House Point Reyes
Kitschy-cool Bohemian lodge meets modern American sophistication. Driftwood-accented mirrors, oyster-shell wind chimes, local artist photography, radiant heated floors, rolling lawns with Adirondack chairs. Feels like a stylish friend's countryside home, not a corporate hotel.
Book a Terrace King for ground-floor private patio access straight onto the gardens — multiple guests call it the best room type for immersion in the property.
Why It Matters
Voted #1 Hotel in the USA by Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2020. One of the very few quality lodging options adjacent to Point Reyes National Seashore. The adjacent Due West Tavern (in a refurbished circa-1865 building) sources oysters from Tomales Bay, produce from Bolinas farms, and meats from Point Reyes ranches — the dining alone is worth the trip.
Olema House sits right on the edge of Point Reyes National Seashore, about an hour north of San Francisco on Highway 1. Twenty-two rooms and two private cottages spread across four acres of gardens, lawns, and creek-front pathways. It won #1 Hotel in the USA in the 2020 Condé Nast Readers' Choice Awards, and Travel + Leisure named it one of the best hotels in California in 2023. But here's the thing: it's not a luxury resort — no pool, no spa, no AC in most rooms. What it is, is a genuinely well-run boutique lodge that gives you great access to some of the most wild, unspoiled coastline in California.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Casa Olema Cottage
A private standalone cottage sleeping up to 6. King bed in the main bedroom, two queen sofa beds in the living/dining area, a wet bar, mini fridge, and TV. Outside: a private courtyard with a picnic table and firepit. Note: the in-room fireplace is currently disabled; guests can use the downstairs lounge fireplace instead.
King + 2 Queen Sofa Beds
Creek View King
The entry-level room type. Well-appointed with a king bed, cozy seating area, and views out onto the lush grounds. Bathrooms offer either a bathtub/shower combo or stand-up shower. Note: no TVs in these rooms, and some have stairs.
King
Creekside Cottage
The most private option on the property — tucked away in a secluded corner surrounded by trees and greenery right on Olema Creek. Full kitchen, large dining table that seats 8, front and back deck with a private courtyard, BBQ grill, firepit, and picnic tables. Ideal for families or small groups wanting full self-catering facilities.
King + 2 Queen Sofa Beds
Drake Suite
A two-story loft suite with soaring vaulted ceilings and a second-level window overlooking the gardens, lawn, and Olema Creek. Four-poster king bed on the upper level, queen sofa bed in the living area below. Features a fireplace, refrigerator, and either a balcony or bay window seat. Steep stairs — not recommended for guests with accessibility concerns.
King (upper) + Queen Sofa Bed (lower)Market Flat
A spacious two-bedroom flat above Due West Market, separate from the main lodge building. One king bedroom, one twin bunk room, a pull-out sofa, and a living room. Good pick for families who want a bit more privacy and separation from the main property. Note steep stairs — not ADA accessible.
King + Twin Bunks + Pull-out SofaMountain View King
Upper-level rooms with dramatic floor-to-ceiling stone walls and vaulted ceilings. Balcony or bay window seat. Select rooms include a bath or whirlpool tub. These rooms have TVs, which the Creek View rooms do not.
King
Terrace King
Ground-floor rooms with a private patio and small table and chairs looking out onto the gardens. Jacuzzi tub or stand-in shower options. These are the rooms guests rave about most — direct step-out access to the property grounds.
KingThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Cycling routes through the surrounding West Marin countryside. Secured bicycle storage available on property.
Point Reyes Adventure Co. offers guided nighttime bioluminescent kayaking — a popular add-on for Olema House guests. About 20 minutes from the property.
Multiple firepits around the property with complimentary s'mores hour on select evenings. A signature evening wind-down experience.
Complimentary classic board games and lawn games available throughout the property's four acres.
Thousands of acres of hiking trails adjacent to the property. Highlights include the Point Reyes Lighthouse hike (best whale-watching spot on the peninsula), the Tomales Point clifftop hike for Tule Elk, and Bear Valley Trail. Limantour Beach is a 20-minute drive.
Regular live music at Due West — artists perform under the redwoods on the creekside patio. Schedule varies seasonally.
A short drive to Marshall on Tomales Bay to taste fresh oysters straight from the water. A quintessential West Marin experience guests frequently combine with their Olema House stay.
Every Wednesday evening in summer, Due West runs a 5–8pm session with rotating spritz cocktails, $2 Tomales Bay oysters, cheese boards, and live acoustic music. Happy hour 5–6pm with $9 spritzes.
Gray whale migration passes December through April. Best viewed from the Point Reyes Lighthouse, a scenic drive from the property. Hotel binoculars recommended.
Borrow vintage or modern binoculars from the hotel's Binocular Bar for birding, whale watching, and Tule Elk spotting nearby.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Complimentary WiFi included in the $35/night destination fee.
Private dining room at Due West with creek and garden views, cozy fireplace, and natural light. Seats up to 32 guests. Available for corporate events, birthday dinners, and celebrations.
Most rooms lack air conditioning. Can be uncomfortable during summer heat spikes. Management has noted it is a planned future improvement.
A bottle of Olema House signature wine awaits in every room on arrival.
Complimentary coffee and tea available throughout the day, covered by destination fee.
Four acres of private grounds with expansive lawns, English-style gardens, creek-side pathways, and Adirondack chairs alongside Olema Creek.
Multiple firepits around the property for evening gatherings. Complimentary s'mores hour offered on select evenings.
A charming property quirk: guests can borrow vintage or modern binoculars for daily wildlife and bird watching — great prep for the Point Reyes Lighthouse whale-watching hike.
All room types are dog-friendly. One-time $75 pet fee per pet with signed pet agreement. Dog bed, water bowl, and treats included with Pup-Friendly package.
Classic board games and lawn games available throughout the property.
The property does not have a swimming pool. Some guests note this as a drawback, especially in summer.
Free parking on property, covered by the $35/night destination fee.
On-site Tesla charging stations — a notable perk for EV road trippers along Highway 1.
Secured bike storage for guests who bring bikes for exploring the surrounding trails.
BUILD YOUR OLEMA HOUSE POINT REYES PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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