Dawn Ranch

Lerrie Paras

2024-04

Dawn Ranch is hands down beautiful and so welcoming. It was the perfect weekend getaway for me and my little family.Everything is as spectacular as the photos! We look forward to coming back. Not to mention The Lodge, the food was savory and delicious. Everyone was so warm and welcoming. I highly recommend.

Lynn Bernhardt

2024-04

We enjoyed our weekend at Dawn Ranch. The rooms were very clean and in good repair. The linens and towels are top notch. The food at the Lodge was delicious and the servers were delightful. We especially enjoyed the Sat. Evening wine tasting, and sitting outside in the amphitheatre after dinner, socializing with other guests over s'mores. The property is beautiful and the enzyme hot tub and massage at the spa were a delight. The only concern was the outdoor shower wasn't private, so we had to shower inside, but this is an easy fix for the spa. We look forward to returning soon.Safety: The property feels very safe and welcoming. There are a number of unhoused folks in Guerneville, but they were not loud or obnoxious.

Amanda Lima

2024-05

…More

Hannah Daugherty

2024-03

The resort is very pretty and calming. The staff is also great as they are super attentive and kind. My husband and I loved the lodge restaurant for dinner. They have great fresh bread, scallops, and caipirinhas! The restaurant staff were so accommodating with my daughter who is just 5 months. It’s super close to the downtown area as well. We would definitely go back.Food & drinks: Fresh cocktails and the food is local and delicious! Especially the scallops!

Kadijah Nurudeen

2024-04

We absolutely loved it here!! We did a small girls' trip for the weekend and it was everything we expected it to be...and then some! All the staff and management were so friendly, respectful, and accommodating. We stayed in one of the chalets and it was extremely cute and not lacking in the slightest. The room had everything we needed: quality soaps, lotion, sponges, snacks, water, etc. Everything about the entire ranch was so picturesque.Now to the amenities! It did rain the whole weekend, but it didn't dull our experience at all funny enough. We went to the SPA and got facials, massages, a bath in the outdoor wooden tub, and used the massive steam room. Everything about the experience was so peaceful, quiet, and relaxing. Not once did we ever feel rushed!We dined at The Lodge onsite and they had a wonderful menu. We all had our dietary restrictions, one of us was Gluten-free, one of us was vegetarian and I didn't eat pork. Yet, they had delicious options for us when we dined both nights! And during the day you would even see people working/studying/lounging in the lodge because it was so quaint and peaceful.This review is getting a little lengthy, but I can't even put into enough words how much fun we had, definitely recommend Dawn Ranch 100%.Safety: In a semi-secluded spot and still walking distance from Guerneville, I didn't have to worry about the safety of my self or my car.Walkability: Downtown is less than a 5 min walk away!Food & drinks: They had a complimentary Wine Tasting and the food at the lodge was delicious!

Jan Jedrzejowicz

2024-05

…More

Renna Al-Yassini

2024-04

Dawn Ranch is magic. It’s warm, personal hospitality and stunning grounds. Luxuriously thoughtful accommodations, delicious food, and dreamy spa treatments. What stood out was the diverse clientele, with all warm generous staff making everyone feel comfortable and at ease. Great for solo, family, friends, or couples. Highly recommend the baths and exploring the beautiful property. Can't recommend enough.

Atika Sanchetee

2024-01

I had an amazing time at Dawn just before Thanksgiving. The place is gorgeous, surrounded by tall redwoods, mountains, and the Russian River. We stayed two nights at the resort, which is great for both families and couples. They've just redone their restaurant, creating a cool, upscale yet cozy vibe. Our room, Olive’s cottage, was a beautifully decorated one-bedroom suite. We loved walking through the orchard and kitchen garden. The town has awesome food too - the ice cream at Nimble and Finn and pasta at Boon were top-notch. Plus, the spa was a highlight with its relaxing drawing room, hot tea, and steam room. We're definitely making Dawn our go-to getaway from San Francisco.

