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Fern River Resort
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Avg. AU$203 /night, 3/18 - 3/19
AU$458
per night
AU$331
per night
AU$203
per night
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About
#1 of 1 motel in Felton
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Midst the Majestic Forest - A rare & precious garden, nestled on the river and in the towering redwood trees. Hosts weddings and corporate retreats. Individual & duplex cottages, many with kitchens, BBQ's, picnic areas & gas fireplaces. River swimming for the kids. Ping Pong, tetherball, & a community campfire ring.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Game room
Hiking
Children's playground
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Conference facilities
Meeting rooms
Wifi
Fishing
Table tennis
Board games / puzzles
BBQ facilities
Chapel / shrine
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Private check-in / check-out
Room features
Private beach
Dining area
Fireplace
Separate living room
Coffee / tea maker
Flatscreen TV
Sofa bed
Walk-in shower
Sofa
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Iron
Private bathrooms
Kitchenette
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Kitchenware
Complimentary toiletries
Room types
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Location
5250 Highway 9, Felton, CA 95018-9548
Getting there
San José Mineta International Airport
38.1 km•
See all flights
Monterey Peninsula Airport
53.9 km•
See all flights
Rental Cars
353 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
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Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
Great location! Really close to state parks and the surrounding area is simply stunning! Only 15 mins from Santa Cruz and restaurants, and good selection of places for take out in local Felton. Resort is nestled amongst redwoods, and the grounds are immaculate. The accommodation itself, however, could do with an update. Old bedding, and stains on sheets. Rooms had a slight musty smell to them too. Would be a great stay if they did a few updates.
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Date of stay: April 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The only thing that doesn’t make Fern River excellent is the fact that if you’ve forgotten to buy coffee for tomorrow morning, you need to get back in the car. Apart from that, this is a wonderful place to just sit. And be. And gaze up at the Redwoods that surround you. And when you’ve had enough, go & be cozy in your wooden cabin.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I would have to say Excellent for a mountian resort. It is a peaceful, clean, and a well run mountian retreat, close to Santa Cruz Calif. The housekeeping cabins are mostly located on the river across from Henry Cowell Redwood Park. The units have been updated, but still remind one of the vintage motor resorts of the past. The resort is well posted as to the operation of equipment, as well as the dos and don'ts. The owners and the managers live on the resort, and keep disorderly conduct in check. I find this a plus for seniors and families. A great place to escape from the hub bub, noise, and traffic in the Santa Cruz area
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Date of stay: May 2005
Value
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed in a small house close to the river. We found everything we were looking for: quiet place in the woods, to escape, relax and enjoy the nature. The house was clean, surrounded with Sequoias and you could hear the river floating in the silence, sitting on the cozy porch.
Definitely recommend this place to those, who are looking for a relaxing nature escape.
Definitely recommend this place to those, who are looking for a relaxing nature escape.
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Date of stay: May 2021
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: The Sequoia was great, but the other houses looked very nice too.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a rip off! The beds are very small, if your partner is tall, his or her feet will hang off the bed. Queen beds only! You can barely see the river. I had booked another cabin with them before I stayed this time and tried to cancel. They charged me 10% to cancel 9 months in advance. Their cancellation policy is not clear. And the staff looks irritated if you have a question. I wouldn't take a chance to stay there. Even Motel 6 will treat you better.
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Don't go
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stayed here for one night on our journey South from San Francisco to L.A. The price we paid may have been inflated due to MLK holiday but it didn't seem like great value for money. The manager was friendly and welcoming but the cabin was very dated and not particularly comfortable. We've had much better accommodation for less $ later on this trip. On the plus side, the surrounding woodlands are absolutely beautiful and this place is very well located for hiking. Nearby Felton is also well provisioned with restaurants etc.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fun cabins, with beautiful scenery, and access to a river with an area for family to play. Just outside of town center (like 2 mins drive). It's not modern if youre expecting those kidns of amenities, but it was perfect for our family. The kitchen is very basic, the window screens have gaps and holes, and some stuff is worn, and the beds aren't great - but none of this surprises me - all part of a CABIN experience! If you like camping, this will be luxurious. If you expect a hotel, this will be rugged. We really enjoyed walking around the grounds, and going to the river every morning. Highly suggested peaceful retreat in a beautiful town.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a hidden gem. Loved the location on the river surrounded by redwoods. Also, beautiful property, with lots of ferns, flowers, and even fruit trees. 2 bdrm cottage was reasonable. Very close to Felton shops, redwood park, and short drive to the beach. Will definitely be back!
