Surf Motel, Gualala

Made arrangements with Eric a few days before arrival. Our phone conversation is what sold me, just a nice guy, period. Got in late (about 11pm) and everything was as promised. Older, small motel but neat and clean, right on the waterfront with a fantastic view of the Pacific ( a new addition to the hotel faces the ocean sitting up on a bluff, we stayed in the older section). If your looking for fancy, this ain't it, but a very nice place to spend a night or two while on the road (we were on our way to Crescent City). As promised, the feather bed was as comfortable as he said it would be and we had a quiet nights sleep. The bathrooms could use some updating, but still clean and neat. The complimentary meal, a hot homemade breakfast served in the Office, was more then we expected and was delicious. Met some very nice people while at breakfast and chatted for an hour. The staff were polite and welcoming. Situated in middle of what is a very small town, you are right next to and across the street from what actually is a variety of shopping (grocery, gas station, small bakery, gifts, etc.) Overall, a small cozy place being run by a fellow who actually seems to care and who has a talent to make a somewhat dated motel very inviting and restful.

If you want to stay in Gualala, this is a good spot. Everything is in walking distance. The breakfast was a nice touch and the beds were comfy. If you want a lot space, better spring for the larger room.

Hi, first off please forget all of the reviews before the Eric took over in 2008. It doesn't look that special from the street, but with the room renovations and the way that Eric takes care of his guest and the property, I would highly recommend this hotel. It is an older renovated property, so it has some personality and character to it, unlike some newer properties. We shelled out a little extra for one of the ocean view suites and loved it. Eric cooks a real breakfast in the morning for his guests, which is a good thing as Gualala doesn't really have a breakfast restaurant. Gualala is a special place to stay and the Surf motel made our stay even more enjoyable.

If you have traveled and stayed anywhere along Hwy 1 most know it's a guessing game in regards to a accommodations. I keep an open mind towards lodging in general because one man's gourmet is another man's fast food. Service would be my biggest complaint regarding this motel. I should of anticipated this from the less than delightful conversation with the gentleman during the reservation process. And subsequently I was to meet this same cheerful individual upon checkout. Apart from the unidentifiable smell upon entering the room and the crayon covered walls (obviously a "family" motel) the location was pleasing. I don't ask for much when I stay somewhere but service is paramount. For lodging along the coast most places are not much different. Often the only thing that sets them apart will be how you are treated. And for the Surf Motel it was like eating the last peanut in the bag that was over roasted, it left me with a bad taste in my mouth.

The regular rooms are small, but they have larger with small kitchenetts. It was clean and very simple. The beds were fine...a little firm. The female was nice and helpful in chooding a restraunt to eat dinner, but the male was a little short and just a little rude. No warmth from him. Yes, its on the ocean side of the highway through town but NO beach access from the motel Youd have to drive a mile or two to get to beach access and the walk quite a distance. And the maids passed our room for tidying up on the morning after our first night. They promptly returned when we notified the office though. Yea, Id stay there again but I think its a little pricy.