0 to contact the Housekeeping Department for any housekeeping service needs, including extra towels, linens or blankets.

Ice Machines

Ice machines are conveniently located in the center staircase of the Big River Building and the main level of the Forest Building.

In-Room Amenities

For your convenience guest rooms come equipped with coffee makers, microwaves, iron and ironing boards, Wi-Fi, heaters, fireplaces, private desks, umbrellas, flashlights, robes, Direct TV residential experience and speakers for phones.

Internet Access

We are pleased to offer complimentary Wi-Fi provided by Hotel Internet Services in all our guest rooms. It’s east to connect:

1. Use a laptop computer or wireless device.

2. View and connect to “HotelWireless”

3. Open a web browser to be connected to the sign-up page.

For technical assistance, please call 24/7 customer support line at 877-254-4571.

Key Cards

If you lose your key card, please notify the Front Desk immediately. We will gladly provide you with a replacement upon presentation of photo identification. If your ID is locked in your room, hotel staff will assist you in retrieving it.

Laundry & Dry Cleaning

Coin-operated washers and dryers are also available for guests’ use. Dry cleaning forms and bags are available in your room or at the Front Desk. Contact the Front Desk for more information.

Lost & Found

Please dial 0 to contact the Front Desk regarding any items you may have lost or found. The Stanford Inn is not responsible for lost items.

Lounge

Dial 285. The lounge area is open until the restaurant closes. Happy hour is from 3:30 pm until 6:00 pm.

Luggage Assistance

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

Mail, Messages, 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. We will have any mail you received sent up to your room. If staff is unavailable, we will call to let you know that your mail is waiting for you. The Front Desk will also notify you if any messages have been left for you.

Medical Care

Mendocino Coast District Hospital
700 River Dr, Fort Bragg, CA 95437
707-961-1234

Mornings at the Stanford Inn

“Going down to breakfast” is a country inn tradition, and breakfast at Mornings at the Stanford Inn is a special experience.

Although we encourage you to experience the country inn tradition of going down to breakfast, if you would like, you can have breakfast delivered to your room at our regular menu prices plus a room service charge. We are sorry; we do not have the facilities to deliver food to the Barn or Cottage Suites.

If you would like to pick up breakfast from the Ravens, you may do so at no additional charge.

Our ingredients are organic and much of the produce is from our Big River Nurseries.

Each guest may select an entrée from the menu as well as juice and coffee or tea.

Our ingredients are organic and much of our greens and vegetables are from our own Big River Nurseries.

Organic ingredients are expensive and to assure the highest quality, we cook breakfasts to order. Click to view the breakfast menu.

Newspapers

Complimentary copies of the Chronicle are available in the Lobby.

Pets

Pets are permitted. Traveling with your pet can be a wonderful experience. However, pets are often uncomfortable in new surrounding and we have seen a lot of damage to doors, furniture, and railings. It is costly to you and, more importantly, damage means your pet is unhappy.

1. Please do not leave your dog unattended in the room, particularly if you leave the property. We have a list of dog sitters if you prefer to leave your pet in your room. If you do leave your dogs unattended to swim, take yoga, etc., please let us know so we can contact you if they are unhappy. We have found that our dogs are more comfortable waiting in the car. Be sure to provide plenty of ventilation.

2. Please keep your dog on a leash. We have cats, dogs, horses, and llamas which can be frightened by or frighten your pet. Horses and llamas could be dangerous to your dog.

3. Please keep your dog out of the organic gardens. You may walk through them with a pet, but keep your pet close to you on the path. Males are inclined to urinate on objects such as our planters. That is unacceptable.

4. Please pick up after your pet. You will find a supply of specially constructed plastic pick-up bags in your room on arrival and additional bags are available in dispensers throughout the property.

5. We provide sheets to protect furniture should your pet like to get on furniture.

6. Dogs on leashes behave differently than when off-leash and tend to be protective. Please do not “introduce” your dog to another pet unless the owner agrees.

7. If your pet needs special attention or if you need services of a veterinarian, please dial 0.

There is a pet fee of $45 per pet per night. Pets may not be left unattended in guest rooms at any time. Please pick up after your pet. If you do not pick up after your pet you will be asked to leave.

Reservations

Please contact the Front Desk by dialing 0 for future individual or group reservations, or to reserve conference rooms.

Restaurant – The Ravens

Dial 285. Hours of operation are from 8:00 am until closing.
Click to view the breakfast menu.
Click to view the on-the-go lunch menu.
Click to view the dinner menu.
Wine can be purchased from the Gift Shop. The menu is accessible from the breakfast and/or pages that are linked above.

Room Service

Breakfast is free in the restaurant if guests pick it up and take it back. There will be a charge for a full breakfast if delivered to your room.

Smoking Policy

All of our rooms are smoke-free. Guests who smoke in their room will incur a $400 deep cleaning fee. All forms of smoking is prohibited – vaping, cigars, etc. If caught smoking anywhere on the property you will be asked to leave.

Swimming Pool & Spa

Our greenhouse-enclosed pool is open from 8:00 am until 10:30 pm. Your room key will open the doors. Pool towels are stocked by the pool. Robes are in your closet.

Telephone

Emergency: Dial 9 + 911.
Front Desk: Dial 0.
Housekeeping: Dial 0.
Information Calls: are billed at $5
International Credit Card and Collect Calls: Dial 9 + 011 + country code + city code + number. No Surcharges.
Long Distance Calls: Dial 9 + 1 + area code + number. There is no charge for calls made within the United States.
Operator Assisted Services: Dial 9 + 0. Charged at operator assisted rates.
Outside Calls: Dial 9 + number. There is no charge for local or toll-free numbers.
Room to Room: Dial room number.

