Shoreline Cottages

A row of light-green cottages, with fresh white trim and lovely flower beds and planters, charm guests on arrival. The lobby has home-baked cookies, courtesy of the owner's mother; otherwise, the room is utilitarian, with postcards for sale, brochures for area attractions, and a small library of DVDs, magazines, and books to borrow. Outside, the grounds feel park-like, with picnic tables and barbecue grills -- both gas and charcoal-- set amidst the trees. There is a fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs where guests gather at night. The hot tub, large enough for six, has a small deck space for sunbathing. The Shoreline is a friendly, outdoorsy motel made excellent by the owner's careful attention to detail and upkeep. All in all, it's a fun, laid-back place to stay.

Shoreline Cottages is located in a residential and commercial neighborhood south of Fort Bragg. Set back from the road, the property is a reasonably quiet spot for an outdoorsy break -- highway noise can be heard in the outdoor spaces. There are plenty of places to eat and shop in the immediate area, and the beach is five minutes' walk from the hotel. The Cottages is a great base for visiting Fort Bragg and the wineries and sights of Mendocino. San Francisco is three hours away, or five hours via scenic Highway One; Sacramento is a four-hour drive.

Rooms at the Shoreline Cottages are clean and fresh, painted in bright colors with cheerful printed bedspreads and hardwood floors or pretty carpets. The sweet little cottages each have a theme (such as dolphin, birdhouse, or lighthouse), reflected in the artwork and colors. Sun and Surf Suites have whirlpool tubs and rain showers; some have private backyard patios. All rooms have flat-screen TVs with cable, DVD players, microwaves, and coffeemakers; some have kitchenettes or full kitchens. Room Eight has facilities for scuba divers to clean their gear. Some cottages have private carports, which bikers may also appreciate. Rooms near the fire pit can be noisy.

Shoreline Cottages is dog-friendly (there's even a resident Golden Retriever), and provides a welcome basket for four-legged guests upon check-in. The closest beach, five minutes' walk from the hotel, allows dogs to run off-leash. There is a library of DVDs, magazines, and books for guests to borrow. There are picnic tables on the grounds with charcoal and gas grills for cooking out, and a fire pit for evening gatherings. The whirlpool fits six, and there is an attached sundeck. There is an area for divers to wash their gear after use.