Morgan McCue

2024-05

…More

amruta kulkarni

2024-01

Dawn Ranch, nestled by the serene Russian River, proved to be a hidden gem that exceeded our expectations in every way. From the moment we arrived, the beauty of the location unfolded before us, setting the stage for a truly memorable retreat.Lush greenery, towering trees, and the calming presence of the Russian River create an atmosphere of tranquility. The well-maintained gardens provide a picturesque backdrop for a leisurely stroll amidst nature.I had the opportunity to get a massage at the Spa and it was truly rejuvenating. The masseuse, Audra was fantastic, ensuring comfort by consistently checking if the pressure was just right and inquiring about any specific areas that needed attention.All in all, it was a lovely getaway and wish we could have stayed longer. Can’t recommend this place enough.

Dorotea Yunica

2024-04

…More

Shay Jackson

2024-03

Dawn Ranch was hit or miss for my best friend and I. We stayed in an upgraded cabin across the street from the property. We continuously had to drive back and forth to activities because of the rain and speeding cars on the main road. The cottage was clean, well laid out, and warm. We stayed in a two bedroom. Both beds were comfortable. However the couch and sitting room furniture were horrible. Very stiff and hard. My best friend and I would have full conversations shouting from our room because the couch was too uncomfortable to sit and have a normal conversation. The restaurant was nice, food was decent. Very expensive. Complimentary wine tasting was wonderful.The spa is the reason I won’t be returning. It was pouring rain and we were told that we couldn’t cancel our outdoor bath without forfeiting 100% of the cost. We decided to commit to outdoor bathing in the rain. There’s no room in the locker room to change. I never saw the tea bar (shown on instagram). We made bath bombs standing in the pouring rain. The attendant was 15 minutes late due to the rain and she was rude. Our bath was for 30 minutes, we were asked to get out after 15 minutes. Soaking wet there was no where to change, no sauna to dry us off, it was the worse experience I have ever had at a spa.

Jaime Ledesma

2024-01

Dawn Ranch has better marketing than they have facilities. I’m currently staying here, and I would not recommend to a friend.We paid for a slightly upgraded larger room, and when we checked in we were told it wasn’t on the main campus where the spa, meadow, restaurant or check-in is. You have to cross a 40mph street and pass a small homeless camp to get to the other set of cabins. That means we did not “walk back to our rooms after our massages in a robe and slippers” as they suggested… it also means you’re constantly driving back and forth for every activity. I wish I’d picked a cheaper room on the main campus (but we didn’t know)!My massage was average - the therapist had a cold and kept sniffling / sucking in snot. I hadn’t brought a mask because I didn’t think anyone would be sick, she wasn’t wearing one, and when I looked around there were none available in the room.The spa is overcrowded - there weren’t enough seats for people to have tea and we had to wait outside in robes to use the sauna.Staying on the main campus may have been a different experience, but for us it was disappointing and overpriced.

Julia Enthoven

2024-02

I saw Dawn Ranch on Instagram, and it lived up to the hype. High-end linens and fixtures. Complementary s’mores, guitars, meditation sessions, sketchbooks, snacks, wine tasting, bikes, picnic blankets, and more. The lodge is a gorgeous high-end restaurant. Staff is friendly and available all the time via text. Romantic — we saw mostly couples there with some families. Feels like Pacific Northwest in the winter. My own caveat here is that I found the rooms to be a bit crowded than I expected. Not so nice space in the room or around it. Doesn’t feel particularly remote.Walkability: Extremely close to the town of Guerneville. 5 mins walking.

Ally Melideo

2024-02

Dawn Ranch beyond exceeded all of my expectations!! The little cabins are perfectly decorated, very simple but warm. And the bathrooms are very updated and nice. Feels like very nice glamping! But what really made it so special was all of the activities offered (meditation, forest bathing, s’mores etc) and the Lodge restaurant! I was blown away by the food at dinner. And we also did a really beautiful hike super close by. There’s plenty to do if you want to just stay on property, but also lots to explore if you have a car! 10/10 would recommend and I can’t wait to go back! This property would also be ideal for company retreats, bach parties, and romantic getaways.

