October 29, 2021
We are happy to announce that the restaurant is now open to the public as well as guests of the Inn and the KOA. Reservations are still required.
October 28, 2021
To Our Valued Guests,
Thank you all who have supported us during these unprecedented times. In 2020 we closed the Inn twice for COVID, once on March 22, 2020, for 89 days and again on December 14, 2020, for 59 days and then we reopened on February 12, 2021. Business this year has been very good and we have tried our best with limited staffing and difficulty of getting products. We have been able to enjoy some rain and thankfully the fires in Northern California are more than 90% contained.
Since the state was reopened on June 15, 2021, we have continued to use caution with our operational procedures. Masks are required no matter what your vaccinated status, social distancing is in place and we have sanitizing stations throughout the Inn.
A bit of fun news! We have brought back our traditional Tea and Scones service for our hotel guests. These are served in the upper lobby from 3pm to 4pm and are complimentary to our hotel guests.
Our bar opens daily at 3pm and we serve a bar food menu from 3pm to 5pm. Happy hour is Monday to Friday from 4pm to 5pm. Dinner service is from 5pm to 9pm and reservations are MANDATORY for dining. At this time, we are still only serving hotel guests at the restaurant.
The future is bright. After being closed for the holidays last year, we are looking forward to a busy holiday season. Thanksgiving dinner will be served from 2pm to 8pm featuring our traditional Turkey dinner and other selections. Christmas Eve & Christmas dinner will feature Prime Rib and other selections. New Year’s Eve will feature a Prix Fixe menu, dancing, hats & noisemakers, topping off with a fireworks show. Reservations are required for all holiday events.
It is our desire to continue to serve our guests and stay open. We ask our guests to understand that we are still in a post COVID situation and are operating with minimal staff, so things may not be what they were prior to COVID. In spite of all this, we love what we do and we love our guests, and thank you very much for your support.
Kindest Regards,
John & Teresa Porter and Benbow Historic Inn/Benbow KOA Staff
August 20, 2021
To Our Valued Guests,
With the Delta Variant of COVID now raising its ugly head, we are back to requiring masks for everyone regardless of their vaccination status. This is a requirement of our county health department. We are not changing any of the remainder of the operations, since the State reopened on June 15, 2021. We, like everyone, are just being cautious. We still have outside and inside dining so our guests know they can come here and not have to leave for dining. In addition to dinner, we are serving a complimentary to-go breakfast to our hotel guests.
The largest fires in Northern California are not near us and are located in the North and Eastern parts of the state. We do get an occasional day where we do get smoke from the McFarland Fire which is due east of us and 51% contained as of this writing (source). If you wish to check air quality you can go to: www.purpleair.com.
It is our desire to continue to service our guests and stay open. We ask our guests to understand that we are still in a post COVID situation and are operating with minimal staff, so things may not be what they were prior to COVID. Operating a hotel is like managing a small city. It takes a tremendous number of products from food, beverages to cleaning supplies, paper products, and the like. We are seeing dramatic increases in the pricing of our products and availability has always been an issue since COVID hit in Spring 2020. All that being said, we love what we do. We love our guests and we thank you all for your support.
Kindest Regards,
John & Teresa Porter and Benbow Historic Inn/Benbow KOA Staff
June 30, 2021
To Our Valued Guests & Friends,
Due to a staffing shortage, we are not able to operate our restaurant at full capacity. Because of this, we are forced to put into effect the following temporary policy:
Until further notice, we will be serving only hotel and KOA guests in our restaurant for dinner. Reservations are required for dinner.
Dinner will be served from 5pm to 9pm nightly (8pm on Wednesdays) to hotel and KOA guests only, reservations required. Our last seating is at 8:30pm and 7:45pm on Wednesdays. Guests can make reservations upon check in or by calling the hotel directly.
Our Bar Menu will be available at the Bar from 3pm to 5pm. The Bar will be open to the public during these times. Guests can sit on the front porch (when not booked for a function) or the Terrace area along the side of the Inn’s lobby.
