Name: Hill House at Trailborn Mendocino, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
Address: 10701 Palette Drive, Mendocino, California, United States of America, Mendocino, California, US
Price range: US$258–US$620 per night
Rating: 8.1

What guests think

At Hill House Inn, guests consistently praise the walkable Mendocino location and roomy, old‑school charm, while also noting building wear, maintenance issues, intermittent musty odors, and occasional noise from fans or neighbors.

On-site dining and bar are closed, breakfast isn’t offered, and morning coffee availability varies, though parking is easy. Rooms are generally spacious with vintage decor, but many feel worn and offer limited in‑room amenities (often no fridge or microwave), with views that range from pleasant to partially obstructed. Service is often friendly yet can feel understaffed or unwelcoming, with occasional billing or check-in hiccups and housekeeping commonly on request. Expect a simple, convenient base with vintage character rather than a modern, full‑service hotel.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

No on-site restaurant or bar and no breakfast; lobby coffee is available but not always. Parking is easy, and the grounds are spacious but need upkeep in places.

Related guest reviews

8

Marion

26 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel is conviently located just off Hwy 1 in Mendocino. It is charming, but it's age is catching up with it. It is in dire need of repair and refurnishing. However it was clean. The webiste indicated that a restaurant is on site but alas it has been closed for years.

8

Petra

4 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Kleines Hotel am Stadtrand mit Charme, jedoch wären hier und da ein paar Renovierungsarbeiten fällig. Morgens leider nur Kaffee, die Möglichkeit eines kleinen Frühstücks wäre toll. Das kleine Zentrum Mendocino‘s und auch der Coast-Cliff Trail sind in wenigen Minuten zu Fuss etteichbar.

Translate

8

Curt

15 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice property. Would have been nice to have breakfast available.

6

janet

23 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

My room was nice and clean. The property needs lots of work to return to its glory days. Bar and restaurant are permanently closed.

6

Shelley

25 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

The hotel seems clean and understaffed. We stayed there four nights. If you count eco tourism it was good. The room was not cleaned or changed during the 4 days we were there. The Hotel coffee in the morning was not always there. The staff we did see was friendly and the location of the hotel is close to town but not in town. If you care about such things there is a cemetery right next door . The views from the room to the water it are great. The rooms were decorated very cute. The grounds are beautiful.

10

Allison

9 Apr 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

While the inside definitely has a Victorian era vibe, the hotel room was spacious and comfortable. We had a room with two queens and it fit our family of 4 comfortably. There was a small table and 2 chairs in the corner, and some chairs on the deck outside the sliding glass door. No microwave, but you can use the one in the lobby. No mini-fridge. A second sink with ample counter space is outside the bathroom, so that was really helpful. It’s too bad the restaurant and bar haven’t operated in years. We walked down to the other restaurants in town.

8

Daniel

9 Jan 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The great Hill House "Murder She Wrote" Hotel isn\'t what it was in it\'s heyday. The restaurant and continental breakfast is no longer, but had HBO, a nice, private outside area, and nice staff. It\'s only halfway through my stay, and so far it\'s nice. Maybe I should see how checkout goes before I write a review?

6

Jennifer

27 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Location is very convenient, parking easy, spacious rooms, although quite outdated. Front desk availability is limited, amenities also limited

8

Danielle

19 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

This is actually the Hill House I remember, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The only things I wish may have been different was a screen door with the slider, and when we checked out that we could enter the lobby and not have to go down to Main St for our cup of coffee. It's an older hotel, but we loved it

6

Chad

17 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Bar/restaurant wasn’t available, websites need to be updated. Pet fee seemed a bit ridiculous given the age of the hotel and the smell of bleach upon entry into the rooms was a bit aggressive.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Feedback on cleanliness is mixed: many found rooms and bathrooms clean, but others reported musty odors, stained or worn furnishings and curtains, and occasional lapses like unvacuumed floors or dust. Housekeeping during stays is limited or on request.

Related guest reviews

2

Julie

30 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Inn is old and shows it's age. Cracks in the sinks (did not leak). Fan in bathroom was so loud I didn't turn it on. Drapes on slider were filthy and torn. Hated to touch them. Just blankets, no bedspreads on the beds. Old, cheap furniture. Berry bushes growing up on the stairs to deck. The bathroom was clean. TV lost signal more than it worked.

