Grey Whale Inn, Fort Bragg CA

Category & Type :

Lodging

Location :

615 N Main Street , Fort Bragg CA

Phone :

707-964-0640

Website :

http://www.greywhaleinn.com/

Information about Grey Whale Inn...

The Grey Whale Inn started life in 1915 as the Fort Bragg Hospital. Dr. F. McLean Campbell convinced the Union Lumber Company to provide the money needed to build the hospital. In 1920, Dr. Paul J. Bowman came to Fort Bragg from his home in San Francisco to fill in while Dr. Campbell was on vacation. Dr. Bowman liked it here, was asked by Dr. Campbell to stay on, and so he did. When Dr. Campbell decided to move away in 1923, Dr. Bowman bought the hospital from the Union Lumber Company, reorganized the corporation and officially named it the Redwood Coast Hospital. Dr. Bowman was the chief surgeon from 1923 to 1965. After Dr. Bowman sold the hospital in 1966, he continued to practice medicine in the associated clinic across the street until 1969 when he retired.

In 1927, the Redwood Coast Hospital attained the distinction of being one of the two hospitals in California with under 50 beds that was approved by the American College of Surgeons. In 1929, an addition was built that added about 50% more floor space. The expansion emphasized the burgeoning field of obstetrics. During this time, Dr. Bowman urged women to deliver their babies in the “convenient and sterile” hospital instead of at home. A new delivery room, nursery, and several patient rooms as well as the downstairs clinic were added. The window through which doctors passed newborns from delivery room to nursery still exists.

In 1966, the hospital was sold to Dr. Hamlin, a local physician. When Dr. Hamlin took over, his wife (a dietitian) took over the menu planning and cooking for the hospital. Mrs. Hamlin's meals were said to be outstanding and nutritious with everything cooked from scratch, using fresh vegetables and even wine and sherry. Up until the 1960's there was a Chinese cook named Yippie who lived and worked in the hospital from the day it opened until he became ill in the early 60's. He was also reported to be a fabulous cook. The tradition continues. Guests rave about owner Mike Dawson’s sumptuous breakfasts.

On July 7, 1971, the Redwood Coast Hospital closed and the patients were transported by ambulances to the newly built Mendocino Coast District Hospital on River Drive in Fort Bragg. This larger, better equipped, and more modern hospital was built with public funding and loans on the condition that the privately-owned Redwood Coast Hospital would close down when the new hospital opened. This condition would reduce competition and hopefully ensure the new hospital's financial success.

Rooms
          
“Very fun; loved our room” Chico, Winter 07

Grey Whale Inn’s 13 cottage style rooms feature heritage quilts and accessories. Cozy to spacious, all have ocean, garden or town and hill views. Each has a private bath, phone, and TV. Most have fireplaces, wireless access, VCR/DVD’s and some have kitchenettes. The penthouse rooms, Sunrise and Sunset, have sweeping panoramic views, private sundecks and king beds. Sunrise also has a double Jacuzzi tub. Numerous guest common areas provide for group or individual relaxation.

Amenities

“Thank you for the scent-free room. The pool table was great fun!” Palo Alto, Spring 07

With Guest common areas galore; singles, couples, families and small groups can find your special place at the Grey Whale Inn. The library, garden, and fireside lounge provide quiet spaces to kick back and relax and the game room is a favorite hangout. Best of all you can park your car for the duration of your stay! Everything you need for a perfect visit is either at the Inn or in walking distance!

* Full Gourmet Breakfast
* Fireside lounge
* Ride the Skunk Train, Rent a bike, Take the trolley
* Walk to restaurants, galleries, & shopping area
* Walk to Glass Beach, Pudding Creek and the Haul Road trail
* Game Room pool table, foosball & TV/VCR/DVD library
* Most rooms have wireless access
* Library with high speed access computer
* Scent-free rooms
* free local calls.

Dining
    
The Grey Whale Inn uses only the finest ingredients in our gourmet breakfast, daily from 8 until 10 a.m. in our Craftsman style breakfast room. Our Chef, sees to it that everything prepared for our guest, is as fresh and locally produced as possible. Herbs used in our main entrees's are organically grown in our garden. Our breakfast is one of the experiences that keep our guests returning again and again...