We will continue to provide a complimentary to-go-style breakfast to our hotel guests from 7:30am to 10:30am available for pick up in the Bar.
We appreciate your understanding and your patience during this time.
Kindest Regards,
John & Teresa Porter and the Benbow Inn and KOA Teams
May 26, 2021
To Our Valued Guests,
We thought it would be a good time to communicate with you what is happening with both the Benbow Historic Inn and Benbow KOA & Golf Course. In 2020 the Inn closed twice because of COVID-19 once on March 22nd for 89 days and again on December 14th for 59 days, more than a combined four months total. This obviously had a major impact on our employees, vendors and you, our guests. Now after reopening on February 12, 2021, we hope that we are seeing the “light at the end of the tunnel” with the end of COVID in sight. These closures and disruption of our business have resulted in us losing many staff members and we like most businesses are having difficulty finding employees. It does not really matter what the reason is, it just is a reality that we cannot find staff and is affecting most businesses. We have used for several years two visa programs the H2B and J-1. In all honesty without those programs this year, we are not sure we could reopen at the level we have, and even with those programs we are short-staffed in our front desk, culinary departments, and golf course.
The Benbow KOA campground never closed because of COVID and has stayed open in 2020 & 2021. The KOA does not require the number of employees that the Inn does so we do not have the lack of adequate staff as we do at the Inn. The KOA’s daily operating hours are 10 to 15 hours per day where the Inn operates 24 hours per day with staffing. The main employee issue at the KOA is the golf course. Earlier this year we hired a golf course manager who quit without notice several weeks ago. This is a specialized position and we need someone with that skill set. We have been looking but have not found the right person as yet. We do have a former employee who indicated she would like to return in mid-June so maybe, just maybe we can have the golf course opened in late June.
As a result of Post COVID issues our operations still will not be as they were prior to COVID. So long as Governor Newsom opens up the state on June 15th, we will plan on resuming tea and scones and in the guest rooms, sherry, in-room directories, coffee cups, etc. We still do not have the staff to open for breakfast and lunch and going forward those meal periods will most likely be eliminated. Our hotel guests will have the option of breakfast, which we are going to serve for hotel guests only from 7:30am to 10:30am.
The majority of our guests are pleased that we are open and they can enjoy our historical inn. Some have been frustrated with operations during COVID especially the lack of adequate staff. We thank you all for your support and understanding during these unprecedented times. It is our desire to get operations back to normal as soon as we are authorized and have the staff to do so.
Our J-1 employees will be coming within the next two months and once that happens, we will be in a much better position to serve our guests.
We cannot say enough how much we appreciate your support and want you to know that going forward our former services will be resumed. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you soon in Benbow.
Kindest Regards,
John & Teresa Porter & the Benbow Inn & KOA Families
February 24, 2021
To Our Valued Guests:
On Wednesday, February 24, 2021, Humboldt County went from Purple to Red. What this means for us it we can serve inside at 25% capacity. Our COVID numbers like most of the state and country are falling and with the vaccine in progress, we hope to see nothing but blue skies ahead. Our reopening has gone well and we are following our established sanitation protocols to keep our guests, employees, and vendors safe. We still have our outside tent up and will continue to use it along with the 25% inside capacity for dining as well as to-go dinner to your guest room.
We are now able to accommodate the general public at the restaurant. Reservations are required. Please call us for a reservation or make a reservation on OpenTable.
Sanitation protocols are as follows: masks required, social distancing, hand sanitization stations throughout the Inn, and the like.
Our doors are open to you when you are ready to visit us! We appreciate your support and patience as we all navigate through these unprecedented times together.
Kindest Regards,
John & Teresa Porter and the Benbow Inn & Benbow KOA Staffs
February 1, 2021
To Our Valued Guests,
Just in time for the most romantic weekend of the year, we are excited to announce that we will be reopening the Inn on Friday, February 12th. Starting Monday, February 1st, we will be answering the phone from 10 am to 4 pm, so you can call for reservations or make them through our website.
