We spent three days in a two-bedroom guest home. Completely outfitted kitchen, so we could cook and eat in on a rainy nite. The gas fireplace was a treat. They welcomed our two well-behaved dogs. The drive out to the ocean was gorgeous and the people in the town of Gureneville were most welcoming. We're coming back!

I just stayed at the Balalaika Guest Homes and I couldn't of asked for anything better. I have stayed at places that were twice as much in the river area that were nowhere near the quality of here. You actually felt like you were home, which is always a nice feeling. It was so nice to have the fire going while listening to the rain. It was a perfect way to spend a much needed quiet few days. And I loved the sectional couch, it was big and so comfy. The only thing I would have to say is that I wish they would upgrade the cable package. You don't get that many good channels with the basic cable. But other than that, we couldn't of had a better time. I can't wait to go back. We are planning on making this our new regular getaway as often as we can.

This is the second stay there and it won't be my last. It is comfortable, quiet and feels like a home away from home. Merrill, who manages the place, could not be more concerned about his clients. Anything you need, just ask, and he will be there on the spot.

All the conveniences. If you just want to rest, here is a place to go. If you are there for summer vacation....the river is a must. If you are there for a private romantic week....well!

Tom Seabridge

My friends and I traveled to Sonoma to do some wine tasting, but we found and did so much more due to the great location of our town home. We were "on a budget" and this town home was very affordable for four people. I wasn't really expecting too much since the price was so great, but we were all really wowed once we got there.

The town home sits just outside the cutest little town where there is a Safeway, dining, entertainment, coffee houses, gift shopping, etc. The tall redwoods are amazing and it's so close to the Russian River that a few of the restaurants actually have access to it.

The place itself was very upgraded, there was a pride of ownership that showed throughout. Things I would never imagine were provided like coffee filters, coffee, bath soaps, dishwasher soap, garbage bags, etc. We are timeshare owners and when going to the timeshares you always have to bring all of your own.

We decided to get some groceries at Safeway and we had our drinks and dinner in every night. We saved a fortune by using the BBQ grill and enjoyed the heck out of the hot tub. The kitchen was fully stocked to make this very easy. Lunch was our big meal out everyday and I would highly recommend Pat's Bar in town for a light lunch. We were able to drive to the Coast, see Duncan's Mills, go to a ton of wineries in Sonoma (I highly recommend lunch at Francis Ford Coppola), walk to the "in-town" bar the "Roadhouse" which is a half a block from the house. Also, Korbel Champagne is just down the road, we spent a half a day there taking tours and enjoying complimentary champagne samples. Grab lunch from the Deli and have a picnic outside in their gardens.

If you didn't notice, they do not charge a cleaning fee! A little light housekeeping at the end is all that is needed to save $100 which is what the competition was charging.

In the end we had nothing but great things to say about our find and would go back again in a heartbeat.