Yoga at the Inn

With the practice of yoga, you will notice positive, profound physiological and psychological shifts, such as stress reduction, weight management, increased flexibility, greater endurance, improved circulation and metabolic function, increased energy, hormonal regulation and so much more. We offer hatha/Iyengar, Taijiquan (Tai Chi) and Kundalini.

Please call the concierge for the schedule.

Prefer a private lesson? Dial 0 to schedule a session for 1 or 2, or your entire party, to enjoy your time together as well as the rewards of yoga.

Safety & Security

Traveler Safety

Do not admit anyone into your room without first verifying his or her identity. All doors are provided with peep holes. 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 card with you at all times. Do not leave it unattended in your room by the swimming pool, or elsewhere.
Report any suspicious activity that you observe to the management.

Fire Safety

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.
Leave your room. 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.

Warning

Chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, or birth defects, or other reproductive harm may be present in foods or beverages sold or served here.

Foods such as French fries and potato chips cooked in oil at high temperatures can produce Proposition 65-listed chemicals such as acrylamide, which is known to the State to cause cancer. Broiling, grilling, and barbecuing fish and meats can produce Proposition 65-listed chemicals such as benzo-a-pyrene, which is known to the State to cause cancer. Nearly all fish and seafood contain some amount of mercury and related compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or reproductive harm. Certain fish contain higher levels than others. Pregnant and nursing women, women who may become pregnant and young children should not eat swordfish, shark, king mackerel or tilefish. They also should limit their consumption of other fish, including tuna.

We recognize that we do not serve meat (which includes fish) or French Fries, and are providing the above warning verbatim as required by interpretations to California Law.

History

Mendocino is a natural center for healing. For generations, people have come for its breathtaking natural beauty and the powerful energy and resources for wellness that energize them to renew their lives.

We came to Mendocino to do innkeeping as a family business in one of the most beautiful places in the world. We got more than we expected: the land changed us. We realized that we could live more gently. Loving animals, we quit eating them. We adopted sustainable practices for landscaping; we created edible, organic gardens; and we adopted other vocations. Joan commuted to Sonoma State to become first a Montessori instructor and later a board certified art therapist. Jeff became involved in energy work – earth and human – and later was ordained a minister. We sought to create a context for visitors to experience what we experience here as well as offer wellness services.

We began offering health-supporting therapeutic massage and yoga in 1990-91. In 1996 Jack Schwarz, the principle founder of the human potential movement in the United States, brought Aletheia Institute to the Inn. Jack was a healer, philosopher, naturopath, and educator who sought the integration of body, brain/mind and spirit. An exceptional person, he passed on in 2000. Since then we have continued to provide residents and our guests a central base for all things oriented to wellness, working with the best minds and talent in Mendocino.

Mendocino Center for Living Well is the working name for this group of local practitioners of life-enhancing programs: tai chi, Chinese herbology, breath work, art experience, acupuncture, yoga, energy medicine, massage, and much more.

Catch-A-Canoe & Bicycles, Too!

Explore Big River, California’s longest undeveloped estuary. The river is ranked a class 1, Gentle River, suitable for novice paddlers. Because it is tidal, you can ride the incoming tide up the river canyon and the outgoing back to the river’s mouth. Trips against the tide can be challenging, depending on the amount of change between high to low tides. Returning against an incoming tide and wind can be more difficult. Discover the pleasure of paddling a lightweight performance craft. We feature boats from WENONAH, Ocean Kayak, Necky, and Dagger. For an exceptional experience, paddle a redwood outrigger canoe created by a local artisan, Robert Cummings. These highly stable, fast boats are available for 1 to 9 people. Outfitted with a rudder, they are easy to control and paddle. A few outriggers are available with self-adjusting sails, and all make for an exceptional paddling experience.

Visit our outdoor shop & Bicycles, Too! for boating equipment. We provide an outstanding line of mountain bikes from Gary Fischer, TREK, Santa Cruz Cannondale, and other manufacturers. There is a wonderful back road along Big River that is closed off to traffic for an easy ride on our mountain bikes. Highway One is a designated national bicycle route. Due to the hills and fast traffic, we do not recommend that young children bicycle along roadways. For the enthusiast, we provide bicycle sales, service, custom building, parts and racks.

Both Catch-A-Canoe & Bicycles, Too! are located just below the south end of the Big River Bridge. To get there, just walk through our gardens to the old road, cutting through the property, to the mouth of the river.

Open from 9:30 am until 5:00 pm. Just dial 259 for more information or click the link to the Catch-A-Canoe website.

The Ravens Restaurant at The Stanford Inn By The Sea

Our Mission is to provide healthy sustainably produced cuisine which rivals that at the finest California restaurants. We feel that this is the “path of least resistance” to demonstrate that food produced and cooked with a lighter touch on our environment can be a wonderful experience. It is our mission to “seduce” those often suspicious of vegetarian/vegan cuisine.

We are committed to reducing our impact on the environment and support sustainable agriculture through our gardening practices and our purchasing. Much of the produce we serve is produced by our California Certified Organic Farm – Big River Nurseries.

Truly sustainable cuisine is by definition produced with organic, plant based whole foods. We use no meat or meat products. We do not offer dairy as dairy practice underlies the cattle feedlot and veal industries throughout North America. Most cows are not allowed to nurture or feed their calves. Hens lay eggs and are suitable for meat production; roosters are not. As a result, 99% of all male chicks are killed upon their sex determination. We don’t use eggs. All food wastes are composted.

We are often asked, “Why a vegan restaurant?” The answer is very simple: it is how we cook for our family and friends, and as you are guests in our home, it is how we prepare foods for you.

Enjoy,
Joan, Jeff, Alex, Kate and the entire staff