Jen M

2024-03

…More

Linda Beugg

2024-04

…More

Lynne Pentis

2024-02

We reserved a Grove cottage and it was lovely. Great shower and very comfy bed with lovely linens. The atmosphere of the grounds is really beautiful. You feel like you are in the middle of the redwoods. We ate breakfast and a dinner at the Lodge, the onsite restaurant. It was excellent. The service was professional and friendly and very thoughtful. The menu is filled with wonderful choices. I find it hard to believe that you wouldn’t find something you will love on the menu. Breakfast was delicious but dinner was even better. We had scallops and beef carpaccio for starters then we had cace e pepe with wild mushrooms and a light and lovely sole in lemon butter. Tasty and cooked perfectly. All baked goods including mini sourdough loaves are baked daily. I would highly recommend the Dawn and the Lodge. I would also like to compliment reception, a friendly welcome, what a great way to start and then finish our stay.Noteworthy details: Lots of help with wineries and trails in the Redwood forest.

Akshay

2024-01

We recently stayed at this place and had an incredible experience at this resort! It’s just a short 90-minute drive from San Francisco. The exotic cabins boast stunning interiors that make you feel right at home in the midst of nature. The property’s landscape is truly amazing and provides a serene connection with nature. What’s even better is the resort’s super convenient location – it’s right by Guerneville’s charming downtown and overlooks the beautiful Russian River. Plus, quick access to nearby restaurants and grocery stores adds to the overall convenience.Though just a stone’s throw away from the nice downtown area of Guerneville, the resort itself (once you enter) seems completely isolated from anything urban, giving it a feel of being in the middle of nature. Highly recommend this gem for a refreshing getaway!

Kristen Emanuel

2024-01

Dawn Ranch has potential. There are aspects of the hotel that could use some TLC. The walls in the rooms are paneled, but they desperately need caulking. They should have been caulked prior to re-painting to avoid a paint-peeling/cracking appearance. It looks quite awful. The use of space in the rooms could be enhanced. A lot of money was poured into the mattress (Parachute), bath amenities (Le Labo), and mini fridge (Smeg), but other aspects of the room (quality of the paint, new bed frame, updated clothing rack [ours fell apart], no TV for winding down before sleeping since everything in the area closes early) were overlooked. If you stay in one of the cabins at the Grove, you have to drive a small distance up the road to get to your room. They don’t offer a shuttle or car to transport you to and from Dawn Ranch’s main area, which is not convenient if you frequent the restaurant and spa. This is also not disclosed on the website. We would not have booked this type of room if we had known. Management also does not provide any flexibility if you wish for late checkout. We received an email stating that late checkout would be about $37. I inquired about late checkout and was told that it’s $70. Then later, I inquired about late checkout in-person and was told that it’s not even offered due to guests checking in that day. I checked the website and there was still ample availability. I checked out on a Monday, so it seemed odd that we could not be accommodated for an extra hour. I travel often and have not experienced such a stringent checkout policy. Usually, hotel staff can generously accommodate. I think if you want to be a 4-star hotel and you’re going to charge 4-star hotel prices, your guest services and overall experience should be enhanced. I’d give DR another chance because it does have potential. The staff at the restaurant and spa were very kind. All facilities were clean.

Richard Appleton

2024-02

Dawn Ranch is two properties that are the other side of a busy road that has no pedestrian crossing, a blind bend and no lighting at night.If you book a room at 'The Grove', it isn't made obvious online that you're booking a room that isn't on the main site. The rooms are large but have loud generators nearby that run all night. There are no TVs and the Wifi at this location barely makes it possible to stream a film in the evening. Our room wasn't cleaned and when I asked for it to be cleaned the staff at reception acted like I was an inconvenience.The main building has a nice restaurant; the service at breakfast is painfully slow and chaotic.Save your money and stay elsewhere; this is yet another example of the Sonoma/Napa playbook: buy a delapidated motel, paint it grey and white, and charge $500 per night for 1 star service.

