Surf Motel
Surf Motel descritpion
On a on a bluff overlooking the beach and ocean, this motel is minutes from Gualala attractions such as diving, fishing, and whale and seal watching.
Surf Motel provides guests with a calm and natural atmosphere. Enjoy a breath taking view of the ocean from your guest room. Experience the beautiful California sunsets and fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves.
The guest rooms have microwaves and refrigerators for guest convenience. Relax in the sweet sea air of Gualala at the Surf Motel.
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They speak 2 languages——Surf Motel's staff speaks:Spanish,English
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Facilities of Surf Motel
Outdoors ：BBQ Facilities | Grounds | Sun Deck
Pets ：Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.
Activities ：Golf Course (within 2 miles) | Fishing | Snorkeling
Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking ：Free!Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
Services ：Vending Machine (drinks) | Vending Machine (snacks) | Laundry | Daily Housekeeping | Fax/Photocopying
General ：Non-smoking Rooms | Facilities for Disabled Guests | Family Rooms | Hypoallergenic room available | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)
Languages Spoken ：Spanish | English
Reviews for Surf Motel
Review 1：Everything was great! Only minor suggestions-- I loved the flush mounted faux electric "fireplace"; but because it had no automated thermostat, one had to awaken & turn it on/off throughout the night. Provision of an additional blanket on the bed might have eliminated the need to wake up & turn on the heater.
Review 2：The location is amazing! Walk out the door & see incredible views of beach & surf. (Beach NOT accessible from the property however). Wonderful restaurants & shops are within easy walking distance. I loved how mellow the managers were about our two dogs. They never hassled us or announced any pet rules; & they didn't even charge extra (per dog/ per night) like some places do. They have the formula figured out-- reasonable rates for a quality product- good service, minimal rules/ harassment. The housekeepers (x 25 years) did an exceptional job of cleaning, leaving the room attractive & smelling so fresh every day! Breakfast was tasty & varied (but should have provided SOME fruit).
Review 3：The room was quite small. It was advertised as a queen bed, but it was a smaller double bed. The bed had a very comfortable floating foam on top of mattresses. Breakfast good but small eating area.
Review 4：Easy access motel, in center of Gualala. Can walk to most shops and restaurants. Access good to bluff hiking path behind motel.
Review 5：I just loved it here. My room was spacious and included an unexpected well- equipped kitchen, plus a large buffet breakfast every morning. from the window you get a close-range view and hear the continual sounds of a beautiful curved stretch of ocean and a a scenic path along the bluffs is yards away. When I was scheduled to leaveI I extended my stay end by a day. and the next day I extended it as well.
Review 6：Property is in serious disrepair. Bathroom had holes in the wall. No light in the kitchenette. Very uncomfortable. Overpriced for the condition of the property.
Review 7：Very small room felt like we were in a box. No place to put luggage. Bathroom fan didn't work and caused mirror to fog up!
Review 8：Bed was very comfortable
Review 9：The location is perfectly located on the coast with an amazing deck to do whale watching and checking out the surf! It's close to restaurants and businesses. Staff are super freindly and helpful! You can't beat the price!
Review 10：Wish breakfast would begin earlier. 8:30 is late for those with plans to move on for the day.
Review 11：Location has a nice view of the ocean although rooms are not ocean front.
Review 12：We could not get the tv to play. The bathroom could have been cleaner and the towels should be thicker.
Review 13：The value was terrific compared to the overpriced hotel we stayed in in the theater district. The amenities were good.
Review 14：No luggage racks or good area to place luggage. Bathroom fan extremely noisy.
Review 15：Nice view of the ocean from room. Nice patio area on bluff overlooking mouth of the river & ocean. The breakfast was extensive & delicious. The staff was terrific. Great bedding! Great value for the $.
Review 16：Even though the bed had a big fluffly topper, the bed in my opinion was still hard and not that comfortable, but that's just me.
Review 17：Nice tv and nice large bathroom and liked that there was a fridge and microwave in our room
Review 18：Shower had some hair in it from previous guests.
Review 19：Location is beautiful, you can sit outside and have coffee in the morning in the adirondack chairs overlooking the Pacific. Really nice.
Review 20：We should have taken a room with a bigger bed! Our error.
Review 21：You can walk to stores and resteraunts; nice view of the river and ocean. Great breakfast making this an excellent value.
Review 22：Faucets need updating, hard to adjust water flow resulting in wasted water. Hotel is a little tired.
Review 23：Location in town Large room Reasonably comfortable beds
Review 24：The service was poor-- staff didn't know the answers to obvious questions. For example, do you have a list of the tv stations? How to get to questions? They weren't willing to help. No staff of duty from 7 pm to 8:30 am. Breakfast starts @ 8:30 am. That is too late.
Review 25：The room was clean.
Review 26：It was the smallest room we've ever stayed in. The coffeemaker was dirty, and the mattress very lumpy with a prominent ridge. There was no one in the office at anytime although we arrived during business hours and departed around 8 a.m. Breakfast is not served until 8:30, which was too late for us.
Review 27：The room,while very small, was clean. We appreciated a good coffeemaker in the room.
Review 28：The location of the motel is spectacular! There is a trail for walking along the bluff and there are several seating areas to allow for visiting and viewing the ocean. The staff are friendly, welcoming and courteous.
Review 29：0830 is fairly late for breakfast. Getting a cup of coffee to go would be nice. Eggs and sausage could be cooked a little more.
Review 30：Choices for breakfast.
Review 31：We only stayed one night but wish we could have been here longer. The location is wonderful. The room was clean, spacious and had every facility we could have wished for. Staff were helpful and the breakfast was great. If we return to California we will definitely stay here again - highly recommended.
Review 32：Noisy neighbors starting their vehicle repeatedly and leaving it running outside our window in the middle of the night.
Review 33：Access to Gualala Bluffs trail.
Review 34：Leaving.....
Review 35：Loved, loved, loved the location, looking out on the beach. Very peaceful and quiet place. It was so nice to sit outside and watch all the humming birds!The room was very nice and clean and breakfast was good!
Review 36：The shower needs to be updated. Some of the lights in the room didn't work. If you get a room with a kitchen you have to clean up your dishes or a 20$ charge
Review 37：Was over charge on my room. I said I wanted to pay cash and they automatic billed my credit card.!!!
Review 38：It's an older establishment so the rooms are very small with the exception of a couple. Some rooms literally sit on the highway edge, so its noisey. Make a reservation for a room further down away from the road.
Review 39：Great staff; able to sit and walk along ocean bluff; full breakfast bar; pet friendly; the managers were very accommodating & arranged for a larger room with a kitchen.
Review 40：I've stayed at the Surf Motel several times before and didn't like that they almost doubled their rates over Labor Day weekend. Since I needed to go that way, I stayed there but the holiday rate far exceeded the value. At a minimum the curtains could have been ironed and the coffee a much higher grade and some fresh fruit served with breakfast.
Review 41：Loved the location, cleanliness for a dog friendly place, beautiful grounds, hot breakfast in the morning, and nice staff.
Review 42：Refrigerator & Microwave were located in the bathroom, unsanitary & inconvenient. Ice machine had limited use hours & was broke anyway. Our bathroom fan didn't work, and the tv cable was out during our 5 day stay. We gave the management the opportunity to correct the issues before posting a review & they gave us a $66 discount on a $670 bill.
Review 43：The bed was very comfortable, pet friendly and great view. Unfortunately no beach access. It seems many rooms are being remodeled. Ours had nice new flooring, but bathroom needed updates
Review 44：Wish we could have more easily accessed the beach. Also big gap under our door to the outside. Didn't see any critters but they certainly would have easily fit.
Review 45：Great Ocean View. Comfortable beds. Lots of space to move around with a full kitchen.
Review 46：location as it is right of the beach. views were spectacular. quit for a motel. most visitors arrived late and left early in the morning the motel was empty by 10:00 am
Review 47：I had to use two hands to turn on the sink faucet but the manager said they were replacing them in October. Good thing! Also I could hearing the snoring man from next door all night. I think the beds back up together, not a good idea.
Review 48：I've stayed here four times now and they are always welcoming for pets and the beds are very comfortable. Breakfast is wonderful too a great start to a day of hiking.
Review 49：Loud neighbors one night and DVD player didn't work, otherwise we loved our stay!
Review 50：The location, the seats on the bluff, the nice staff, the yummy food
Review 51：The room without an ocean view. I heard the neighbors a lot and they seemed to be slamming cabinet doors next to the bed. Also, their door was right next to mine. In most of the rooms the doors are further apart.
Review 52：The ocean view room was great and quiet.
Review 53：TINY room! Closet in bathroom, frig & microwave in closet so could not shut closet door or have much room to hang clothes. Corrosion or gunk on frig. Maintenance required on tub (flaw in bottom so wouldn't want to sit in it) and on bathroom wall (plaster falling off). Old property, looks tired.
Review 54：Staff, bed, towels, waffles, tv, drawer space, lighting, ice machine (type and location--away from rooms).
Review 55：No beach access unless drive 3 min. It's a bit small and TV was not really good but didn't need TV anyways. We walk 10 steps to look at ocean and drive is only few minutes for beach access so Overall, great Motel.
Review 56：Bed. I never slept so good away from home. Free breakfast was great. And the area is so cute and beautiful.
Review 57：Long drive from Fresno, 5 1/2 hours, but well worth it.
Review 58：Everything! So much so that we plan on returning soon. It's like a secret jewel of a cute place to get away for a quiet time out.
Review 59：Very dated tiny room. The TV didn't work.
Review 60：Sitting in the adirondack chairs drinking coffee in the morning. Spectacular view. Able to walk across the street to the saloon at the Gualala Hotel. Very fun.
Review 61：Expensive. Small room. It's just a motel, oriented to the parking lot, and not the ocean.
Review 62：Excellent breakfast. Real furniture in the room. Comfortable accommodations. Fantastic ocean views from the common areas near the parking lot.
Review 63：Everything about the motel was fantastic, Eric in front office was super friendly, helpful and courteous. Clean rooms and a nice Breakfast. I will tell my friends for sure!!!! Thanks Surf Motel
Review 64：No place to sit for breakfast. I guess they thought most people would eat in their room. With the amazing view of the ocean, I opted to eat outside, though it was very chilly
Review 65：Our room had a kitchen kitchen and was very spacious
Review 66：Size of Room Bed & VERY POOR CABLE !!! Noisy Neighbors (workers from area who stayed in several rooms on both sides) should have been upgraded at time of inquiry)
Review 67：Location
Review 68：The room was a bit small, but still comfortable and clean!
Review 69：A beautiful ocean view with whale watching! Clean and comfortable! Delicious full breakfast. The staff was friendly and helpful!
Review 70：Bath was old. Need some hangers. Room a bit too small.
Review 71：Love the bed, the Tv, great internet. Better than average complementary breakfast. Lovely waffels!
Review 72：It wasn't what they advertised. "Fall asleep to sound of ocean". Can't hear nothing.
Review 73：beautiful very comfortable rooms. Breakfast delicious.
Review 74：Breakfast didn't start until 8:30 and we had far to go, 7 would have been better. No beach access anywhere in town, but thats just how it is in Gualala.
Review 75：The location along the bluff trail with sitting and firepit area to enjoy the view. Good wifi, big room, friendly staff. good breakfast offerings.
Review 76：Room was far too small for the cost of $165. Refrigerator ran loudly. Nice table and chairs,but there was no place for luggage other than bed or chairs. No place to put shaving/cosmetics in bathroom. Will never stay there again.
Review 77：Very friendly greeting. Nice breakfast.
Review 78：the RoadHouse for dinner is not a great choice.
Review 79：Our room was quite small, but furnished with very modern ammenities. The staff were wonderful. We spent less time in our room and more time wandering around town, and sitting watching the ocen.
Review 80：Breakfast was sort of ehh... However, it was free so you get what you pay for.
Review 81：Location was excellent and the bed was very comfortable. Nice to fall asleep with the sound of the surf right outside your window.
Review 82：The room was quiet, the beds were comfortable, the bathroom was bright and clean with an excellent shower. The kitchen was impressive and well equipped. The free breakfast was tasty. The views were spectacular.
Review 83：A bit old, just cosmetic issues and lumpy floor.
Review 84：Comfy bed. Loved the waffles. TV w/ lots of channels + DVD and Wifi! Full kitchen. Nice heater. Clean and friendly. Walk to grocery, restaurants and shops.
Review 85：In our unit, some upkeep (i.e., peeling paint, light fixtures) could be done.
Review 86：First Mike and Heather, Managers, were extremely warm and friendly. The same for the owners that were in town for a visit. It was very dog friendly!
Review 87：Thin walls, TINY tiny room, outdated bathroom (sink was so annoying to use), single window to the outside hallway that was bright and loud, heard highway more than the ocean despite proximity to the shore
Review 88：Outdoor patio furniture for guests, convenient location, friendly staff, generous breakfast, clean, large TV with cable, proximity to market, restaurants and video/DVD store to watch in the in-room DVD player, heater/fireplace, hot showers, option to bring your dog, strong wifi that worked throughout the parking lot/patio area
Review 89：Walls are very thin. Can hear the folks in the next room as if they are in your room. Furnishing are warn and tired.
Review 90：Nice location staff was helpful and friendly
Review 91：Bathroom facililties need updating and the tiles and walls need a fresh coat of paint. Never got any hot water through the taps. Kitchen, especially, needs better lighting. Room 117 needs "refreshing."
Review 92：Location, access, ease of access to and along the ocean bluff trail especially for walking our dog. Management and staff all pleasant and helpful. Room 117 is large and comfortable. See critiques, please.
Review 93：The view from the room was beautiful. The trail along the bluff was enjoyable and very convenient to walk to the local restaurant. The staff were helpful and friendly. I would recommend this hotel to family and friends
Review 94：The eggs were a bit runny, and the seagulls were pests. No big deal.
Review 95：Heather, the manager was so friendly, helpful and welcoming. Breakfast was superb and those Belgium waffles were the best.
Review 96：We loved our stay at the Surf Motel. The electric fireplace was cozy, the room & bathroom were clean & the bed was comfy. We also enjoyed the breakfast which had quite a selection including freshly made waffles, eggs, sausage, dry cereal, oatmeal, coffee, orange juice, scones, Nutella ... The staff was polite & professional. The Surf Motel was an all around perfect experience!
Review 97：Management was very rude and threatened to call the police as our son was climbing a very short tree.
Review 98：Beautifully decorated,comfortable beds,great kitchen.
Review 99：I did not find my room small at all like I had read on the reviews. I have been to many hotels and know what a small room is like. The staff was very nice and helpful.
Review 100：The room could have been a little roomier, but very comfy bed. Easier access to the beach would be nice.
Review 101：Loved the hot breakfast! Could hear the ocean.
Review 102：Michael and Heather Gonzalez were fantastic to us. They made us feel so welcome and were so helpful. The morning breakfasts were great. The room was CLEAN, the bed comfy. The location can not be any more beautiful, quiet and peaceful.
Review 103：Bed was oddly piled to a central peak under the sheets, as if something was hidden there. By the middle of the night, we'd beaten it down enough to sleep.
Review 104：Great location along a nature path by the ocean. Outdoor seating to enjoy sunsets. All-new: flooring, dresser, curtains, and a cute (electric) fireplace updated the bedroom.
Review 105：I couldn't believe how nice it was for the price. We left the window open and the sound of the waves put us right to sleep after some nice cuddle time on the comfy bed by a cute little fireplace. In the morning they had some very yummy breakfast choices. The little extras really set them apart! The topper, the front desk ran out to offer to take a picture of us. Great people, we would definitely stay again :)
Review 106：Had difficulty working the heater (the electric fireplace) functions. The controls are hidden in a panel at the bottom. Small room, but very comfortable. The refrigerator was too large for the closet, so the door was ajar.
Review 107：The hotel was chosen for its location. It turned out to be a wonderful experience, having the beach just outside the window. You can listen to the surf. There's a fire pit, folks were outside sipping coffee. Breakfast was superb. Staff was excellent. Most guests were return customers. I will return, as well.
Review 108：Bathroom was teensy. OK for one, but no vanity space for hair curlers.
Review 109：Cosy room, nice outdoor seating with fabulous view of surf. Walking distance to restaurants and the few shops. Quiet.
Review 110：Breakfast at 8:30 am is to late. some minor repairs need to be done in the room we were in. we reported it the morning we left.
Review 111：We love the location. The ocean view was outstanding. Breakfast was great. Enjoyed every bit of it :) Connie, Turlock, CA
Review 112：Rather dated, old taps in the bathroom, small space. Lights hang from the ceiling, have bright white hospital - like shine.
Review 113：Good location. Outdoor area with ocean views.
Review 114：The room was clean, updated and comfortable, although small. We were fortunate to have great weather, so we enjoyed an exceptionally beautiful view of the ocean from the outside deck and a cross-breeze through our room. Many restaurants and shops within walking distance. The owner was helpful and directed us to a great fish restaurant up the coast.
Review 115：The smallest ugliest restroom. Could remove bathroom door & install shutter to allow more space. Very dark in the room. Very dated, would never recommend to anyone.
Review 116：Continental breakfast
Review 117：the bed was horrible, like a bag of old laundry. the staff was curt and unfriendly. the walls were paper thin. Had to listen to other guests complain. bare florescent bulbs just added to the lack of ambience. for the price find a hotel with a private balcony and a view.
Review 118：if you dont mind walking outside and around a corner through a parking lot the view is great
Review 119：It is a motel next to the highway with potential for noise. However I had a great night sleep and thoroughly enjoyed myself
Review 120：The Surf Motel is a vintage motel with a few hints aging. The owners did a great of updating the rooms. Breakfast was delicious with homemade scones, sausages, eggs, waffles, and cereal. The day was beautiful so we were able to sit outside to enjoy our meal.
Review 121：We had a great room with an ocean view that was beautifully furnished and cozy. Heather and Mike were very nice and put out a nice breakfast each morning. Nice location within walking distance to most everything. We will be back.
Review 122：You can hear intimate conversations from the next room. Maybe not place the headboards on the same shared wall? It would make sleeping easier to come.
Review 123：Heather & Mike are a joy to know--helpful. Every year there is a new improvement. Love the warm breakfast. Like the yellow microfiber towel too.
Review 124：My sister and I were late arriving and the staff left our key in an envelope with our name on it under the doormat in front of the office! It made us feel like family as well as nostalgic-the motel had the look and feel of places we stayed in as kids.
Review 125：The room was a little bit small.
Review 126：The motel is perfectly located in front of the river and the ocean (auth life there is no access to the beach). Nice benches and chairs where you can chill out and watch the sunset. Breakfast.
Review 127：Bed dominated room and was very high, almost needed a step-up to get in; and I'm average height! Strange siting of fridge in 'wardrobe' in bathroom, restricts clothes hanging.
Review 128：Location great. Outside seating areas useful. Adjacent to small group of quality shops and cafe. A very traditional style of motel.
Review 129：The walls are thin, but Gualala isn't a party town. Sleeping through the night wasn't an issue.
Review 130：For the price we paid for our stay and the location I wasn't expecting much. The room was clean with a comfortable bed and big flat screen tv. The highlight of our stay was the hot complimentary breakfast...made to order waffles, eggs, biscuits and gravy, pastries and all your normal breakfast items. For a small hotel they really go above and beyond.
Review 131：Small grubby Room and bathroom, uncomfortable small lumpy bed. Paper thin walls, able to hear conversation next door from 3.30am!!..all night!!. Inedible breakfast, luke warm water for making tea, staff not willing to change it. One of the worst we'd ever stayed in.
Review 132：Towels need to be replaced; they have more than seen their day. The young innkeepers tried to provide good customer service. I would suggest that they smile and show some warmth when in the lobby area with customers. This goes a long way in making travelers feel welcome.
Review 133：Excellent bed; good quality mattress; breakfast provided; dogs are allowed in any of the rooms. Although the motel fronts the Highway, there is a wonderful pathway for walking and a great sitting area for viewing the ocean.
The Fine Print
Upon check-in photo identification and credit card are required. All special requests are subject to availability upon check-in. Special requests cannot be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.