2

Lilia

6 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Durty, the floors were not vacuumed. Balls of hair all over all over, safety pins on the carpet., no air, or fan, no screwns on sliding doors or windows we are very uncomfortable. Worst place we have ever stayed at. Never again. What dump for such a high price. No one came in to dump the garbage can or see if we needed anything. I called the front desk for a fan because it was very hot and no air circulation and the said they had all been given out. In other words, to bad, so sad.. This is not right to take advantage of people with false advertising. They claim Oceanview, and the hedges block the filtered veiw of the ocean. This should not be allowed.

10

Massimo

9 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

It was clean and convenient

4

Shanna

14 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

DownHill House Do NOT let them put you in Room #122... It is under the stairs & in front of the Ice machine. Noisy,noisy,noisy. The rooms are dated & everything is stained &/or sticky. It seems like management just doesn't care. Staff was pleasant & attentive, but if the owners don't care the hotel is going to go down hill!

6

Shelley

25 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

The hotel seems clean and understaffed. We stayed there four nights. If you count eco tourism it was good. The room was not cleaned or changed during the 4 days we were there. The Hotel coffee in the morning was not always there. The staff we did see was friendly and the location of the hotel is close to town but not in town. If you care about such things there is a cemetery right next door . The views from the room to the water it are great. The rooms were decorated very cute. The grounds are beautiful.

10

Maria

28 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

We had the perfect view of the ocean from our room! The location was great - we were able to walk down and get dinner or buy snacks at the market, and drive a few miles to the beaches. We even found some great mountain biking trails nearby at Russian Gulch! This is our 2nd stay at Hill House and it’s become our favorite place to stay in Mendocino.

8

Louis-Philippe

26 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean and quaint. Very nice city.

10

Tracey

24 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Large, comfortable room with garden view. Bed on the soft side and room smelled a bit musty. Still, a lovely stay.

8

shirley shai

18 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Spacious clean hotel. Had all we needed for one night

8

Jacob

8 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Easy check-in/check-out. Staff was friendly, though we did get some incorrect info about what restaurants were open. Room has a bit of a musty/old smell, but otherwise clean. The blankets are a bit thin (but there were extras available), and the towels a bit scratchy. Great location, and lovely view of sunset colors!

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are generally spacious with vintage decor, but many feel worn and offer limited in-room amenities (often no fridge or microwave), with views that range from pleasant to partially obstructed.

Related guest reviews

8

Heather

15 Apr 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

The rooms are a bit outdated, and the overall place needs a bit of TLC. However, the location is great. It's about a 5-minute walk to everything in town. The room was clean, and we had a decent view. It was great for our dog. The grounds are nice and big. They definitely need different pillows.

4

gary

17 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

An old room in an old hotel that needs MAJOR upgrades or demolition. Heater barely worked, no bedspread, no amenities! Fonad another place to stay. It was quiet, as very few rooms were occupied.

10

Allison

9 Apr 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

While the inside definitely has a Victorian era vibe, the hotel room was spacious and comfortable. We had a room with two queens and it fit our family of 4 comfortably. There was a small table and 2 chairs in the corner, and some chairs on the deck outside the sliding glass door. No microwave, but you can use the one in the lobby. No mini-fridge. A second sink with ample counter space is outside the bathroom, so that was really helpful. It’s too bad the restaurant and bar haven’t operated in years. We walked down to the other restaurants in town.

10

Dana

30 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

No screen door on deck slding doors

8

Rich

25 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Good size, clean room, nice view. Nothing fancy, but the location is perfect. Only downsize is that the walls are thin, so bring earplugs.

6

Jennifer

27 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Location is very convenient, parking easy, spacious rooms, although quite outdated. Front desk availability is limited, amenities also limited

10

Tracey

24 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Large, comfortable room with garden view. Bed on the soft side and room smelled a bit musty. Still, a lovely stay.

8

Danielle

19 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

This is actually the Hill House I remember, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The only things I wish may have been different was a screen door with the slider, and when we checked out that we could enter the lobby and not have to go down to Main St for our cup of coffee. It's an older hotel, but we loved it

8

Leslie

24 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean, comfortable beds and extra blankets. Shower good. Needs some repair to the curtains. Could use an update. Has a mole problem in front yard. (Need to use mole pellets.) Cute town with excellent food options. Great walking around the headlands.

8

Jacob

8 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Easy check-in/check-out. Staff was friendly, though we did get some incorrect info about what restaurants were open. Room has a bit of a musty/old smell, but otherwise clean. The blankets are a bit thin (but there were extras available), and the towels a bit scratchy. Great location, and lovely view of sunset colors!