The restaurant will be open and as of this time, we can only serve outside. We have our tent up with multiple heaters but dress warmly if that is where you choose to dine. If you’d prefer to relax in your room with a cocktail or glass of wine, just ask for your order “to go”. As in 2020 when we reopened, we will be serving a complimentary breakfast burrito (or another item tbd) for our hotel guests to be picked up in the cocktail lounge from 7:30 am to 10:30 am.
Sanitation protocols will be followed as before, masks required, social distancing, hand sanitization stations throughout the Inn, and the like. The staff has been trained on the COVID-19 Prevention Plan procedures and we want all of our guests to know we are concerned about each of your health and safety.
Many of our rooms have private patios where you can enjoy the privacy of your room and be outdoors. Please know that our doors are open to you when you are ready to visit us! We appreciate your support and patience as we all navigate through these unprecedented times. We hope to see you soon.
Kindest Regards,
John & Teresa Porter and the Benbow Inn & Benbow KOA staff
January 18, 2021
To Our Dear Guests,
The Benbow Historic Inn is still temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but our staff is keeping plenty busy. We have some maintenance team working to complete some guest room preventive maintenance work and painting. The landscaping team is working to keep the gardens up and they are pruning roses and other flowering plants so our spring bloom will be beautiful. The KOA is still open and operating with both cabins and RV spaces. The golf course is still closed as we are reseeding the greens.
With the vaccine now available to a larger group, we are hoping the pandemic will be slowing and we can reopen soon. As of today, our tentative reopening date is Friday, February 12th. We will be sure to keep you updated as the date nears if we need to extend the closure further.
Please understand that we appreciate all of your support and wish that you and your families stay healthy and safe.
Kindest Regards,
John & Teresa Porter
Innkeepers
December 12, 2020
November 13, 2020
We are happy to say that the fires in our area are all fully contained and Mother Nature has sent us some rain this week.Humboldt County is still rated Yellow by the State for COVID-19 cases which is the lowest rating a county can get.
We are fully open and practicing all the COVID-19 procedures. MASKS are required, so please bring yours and wear them in all common areas. Our staff has been trained in COVID-19 procedures both in the hotel and restaurant and we have hand sanitizer located throughout the hotel for guest use. We also provide a small hand sanitizer and alcohol wipes to guests upon check-in.
We have inside and outside dining available (our beautiful decorated tent) with ample heat and 1600 sq. feet of space. Dinner is served nightly beginning at 5 pm and we are serving complimentary breakfast burritos every morning to our guests along with orange juice and coffee. We also have coffee makers in guest rooms if you prefer to stay in. Guests also have coffee in their rooms if they prefer to stay in. Humboldt County is beautiful this time of year with a lot of outdoor activities still available, including hiking, biking and don’t forget the Redwoods!
Please enjoy a video message from our very own John Porter here.
October 12, 2020
August Complex Fire Update:
We wanted to share the most recent fire update with you. The fire is currently 75% contained and not burning in Humboldt County. We had rain this past Saturday and have clear skies. For more information please click the link below. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6983/
October 6, 2020
Humboldt Counties COVID-19 rating by the Blue Print for a Safer Economy has been lowered to MINIMAL, which is the lowest rating possible by the State of California. Only seven counties out of 58 statewide are rated at MINIMAL and Humboldt is one of them. Check us out at: https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/#reopening-data
September 29, 2020
Restaurant Update:
We are serving dinner both on our beautiful outside terrace with views of the historical bridge or in our historical dining room. Reservations are strongly recommended and we are serving both hotel and non-hotel guests. For our hotel guests, we are serving a complimentary burrito, coffee, and juice from 8 am to 11 am for pick up in the cocktail lounge area. We have suspended brunch service at this time.
July 13, 2020
As you already may have heard, we have once again been asked to close our indoor dining room. Our spacious and beautiful outdoor terrace remains open for Dinner service every night and for Brunch service on the weekends. Please visit our dining page for more info on hours etc. We have also started our live music on the patio for an even more enjoyable experience. Reservations are required.
