While the setting was beautiful, everything else was not what was promised. While the breakfast cooked by Warren was amazing. ( Blueberry stuffed waffles, fresh fruit, juice etc), the next two days when breakfast was cooked by Elena was awful to say the least. Dried prunes were the" Fresh" fruit, with burned frozen sausages, dried potatoes and dry toaster waffles the second day, and our last day there we had potatoes, dry and burned some, along with eggs over easy. The eggs were good, or should I say egg, I only got 1/2 of one, because the owner's son was sitting at the table and had already taken most of the eggs. Also, most of the food was already being put away when we got to the table and I had to get up to get myself juice and coffee. Also annoying was the hostess's extreme attention ( unwanted) to my husband. She also talked so much, all about herself that it was hard to get a word in, not that she would have listened. I think they need to rethink their idea of what a host is. Certainly not what it is now. We will not be back, even if we got a night free. I will say that Warren ( Elena's husband) was very funny and a great host.) We might think about returning if Elena would not cook, and to be honest, not talk at all.

Topanga is a unique part of the greater Los Angeles area.

Here the ruggedness of the landscape has enabled residents to protect their unique vision for the space they wish to make into their home. It is a magical place-the music and ideals of the 60s still ringing through this natural California wonderland.

The Topanga Inn was built 20-30 years ago, although you would never know it the way it is tastefully and lovingly constructed by the owner. It looks like it easily has been there for 100 years. It is such a quiet, airy escape that you will be hard pressed to find anything that acknowledges the existence of traffic and city congestion. If you stay at the inn, you have access to a back trail that leads into the wonderful hiking opportunities in the area.

The host and hostess are very interesting people and the stories you'll hear as you eat a delicious home cooked breakfast will be as much as a treat as the views from their palatial keep. The wife is a wonderful painter and the Inn serves as a gallery for her light-filled works of art.

We truly enjoyed the beautiful inn and peaceful surroundings. The Rhett & Scarlett room was lovely, with beautiful views and the use of the fireplace was delightful. Breakfasts were terrific with wonderful conversations with our hostesses Elena and Karina. They were extremely accommodating and couldn't do enough for us. We honestly adored meeting Elena's talented and charming children and felt so at home that we hated to leave after 5 days.

Were it not for the pre-planned "touristing" of Hollywood and Malibu beach, I would have been content to have checked into this inn and never leave. The facility is beautiful, exceptionally well maintained; and the interaction with the host family was my favorite part of my trip.

It is difficult to ask for a better view; and with very little effort, this inn could double as a bird preserve. Robins, finches, blue jays, hummingbirds, etc., surround this inn, and provide wonderful sightseeing with California mountains as a backdrop.

There is nothing negative to say about this place. It is a memory-maker and a place that will make you want to come back. The best hotel would be a regret compared to a stay here.