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Service feels mixed: many describe friendly, helpful staff and easy check-in/out, but others cite rude or unwelcoming front desk interactions, limited staffing or desk hours, occasional billing issues, and housekeeping commonly by request.

Related guest reviews

6

Roger

16 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Had to search for someone to check us in for about 30 minutes. Was billed twice for the stay (Expedia and from Hill House).

4

Michelle

9 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The front desk lady checking us in was so rude! We almost left told us she was not sure she had any rooms available and that she was not even sure the people coming in had reservations. meanwhile we were the only ones in the lobby at 5pm!!!! check in time was 3 pm. The property was very run down. The rooms were clean, but very outdated.

6

Shelley

25 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

The hotel seems clean and understaffed. We stayed there four nights. If you count eco tourism it was good. The room was not cleaned or changed during the 4 days we were there. The Hotel coffee in the morning was not always there. The staff we did see was friendly and the location of the hotel is close to town but not in town. If you care about such things there is a cemetery right next door . The views from the room to the water it are great. The rooms were decorated very cute. The grounds are beautiful.

6

Thomas

9 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

Good location-needs a remake. No customer service at all.

10

Ora

2 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

A wonderful hotel, in a perfect location, with a friendly, helpful staff.

6

Jennifer

27 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Location is very convenient, parking easy, spacious rooms, although quite outdated. Front desk availability is limited, amenities also limited

8

Danielle

19 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

This is actually the Hill House I remember, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The only things I wish may have been different was a screen door with the slider, and when we checked out that we could enter the lobby and not have to go down to Main St for our cup of coffee. It's an older hotel, but we loved it

6

Perrine

13 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

We enjoyed the actual property because it was clean, very convenient to Mendocino town center, and the rooms were lovely. I enjoyed the decor. The bathrooms were nice, but could use a little retouching. The lobby was quaint and had an antique house feel. We had a poor first impression because one of the staff members, Kathy, was quite rude. Far from welcoming, I felt open animosity from her. We came there after a 4 hour drive and arrived an hour before check in. I acknowledged that we were early and inquired if our room was ready. She was gruff and was able to make me feel immediately unwelcome. I took my 9 year old with me and pretended that she hadn’t been rude, but then my daughter said, “Mommy, why was that woman so mean to us? You were so nice to her.” I am a person of color, so I wonder if that factored into it? The other staff member who later checked us in, Alex, was hospitable and kind. Kathy checked us out. I saw her interact politely with the couple ahead of us and then she was curt with me. If she is the proprietor, I will be warning my friends and family away from this hotel. I am on a month-long road trip with my daughter and this was the first poor encounter I have had with hotel staff. I hope it is the last.

8

Jacob

8 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Easy check-in/check-out. Staff was friendly, though we did get some incorrect info about what restaurants were open. Room has a bit of a musty/old smell, but otherwise clean. The blankets are a bit thin (but there were extras available), and the towels a bit scratchy. Great location, and lovely view of sunset colors!

2

Ray

27 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

There was no staff when we arrived so we had to go to a sister property a few blocks away to check in. There is no maid service unless you file a special request. It seems like an abandoned business with no one in charge or managing it. The bed was extremely uncomfortable with no support. My back hurt from sleeping in it. The furniture is old, broken down and dingy. We highly regret choosing the Hill House Inn.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Convenient, walkable spot near downtown Mendocino and the headlands, with easy Highway 1 access and some coastal views; many guests found it a quiet, practical base for exploring.

Related guest reviews

10

Allan

1 May 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Quiet, well kept and manicured. Close to town and the Mendocino Headlands

8

Susan

6 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Great place in a perfect location.

10

Cynthia

16 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely place, sounds of the ocean, walk to downtown a favorite place of ours

8

Nancy

13 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice setting just a couple blocks from main downtown area of Mendocino and short walk to the ocean bluffs. The exterior looks charming but the interior is dated & tired. We had a pleasant stay and the price was very reasonable - just hope they keep it up better for future visits.

8

Barbara

11 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice little inn. Very accommodating and clean. Had the feel of an older establishment. Loved the proximity to the little town. We walked everywhere.

10

Ronald

28 Feb 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Location is excellent. 5 minutes to restaurants and grocery. Our key was sticky in the room door lock but we were always able to get it to open. Recommended.

