Cloverdale Wine Country Inn & Suites

The price felt too high for the star rating and service. That so-called free breakfast was no help to early risers: just weak coffee and a packet of instant oatmeal, and it wasn't available until after 8. The Jacuzzi was nice, but the pool was clear and freezing cold. The outside looked like it hadn't been freshened up in years. On this trip, I had better stays at places costing half as much.

The staff were good, and the rooms and property seemed clean and well kept. But there weren't any truly opaque curtains, so there was no privacy and the outside lights came straight into the room at night. The price was steep, though hotels and motels in general have been expensive lately.

We were out of town on a freezing, rainy night and had the money to pay, but she made it feel impossible to get a room. We thought we'd finally found a place with someone at the desk, then she asked for $400 for the room and another $400 deposit, all on a card. She wouldn't take any cash. We ended up sleeping in our car with no heat, blankets, or bathroom. That was awful. People need to treat each other with more humanity.

The beds were the one real problem. They felt like half the springs were gone, and my neck was still hurting two days later. Otherwise, the rates are reasonable, service was good, check-in was easy, and everything was clean. Its spot between the highways makes it convenient for nearby wine areas. It's a handy place to crash after late winery parties. For a stay with more romance or atmosphere, I'd look elsewhere, though that will likely cost twice as much.