The Mallard House Inn located on the edge of Clear Lake in Lakeport, California is a peach. I can’t say enough positive things about this property, the location and the service.
My companion and I booked The Mallard House on a whim. We felt we were taking a chance due to the low rates and a few less favorable reviews. We planned our weekend getaway for 2 nights/3 days. We didn’t plan on being in the room much, so figured if it was a lemon, we could stand it for such a brief visit. We were pleasantly surprised from the moment we arrived. The property is right on Clear Lake. As you pull into the driveway you have a view of the lake, the property’s private dock and raised lakeside deck. In addition to the handful of cabins, there is a beautiful shaded garden and patio with charcoal and gas grills for guests use, tables and chairs, lounge chairs, roses and wildlife.
We were checked in by Lilly. She was very congenial and welcoming. When my companion asked about a lake view cabin she indicated none were actually facing the lake, but the lake could be seen from all the rooms – we booked a cabin with a kitchen – she gladly showed us 2 kitchenettes and gave us a choice. The cabins are scrupulously clean – immaculate in fact. Our cabin had a queen bed with very nice linens...The Mallard House Inn located on the edge of Clear Lake in Lakeport, California is a peach. I can’t say enough positive things about this property, the location and the service.
My companion and I booked The Mallard House on a whim. We felt we were taking a chance due to the low rates and a few less favorable reviews. We planned our weekend getaway for 2 nights/3 days. We didn’t plan on being in the room much, so figured if it was a lemon, we could stand it for such a brief visit. We were pleasantly surprised from the moment we arrived. The property is right on Clear Lake. As you pull into the driveway you have a view of the lake, the property’s private dock and raised lakeside deck. In addition to the handful of cabins, there is a beautiful shaded garden and patio with charcoal and gas grills for guests use, tables and chairs, lounge chairs, roses and wildlife.
We were checked in by Lilly. She was very congenial and welcoming. When my companion asked about a lake view cabin she indicated none were actually facing the lake, but the lake could be seen from all the rooms – we booked a cabin with a kitchen – she gladly showed us 2 kitchenettes and gave us a choice. The cabins are scrupulously clean – immaculate in fact. Our cabin had a queen bed with very nice linens and lots of pillows – something I love. An easy chair, double closet and television in a cabinet rounded out the bedroom area. The kitchen had a full sized refrigerator, 4 burner electric stove, microwave and full sized sink. A cute little table and chairs became our activity planning center. Lots of maps and information about the area was provided. Dishes and cooking utensils are supplied as well as dish towels, paper towels and salt and pepper. It was all so clean, we were really pleased. The décor is a bit on the kitschy side and the cabinets could use a coat of paint. Other than that, no grumbles about our tidy little hideaway.
We used the grill both nights we were there and took our dinner to the raised deck to eat, watch the sun set and have a little champagne. It was delightful. We had the deck to ourselves most of the time making it seem like our own private resort. The wildlife on the lake and surrounding areas was spectacular and plentiful. On a neighboring dock an angler hauled in some very large Bass which he released to swim another day.
During daylight hours we explored the charming town of Lakeport, kayaked the lake (a boat launch is available on the property) and rode our bikes in the Clear Lake State Park. The park is very exceptional and is the cleanest public park I have visited anywhere. I plan to return there for a camping trip.
We did have one negative while there. Right about sunset on the second night a young man fired up a power washer and spent a good half hour ‘washing’ his car. Aside from the very annoying noise, it seemed a waste of water for our drought stricken state and a real waste of power. We mentioned this to Lilly and shortly he turned off the din. He did however leave his car parked straddling two parking spaces. We didn’t see him again and the car never moved. A minor thing, but exasperating no-the-less.
I highly recommend this spot for those looking for a place to go and enjoy Clear Lake with great amenities and a budget friendly price. Perfect for a spur of the moment get-away.More
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