Vince Tarry

2024-02

…More

Perla Amsili

2023-09

Dawn Ranch is a magical enclave in the woods. The rustic chic rooms are thoughtfully designed with luxurious touches like a high end tea kettle with coffee and teas, high end toiletries, and high end linens. The rooms are on the smaller side, but they are comfortable.The service, grounds, and restaurant at Dawn Ranch are superb. The restaurant is outstanding (loved the breakfast spread), the complimentary river activities (tubes, canoes, kayaks), bikes available for free, yoga, lawn games, and craft activities are amazing. I cannot wait to go back.

Vivian Cabrera Huerta

2023-06

The entire staff at Dawn Ranch is AMAZING, best all-around service I've received anywhere in California. The ladies at the front desk were so welcoming and provided us with all the details of what the ranch had to offer. Heidi at the spa was so gracious and lovely. Bryan and David at the Lodge restaurant were funny and social while we enjoyed a meal at the bar. Cocktails were fantastic and delicious, food was great as well. Highly recommend their breakfast croque madame!Not a major issue, but the kayak rentals leave something to be desired. The quality of the kayaks is not great as the seat kept on coming loose while in the water. Also, the area by the river where you are meant to depart from is very narrow and not as accessible as it should be.By far the best location and most inclusive, right within walking distance of the town. Gorgeous property grounds that made it ideal for a romantic weekend getaway. The rooms are tastefully furnished and I loved that were was no TV, really allowed my boyfriend and I to rest and relax. The spa was definitely something we were looking for in a property so that was a huge plus, while it is small, it perfectly tranquil and suited for couple or people traveling solo.We eagerly look forward to returning soon.

Will Spurzem

2023-10

Great weekend with a large group, big dinner for 24, 13 rooms. The staff was incredibly nice and helpful. The place is really well run by Teach and his team. The bar and restaurant are worth a visit even if not staying. The rooms and bathrooms are very high quality, and they make clever use of space. A fantastic experience from start to finish, would strongly recommend.

zachariah jeter

2023-09

Everything about Dawn Ranch is amazing, The food, the bar staff, the staff! This was our second time here and have all ready booked for next years Lazy Bear Week. The cabins are so adorable and nestled in the redwoods. Super close to all the activities but a nice little getaway if you need a break. They are constantly improving the grounds and updating the amenities. Definitely a place you need to check out when coming to town!

Sarah Macapagal

2023-05

Our stay at Dawn Ranch exceeded expectations. This beautiful property is run with love and the property manager and staff truly care to give you the best experience they can. They make you aware of all the amenities the property offers, any social hours and classes. All the extra touches made our weekend the perfect getaway. Our bed was amazing and the updated showers were a daily treat. Not to mention, they were stocked with wonderful products. The continental breakfast was simple yet delicious. The proximity of the hotel is close to the redwoods, a quick walk downtown and to the river. We will definitely coming back again to this property and would recommend to all my friends and family when in Guernville!

Ravindhran Sankar

2024-05

…More

Kunal Naik

2023-09

We just did a friends trip here with five families (including kids) and everyone had a great time. The staff suggested we all stay in The Grove cottages so that we could have our own space, pool and firepit/smores. This ended up being a great idea, it was really nice for the different families to go in and out as necessary but not have to walk too far to meet up with everyone else.The entire property is really well designed and maintained, it was so nice to walk around. We stayed in the two bedroom cottage in The Grove and it was really spacious for our family of four. Also, morning yoga and inner tube rentals was a nice touch!

nupur srivastava

2023-07

We had the most wonderful weekend here. Rooms were very comfortable and clean. The location and property is gorgeous- Incredibly peaceful! The restaurant on site was delicious with great service. Highly recommend this for a relaxing weekend getaway. The onsite spa was just incredible- Very relaxing! You can walk into downtown as well just in a few minutes.