Drakesbad Guest Ranch, Chester

Our 5th or 6 th year - great getaway place to read, ride and relax. Ed & Billie are wonderful hosts and great cooks. It is what it is - a 100 year old ranch . It is how we spend each summers end. Rich & Bonnie

We have stayed here the last two years after being on the waiting list for -years-. And we have reservations for 2007 and 2008! What makes this place, besides the outstanding location, are the operators (Billie and Ed).

Wow.........what a cool place! I spent several days there shortly after Labor Day. Must call long time in advance to get in. Sometimes booked a year in advance. Don't let that discourage you.....maybe some cancellations! Naturally heated hot springs pool, lots of great trails through Mt. Lassen National Park, breakfast, packed lunch, if desired and dinner included. None of the electrical "luxeries" of life. Loved it and I only live 35 miles away!

One of the most comfortably serene spots in the world, Drakesbad is the perfect getaway in every sense of the word. Billie and Ed provide everything necessary for a perfect visit to one of the most beautifully interesting places in the world. The only difficulty is in leaving.

I CANT THINK OF A BETTER PLACE TO BE ON VACATION. WHILE YOU GET TO ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF OUTDOORS YOU CAN ALSO WATCH THE DEER GRAZE IN THE MEADOW FROM YOUR DECK, LAY IN THE HAMMOCK AND READ (OR NAP), ENJOY THE POOL THAT IS CONSTANTLY AT 90 DEGREES (AND WARMER IN THE EVENINGS), OR ENJOY A HORSE RIDE THROUGH THE BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAINS UNLESS YOU WOULD PREFER TO HIKE. THERE IS JUST NO BETTER PLACE IN THE WORLD TO BE. DRAKESBAD SEEMS TO BE IN A WORLD OF ITS OWN. IF YOU EVER HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY I WOULD STRONGLY SUGGEST STOPPING IN.

I think this illustrates Drakesbad (a place with no tv or radio, and no cellphone reception!) best: We were there right after September 11, and for three beautiful days, we forgot all about it.