8

Rich

25 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Good size, clean room, nice view. Nothing fancy, but the location is perfect. Only downsize is that the walls are thin, so bring earplugs.

6

Jennifer

27 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Location is very convenient, parking easy, spacious rooms, although quite outdated. Front desk availability is limited, amenities also limited

8

Jacob

8 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Easy check-in/check-out. Staff was friendly, though we did get some incorrect info about what restaurants were open. Room has a bit of a musty/old smell, but otherwise clean. The blankets are a bit thin (but there were extras available), and the towels a bit scratchy. Great location, and lovely view of sunset colors!

10

Thomas

12 Apr 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very comfortable room. Close to some excellent restaurants. Fine view Pleasant walking Friendly and knowledgeable staff

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

No on-site dining: the restaurant and bar are closed, and breakfast isn’t provided; several reviews mention only lobby coffee. Guests typically walk to nearby restaurants in town.

Related guest reviews

8

Marion

26 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel is conviently located just off Hwy 1 in Mendocino. It is charming, but it's age is catching up with it. It is in dire need of repair and refurnishing. However it was clean. The webiste indicated that a restaurant is on site but alas it has been closed for years.

8

Petra

4 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Kleines Hotel am Stadtrand mit Charme, jedoch wären hier und da ein paar Renovierungsarbeiten fällig. Morgens leider nur Kaffee, die Möglichkeit eines kleinen Frühstücks wäre toll. Das kleine Zentrum Mendocino‘s und auch der Coast-Cliff Trail sind in wenigen Minuten zu Fuss etteichbar.

Translate

8

Curt

15 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice property. Would have been nice to have breakfast available.

6

janet

23 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

My room was nice and clean. The property needs lots of work to return to its glory days. Bar and restaurant are permanently closed.

10

Kenneth

26 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

We were there for 3 nights, the staff was awesome, the room had plenty of space, and we were walking distance to downtown Mendocino. The room was spacious, the decor is a little outdated and the shower head is a little low. I am 6' tall and needed to bend down to wash my hair. There were few amenities on the property itself - no restaurant or bar on site and the only ice machine that was working was on the other side of the property. Knowing all those things ahead of time - I would still stay there again without question.

10

Allison

9 Apr 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

While the inside definitely has a Victorian era vibe, the hotel room was spacious and comfortable. We had a room with two queens and it fit our family of 4 comfortably. There was a small table and 2 chairs in the corner, and some chairs on the deck outside the sliding glass door. No microwave, but you can use the one in the lobby. No mini-fridge. A second sink with ample counter space is outside the bathroom, so that was really helpful. It’s too bad the restaurant and bar haven’t operated in years. We walked down to the other restaurants in town.

8

Daniel

9 Jan 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The great Hill House "Murder She Wrote" Hotel isn\'t what it was in it\'s heyday. The restaurant and continental breakfast is no longer, but had HBO, a nice, private outside area, and nice staff. It\'s only halfway through my stay, and so far it\'s nice. Maybe I should see how checkout goes before I write a review?

8

Danielle

19 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

This is actually the Hill House I remember, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The only things I wish may have been different was a screen door with the slider, and when we checked out that we could enter the lobby and not have to go down to Main St for our cup of coffee. It's an older hotel, but we loved it

6

Chad

17 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Bar/restaurant wasn’t available, websites need to be updated. Pet fee seemed a bit ridiculous given the age of the hotel and the smell of bleach upon entry into the rooms was a bit aggressive.

10

Thomas

12 Apr 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very comfortable room. Close to some excellent restaurants. Fine view Pleasant walking Friendly and knowledgeable staff

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17 $363	18 $610	19 $620
20 $294	21 $294	22 $314	23 $324	24 $329	25 $501	26
27 $285	28 $265	29 $265	30 $258

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $296	2 $450	3 $551
4 $334	5 $308	6 $308	7 $308	8 $308	9 $454	10 $524
11 $325	12 $308	13 $308	14 $308	15 $325	16 $404	17 $405
18 $308	19 $308	20 $308	21 $308	22 $308	23 $383	24 $427
25 $343	26 $308	27 $308	28 $308	29 $308	30 $383	31 $383

Select dates to see prices and availability

About this property

Location

Room options

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible

King

King Accessible

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Suite, 1 King Bed

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Balcony

King Ocean View

King Balcony

King Balcony Ocean View

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds

Guest reviews

Very good

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Hill House at Trailborn Mendocino, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

Have a question?

Prices for upcoming dates