June 20, 2020
We would like to thank everyone for coming to the Benbow last night as we reopened the hotel and dining room. Although overall most of the night went quite well it is very clear that we are not ready to open the restaurant. With the new health guidelines and a shortage of staff, we have made the decision to only open the restaurant to guests of the Inn. Effective immediately we will be closing the restaurant to all non-hotel guests until we are better prepared.
We are working hard to get back to a place where we can serve you all and as soon as we do we will let you know.
June 17, 2020
As we prepare to reopen, we wanted to let you know that we are taking our cleaning and sanitization procedures very seriously. We are following all California Hotels & Lodging Association’s cleaning procedures and training. Please feel free to read more if you have questions about how we are preparing for your visit. If you still need more clarification, we are happy to answer any questions via phone or email. We hope to see you soon.
Click to read Benbow Historic Inn Cleaning Training
Click to read Covid-19 Employee Screening Information
Click to read CHLA Covid-19 Hotel Plan
June 15, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Benbow Historic Inn Reopens After COVID-19 Closure
Benbow Historic Inn located on the Redwood Highway at exit 636, US Hwy 101 will reopen on Friday June 19, 2020, at 3pm to receive guests. The Inn closed on Sunday, March 22, 2020, due to the COVID-19 spread. “We chose to close earlier than most lodging properties before the virus contaminated the Inn & staff”, stated, John E Porter, Managing Partner. “It was the right decision at the right time and we feel now is the time to open since both Governor Newsom and our county have opened up non-essential travel”, Porter stated. In essence, the Inn has been quarantined and will be implementing elevated sanitation, cleaning, and other procedures in order to protect guests, employees, and vendors. Starting on Monday, June 15, 2020, the Inn will be taking reservations and answering the phone from 9am to 5pm and on Friday the 19th the Inn will open. The restaurant hours will be, Brunch 8am to 2pm Saturday & Sunday only and Dinner from 5pm to 9pm nightly.
Porter also announced the re-hiring of George Tannehill as Executive Chef. “George was our Chef from 2008 to 2013 and is back to perform his food talents along with our culinary team”, Porter mentioned. Porter and Tannehill have decided to start slow with limiting hours of service and streamlined menus. All procedures will be closely monitored to ensure proper sanitation and cleanliness for the safety of guests, employees, and vendors. All employees and guests will be required to wear masks and some employees will be gloved. The Inn will have a team of public area employees who will constantly be sanitizing sensitive areas, elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, and the like. “With our outside dining, we are able to give guests more than the standard 6’ social distancing separation”, mentioned Chef Tannehill. For the safety of everyone, dining guests will be asked to keep their masks on except when they are seated at their table. Culinary Gardner, Steve Soderquist is also back and will be working closely with Tannehill on fresh garden vegetables, herbs, flowers, and the like. “Chef Tannehill and I are planning a garden which will produce fresh products for the kitchen, in addition, we are using local farmers, fishermen and ranchers to source proteins and other fresh products”, mentioned Soderquist.
Benbow Historic Inn first opened in July 1926 by the Benbow Family and has been serving the traveling public in Southern Humboldt County for over 9 decades, and is a part of Historic Hotels of America.
For more information, please contact John E Porter at 707 223-3150, e-mail john@benbowinn.com or visit Benbow Historic Inn website at www.benbowinn.com.
June 12, 2020
We are getting ready for your visit! Our Garden Cottage now has the option to dine on your own private patio, we are cleaning and sanitizing all guest rooms and our patio is all set up for some amazing outdoor dining. Please enjoy a short video from our very own John Porter where he shows off the Garden Cottage.
May 26, 2020
Please enjoy a short video from our very own John Porter regarding the re-opening of the Benbow. We are working hard to make this a safe place for you and your family when the time is right. We look forward to seeing you all again soon!
May 11, 2020
First and foremost, our hearts go out to any of our guests who have been impacted by the virus, either directly or indirectly. Our thoughts are especially with those who are sick, to whom we extend our heartful wishes for a full recovery. Here in Humboldt County, we are safe and in Southern Humboldt, we have had only three (3) cases all of whom recovered at home. Fortunately, we have had no deaths from COVID-19 in our entire county.