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beautiful setting and great location. However, it would be nice if they sent you the LIST of all the rules - there are many. I agree with the other reviewer, that it must be used by very young people (or just immature) that abuse the place.
Bed was fine by my standards if a little hard (and I'm almost 50). But it was the living room furniture that was intolerably uncomfortable. I'd bring camp chairs to use next time in the living room -- but I would come back again since it's a decent rate in a great setting.
Amenities seemed a little stingy. For example, we had a roll of toilet paper that was 3/4 gone -- with no replacement roll in site. We had to go to the office for more. Also - no rag or sponge to do the dishes, no liners for the wastebaskets, and hardly any glassware. As previous review stated, you have to "rent" pots and pans. But because we read the review before we went we simply brought our own.
Definitely the place for people who don't want to spend time in the cabin. But with such a beautiful location, I'm assuming that's most everyone who spends time in Felton.
Bed was fine by my standards if a little hard (and I'm almost 50). But it was the living room furniture that was intolerably uncomfortable. I'd bring camp chairs to use next time in the living room -- but I would come back again since it's a decent rate in a great setting.
Amenities seemed a little stingy. For example, we had a roll of toilet paper that was 3/4 gone -- with no replacement roll in site. We had to go to the office for more. Also - no rag or sponge to do the dishes, no liners for the wastebaskets, and hardly any glassware. As previous review stated, you have to "rent" pots and pans. But because we read the review before we went we simply brought our own.
Definitely the place for people who don't want to spend time in the cabin. But with such a beautiful location, I'm assuming that's most everyone who spends time in Felton.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lovely place but read the fine print. Many controls that are enforced by right to add to charge card after you leave! Kitchens but pots and pans......require $20 deposit returned when pots are returned. Mega controls on hot tub. I believe the area is used by 18-24year olds.....which probably is reason for excessive controls.
Also......beds and chairs are very uncomfortable...but probably not for 18-24 years olds.!
Also......beds and chairs are very uncomfortable...but probably not for 18-24 years olds.!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes you could hike from the Resort to Henry Cowell Park. Once at the Park there a # of hiking trails as well. I can only give you the directions provided which is still a nice walk. You could also explore any trail area you come across once you make the turn towards the park. I hope this helps but this is the directions for hiking to the park.
20 min (1.0 mi) via Hwy 9 and N Big Trees Park Rd
Directions
Fern River Resort
Head west on Hwy 9 toward Macarthur Rd
0.5 mi
Turn right onto N Big Trees Park Rd
0.5 mi
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Ranger Office and Entrance Station, 101 North Big Trees Park Road, Felton, CA 95018
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"Don’t stay here, and if you have to stay here bring your toiletries, towels and blackout curtains"Read full review
"It seemed to us that all of the rooms were well situated so that any choice, based on your budget or size of group would be fine."Read full review
PRICE RANGE
AU$190 - AU$315 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
fern river hotel felton, fern river motel
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaFelton
NUMBER OF ROOMS
15
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Claim Your ListingFERN RIVER RESORT (AU$190) - 2025 Prices & Reviews (Felton, CA) - Photos of Motel - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Fern River Resort
Which popular attractions are close to Fern River Resort ?
Nearby attractions include Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (0.5 km), University of California at Santa Cruz (4.5 km), and Mystery Spot (6.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Fern River Resort ?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and meeting rooms.
Which room amenities are available at Fern River Resort ?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Fern River Resort ?
Guests can enjoy barbeque facilities during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Fern River Resort ?
Conveniently located restaurants include Marianne's Ice Cream, Santa Cruz Diner, and Cowboy Bar and Grill.
Does Fern River Resort offer any business services?
Yes, guests have access to meeting rooms and conference facilities during their stay.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Fern River Resort ?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish.
Are there any historical sites close to Fern River Resort ?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Davenport Jail (11.4 km), Boulder Creek Fire Dept. Building (10.6 km), and Mac's 100 Year Old Place (10.6 km).
Does Fern River Resort have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the river view available here.