Inn of the Lost Coast
A beachfront perch on California's remote Lost Coast
A place to stay in Whitethorn
The Inn of the Lost Coast sits directly on the water in Whitethorn, California — one of the few hotels with a genuine beachfront position along this stretch of the Northern California coast. Two on-site restaurants mean you don't have to go far for a meal, and free parking is a practical plus given how car-dependent the area is. Every room has some form of kitchen or kitchenette, which suits guests who want more than a bed and a coffee maker. Several room types also include balconies and direct sea views. The hotel is pet-friendly and has family rooms available, and the outdoor spaces include a sun deck, patio, BBQ facilities, and an outdoor fireplace.
Who this stay suits
A well-equipped beachfront hotel in a remote coastal setting, with in-room cooking facilities, two restaurants on-site, and sea views across most room categories.
Best for
- Couples wanting a sea-view getaway
- Travellers with pets
- Self-catering stays on the Lost Coast
- Road-trippers who need free parking
Less suited to
- Those wanting a busy town on the doorstep
- Solo travellers on a tight budget
- Guests without a car
Right on the beach
The hotel has a direct beachfront position in Whitethorn. A sun deck, patio, outdoor furniture, and an outdoor fireplace give guests several ways to use the exterior. Sea views are available from most room categories, including the balconied rooms and suites.
Rooms with real kitchen space
Every room includes at minimum a kitchenette with a coffee machine, microwave, refrigerator, and kitchenware. The King Suite and Deluxe King Suite step up to full private kitchens — useful for longer stays or guests who prefer cooking over eating out every meal.
Two restaurants on-site
Given how isolated Whitethorn is, having two restaurants within the property is a genuine convenience. The surrounding area has limited dining options, so guests who prefer to eat on-site rather than drive will find this arrangement practical.
Temporary art galleries
The inn rotates temporary art gallery exhibitions on the property — a detail that sets it apart from a standard roadside hotel and gives the common spaces more character than the category might suggest.
Rooms & suites
Deluxe Double Room with Balcony
32 m² · sleeps 2 · 2 full beds
- 1 room
- Private kitchenette
- Private bathroom
- Balcony
- Sea view
Deluxe Suite with Spa Bath
54 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- Private suite
- Private kitchenette
- Private bathroom
- Balcony
- Sea view
King Room with Sea View
32 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- 1 room
- Private kitchenette
- Private bathroom
- Balcony
- Sea view
King Suite
36 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- Private suite
- Private kitchen
- Private bathroom
- Sea view
- Patio
Deluxe Suite
32 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- Private suite
- Private kitchenette
- Private bathroom
- Balcony
- Sea view
King Suite with Balcony
32 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- Private suite
- Private kitchenette
- Private bathroom
- Balcony
- Sea view
Deluxe Suite with Sea View
32 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- Private suite
- Private kitchenette
- Private bathroom
- Balcony
- Sea view
Deluxe King Suite
54 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- Private suite
- Private kitchen
- Private bathroom
- Balcony
- Sea view
Junior Suite
36 m² · sleeps 1 · 1 king bed
- Private suite
- Private kitchenette
- Private bathroom
- Sea view
- Patio
Standout features
Inside Inn of the Lost Coast
Amenities at Inn of the Lost Coast
Most popular facilities
- Beachfront
- Non-smoking rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests
- 2 restaurants
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
Great for your stay
- 2 restaurants
- Parking
- Private bathroom
- View
- Pet friendly
- Free Wifi
- Kitchenette
- Free parking
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bath or shower
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
- Shower
Bedroom
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
View
- Sea view
- View
Outdoors
- Outdoor fireplace
- Outdoor furniture
- Beachfront
- Sun deck
- BBQ facilities
- Patio
The Inn of the Lost Coast holds a 4.25/5 guest rating across 141 reviews. The beachfront position and the practicality of in-room kitchens are consistent points guests return to. The two on-site restaurants get regular attention, particularly given the limited dining alternatives in the area.
- Rooms are outdated, with frayed/stained carpets and worn décor
- Noise issues — loud guests in parking lot/common areas, and sound travelling through floors
- Inconsistent hot water availability during morning peak hours
- Limited staff presence / difficult check-in on late arrival
- Long, challenging drive to reach the property
“Serenity, beautiful views, a hot tub, and a fireplace made our stay absolutely perfect.”
“Location and staff are absolutely amazing, the pizza place and the breakfast place are good and very convenient, and of course the views and nature.”
“The ocean view was beautiful and tub with jets was amazing and the sauna was a plus after a stressful week of work.”
“Great views, ok accommodation. While clean, it was dated. Pictures didn't really match the condition of the rooms.”
Guest reviews summarised from Booking.com.
Good to know
Frequently asked
Where exactly is the Inn of the Lost Coast?
The hotel is in Whitethorn, California, on the Lost Coast. It sits directly on the beachfront. The area is remote and rural, and a car is essentially required to reach it and get around.
Is parking available, and does it cost extra?
Free parking is available on-site. There is no charge for parking.
Are pets allowed?
The hotel is pet-friendly with designated pet-friendly rooms. Check with the property directly for any applicable pet policies or fees before booking.
Do all rooms have a kitchen or kitchenette?
Yes. Every room includes at minimum a kitchenette with a coffee machine, microwave, and refrigerator. The King Suite and Deluxe King Suite have full private kitchens.
Is there somewhere to eat on-site?
The hotel has two on-site restaurants. Given how rural Whitethorn is and how limited the surrounding dining options are, this is a practical asset for guests who don't want to drive for every meal.
What room types are available?
Room categories include the Deluxe Double Room with Balcony, King Room with Sea View, three King Suite variants, three Deluxe Suite variants, a Junior Suite, and the top-tier Deluxe Suite with Spa Bath.
What are the room rates?
Rates start from $266 per night for the Deluxe Double Room with Balcony. The Deluxe Suite with Spa Bath is the highest category, from $379 per night. Prices vary by room type and date.
Are there family rooms?
Family rooms are available. The Deluxe Double Room with Balcony has two full beds and is the most practical option for families; other rooms have a single king bed.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Free Wi-Fi is available. It is listed as included in the King Suite and Junior Suite specifically; the property also lists free Wi-Fi as a general amenity.
Are there outdoor spaces to use?
The property has a sun deck, patio, outdoor furniture, BBQ facilities, and an outdoor fireplace. Most rooms also have a private balcony or patio.
Is the hotel accessible for guests with disabilities?
The hotel lists facilities for disabled guests as one of its highlighted amenities. Contact the property directly for specifics on room access and available accommodations.
What makes the inn different from a standard coastal hotel?
The property rotates temporary art gallery exhibitions on-site, which gives the common areas a distinct character. The beachfront position, in-room kitchens across every category, and two restaurants in a remote location also set it apart.