The Settlers Inn

We ordered takeout, though the hotel lounge dining area looked spacious and cozy, with a fireplace and a cabin-meets-farm-to-table feel. Calling in was easy. They were friendly and called us back with an estimated pickup time. Everything was packed into a small bag, but the entrées still plated beautifully at home. The medium-rare filet mignon was amazingly tender, the roasted squash had a lovely autumn char, and the pork tenderloin sliced easily and went really well with its apple butter sauce. As a veggie lover, I was happy with the generous side. The French onion soup came in three parts, soup, bread, and cheese, so we could finish it in the oven and get that stretchy cheese. Simple, seasonal, satisfying.

Dessert was good, at least. The menu for Valentine's Day dinner was trash, the food mediocre at best, and our drinks came out wrong. We were seated on the patio and had hoped to enjoy the pianist. Our server was useless and knew literally nothing about the menu. The bill was horrendous with the tip automatically included. She wasn’t worth $20, much less a $55 tip. I eat all around here, and after this dinner at the settlers, I won’t be back. The juice isn’t worth the squeeze.

Terry, the innkeeper, was a delight and couldn’t have been more helpful. I was very happy with my room at this lovely Arts and Crafts, Mission style inn. The grounds are beautiful, with places to sit, and there’s a small bar with a porch overlooking the garden. Guests get a weekly activity schedule and a daily wine tasting. Breakfast was good, with an $18 voucher per person to order from a set menu with decent choices. The only drawback is that there isn’t much of a downtown.

The grounds are gorgeous, and there are lots of walking trails. The Inn was very clean, though the bedrooms could use a little updating. Staff were wonderful, and Terry was especially helpful and accommodating with suggestions. We also got to use facilities at the sister hotels, and I took a yoga class at the gym with a very hospitable instructor. I came with a friend for a girls’ decompression getaway, and we plan to return.