The Benbow KOA & Golf Course are open, however, the Inn remains closed. In order for us to be better prepared for reopening, we have created a short three-minute survey (powered by Survey Monkey) with a few questions about your future travel plans and how you will be enjoying our amenities once we re-open.
It would be wonderful and greatly appreciated if you would take the time to complete the survey for us. This will help to give us some sort of idea of what to expect when we open our lobby doors again. As soon as we determine an opening date you will be notified via our monthly e-mail communication, website, and other social media channels.
We wish you and your families the best and look forward to seeing you in Benbow Valley so you can enjoy the natural beauty of our area.
SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED Click link for survey: Take Survey
Best Wishes,
John & Teresa Porter and the Benbow Inn & Benbow KOA staff
April 29, 2020
To our Valued Guests:
Thank you for your support during this unprecedented time in our lives. We hope you and your families are safe and in good health. The Inn continues to be temporarily closed due to the county Shelter in Place orders. We have a small staff keeping the property in order. Steve Soderquist our Culinary Gardener is working closely with our Executive Chef, George Tannehill in getting both vegetables and herbs in the culinary garden. Juan is keeping the rose garden and other landscaping areas watered, weeded and detailed. Our sister property the Benbow KOA is open and we can rent both cabins and RV spaces to Humboldt County residents and those from other areas who are essential travelers, which can include traveling to take care of a loved one, for example. The golf course remains closed but again Dee Bass our Head Greenskeeper is keeping the course up and maintained.
As things change, we will keep you informed. We do not want to make a guess as to when that will be open as we are not sure anyone knows, other than it will happen and when it does, we will greet you all with open arms.
Stay Safe & Be well.
John & Teresa Porter & Benbow Inn/Benbow KOA staff
Please enjoy a video about John’s favorite spot on the property.
April 11, 2020
To all of our Valued Guests:
As you all know on Sunday March 22, 2020 for the safety of our guests, employees and vendors we closed the Benbow Historic Inn. As a result of the uncertainty of the Corona-Virus impact on our area and America we will wait until we can be certain of a secured opening date. Once we make a decision, we will communicate that information to you.
You can our switch board at 707 923-2124 to leave a message with any of our departments. Our guest services staff will be checking messages twice a week. Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions. You can e-mail us at confirmations@benbowinn.com.
On Monday March 30, 2020 an order was given by Humboldt County to close all golf courses and that campgrounds & RV Parks can only rent to Humboldt County residences. As a result, we are closing the golf course and will have limited hours at the Benbow KOA store.
We wish you all a Happy Easter and Passover and hope you are all well and safe.
We appreciate your continued support and look forward to seeing everyone again soon.
Be well.
John & Teresa Porter & Benbow Inn/Benbow KOA staff
Please view a special Easter message from John Porter below:
*Please note that we already have a winner for the Forest “Bathing” question.
April 1, 2020
To all of our Valued Guests:
We had previously communicated with you that we were closing on Sunday March 22, 2020 for the safety of our guests, employees and vendors with a tentative re-opening date of Good Friday, April 10,2020. With updates we have been getting from local, state and federal governments it appears that our original reopening date was too optimistic and we will not be reopening on Good Friday, April 10, 2020. As a result of the uncertainty of the Corona-Virus impact on our area and America we will wait until we can be certain of a secured opening date. Once we make that decision, we will communicate that information to you.
Our guest services staff will be answering the phone Monday through Friday 10am to 2pm, in addition you will be able to leave messages which we will be checking. Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions. You can call us at 800 355-3301 or e-mail us at confirmations@benbowinn.com.
On Monday March 30, 2020 an order was given by Humboldt County to close all golf courses and that campgrounds & RV Parks can only rent to Humboldt County residences. As a result, we are closing the golf course and will have limited hours at the Benbow KOA store. We will be unable to rent RV spaces or cabins to non-residents of Humboldt County.
We appreciate your continued support and look forward to seeing everyone again soon.
Be well.
John & Teresa Porter & Benbow Inn/Benbow KOA staff
View a video message from John Porter below: