This was our second time staying at this hotel/motel, the first time was a couple of years ago when it was an Econolodge. We don't usually stay at budget hotels, but given the limited options in the area, this seemed like our best bet and, although we were expecting the worst, we were pleasantly surprised the first time we stayed (when it was an Econolodge) - it was clean and pleasant, not creepy or weird.So, we chose this place again based on our positive last experience, and it did not disappoint. Although basically the same, there are a few improvements/additions since we stayed last. There is a very small sit-down breakfast area with cereal, hardboiled eggs, make your own waffles, coffee, juice, etc. offered from 6:30 to 9:30. As previous reviews have stated, yes it is very small and the options aren't that great , but it did not exist last time we stayed, the included breakfast when we stayed as an Econolodge was basically some packaged danish things by the check-in desk. If you're looking for a decent breakfast though, probably a better bet is to visit some of the local restaurant spots, but if you just want to grab something quick before hitting the road, this is fine (although my hubby did tell me the fruit loops were stale and he had to throw it out, oh well). The furniture in the rooms has been updated, there are new fridge/TV consoles, new bedding, new nightstands/headboard, and they have added a new desk and ergonomic chair (these were not there before). They are fine, standard stuff, we liked the empty fridge as opposed to a mini-bar as it was more useful given the activities we had planned. Wi-fi was great the whole time and free. Bathtub was very shallow but very long, not that great for short people who like to soak after a long hike, but if you just take showers or are just happy to have a tub, I guess it doesn't matter. What you should know before you go: they appear to have some kind of advance reservation discount policy, so the earlier you book, the more likely you will get a cheaper rate - we booked maybe a month or so before our stay and got a standard king bed room for under $100 (less than the same rate we got a couple years ago), but when we looked again, those rooms were booked, and their queen standard rooms were going for $189! - probably walk-ins are even more expensive. Also when we arrived, we were given a room at the very left side of the hotel. This room was very dark because its one window faced toward the side instead the front, and the light was obstructed by some suite/cabin building. Plus, the room seemed cramped and the bed was definitely queen-sized (avoid the side rooms if you can). I'm not sure how we were initially given this room, but I'm not going to speculate - just make your wishes known as the brochure in the room says! Rooms in the motel/hotel facing the pool/street/front have more light, and probably are overall roomier. So, I did go down to request a room facing the front, and the lovely person at the check-in counter readily gave us the room I was expecting. Don't expect to frolic in the pool, it was gross the first time we stayed and it is still gross-looking and algae-y, and they stated in the hotel folder that it was only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day anyhow. The hotel has some BBQ grills which are right next to a tiny creek separating it from a small interesting-looking pink Scottish castle, which I think is for rent? Anyhow, this Ben Lomond is a quirky cool pace to visit and stay when exploring the Santa Cruz Mountain area and when I go again, I plan to stay here.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
