Manka’s Inverness Lodge

Was delighted when my significant other and I found a cabin resort where we could take our dog. The can we rented was super cozy and cute and spacious. Furnished with log cabin walls, bear skin rugs, rugged fireplace and all round cozy cabin feel, we really enjoyed our stay.
There are just a few things that were disappointing that are worth noting. These are not show stoppers for us as we’d definitely like to visit again, but things to keep in mind:
1) Check in is at 4pm. We didn’t end up getting access to enter until close to 5pm. It was very cold, we were tired and it would have helped if the staff could have completed the cabin prep prior to 4.
2) Cleaning service was half effort. One the first day after the first night there we were gone out and about from 9am until 3:30pm. When we came back the bathroom was cleaned, the bed was made, but the rest of the cabin had not been tidied up. I had to take the garbage out, cleaned the coffee mugs and glasses we used, sweep up the wood and related debris from the fire we made the night before, and do general clean up in the kitchen nook area.
BUT, despite these two complaints, it is a very cute and cozy place. Not cheap by any means at $ 500+ a night but worth a stay.

We had wanted to stay at Manka’s for quite a long time but were put off by the fire several years ago and waiting for the restaurant to reopen. We saw that they had opened Sir and Star nearby and that a restaurant at the inn was not going to happen. So, we decided to try it out. I was struck by the mixed reviews in Trip Advisor, so we had our expectations set to see what would happen. We were only staying for 3 nights, so we could handle just about anything. We stayed in one of the rooms near the burned out lodge. It had a small patio and overlooked a wooded area. The room was «cozy» but had the appropriate appointments with a wood burning fireplace, leather club chairs placed in front of the fireplace, a small table for taking a meal, and a nice bed with plenty of blankets and bedding. The bathroom was actually decent sized with a very nice shower. The breakfast served in the room was definitely a highlight. The food for the most part in the breakfast left at our door each morning was very well prepared and tasty. We stayed a Sunday night, and also had dinner served to our room with food prepared from Sir and Star. This was quite amazing and highly recommended. We had all of our dinners served either at or from Sir and Star which was some of the best food we have had in a long time. I think all in all this was a great way to spend time at Tomales Bay with a well appointed experience. If we wanted to stay spend time there again I would go back.

Returning to Mankas for us is always a comforting experience! We find it extremely charming, and a great place to relax and stare into a wonderful fire. This in itself is a splurge, I won’t make a fire due to pollution even when camping or backpacking! So, as a special occasion; it feels like home to us!
Both Curtis and Michael were extremely gracious and helpful during our stay. Curtis came over one night, and helped us with the IPOD music system, which if nitpicking; could use some upgrading. Both were wonderful, and enhanced our experience.
It was nice to get a note from the owner, Margaret as well! She appreciated us as returning customers! The dinner at Sir and Star in Olema was fantastic too! We love the décor, which is so Edgar Allen Poe; and of course the food. I used to visit the Olema Inn as it was once called; but the Sir and Star was a big upgrade!
This is our favorite romantic getaway, and I can see why it works for some people, but not everyone; is a part of the charm! It works for us! We stayed (again) for a couple of nights, and with that, we were treated to two wonderful breakfasts served at our door.
I hope there will not be much change in the operation in the coming years, we love the funky charm and beauty of the rooms. Thank you again Margaret, Michael and Curtis for the wonderful birthday!

May I humbly suggest you make a new website not built in Flash. It is completely unusable on any mobile device.

What a special place in West Marin. Highly recommended as a weekend spot to chill, unwind, read, and have your thoughts to yourself. Be sure to check out the restaurant down the road in Olema called Sir and Star which is part and parcel of the total Manka’s experience. Also, for great breakfast in the morning head over to Pine Cone Diner in Point Reyes Station.

We booked a room at Manka’s over Valentine’s weekend for 3 nights. About a month before we arrived they asked us about our preference on dinner times for Valentine’s night. We told them that we already had plans. They informed us quite rudely that if we didn’t eat at Sir and Star we would have to give up the rooms. This was never disclosed, mentioned, or hinted at when we made the reservation. And it wasn’t in the email confirmation either. So we changed our dinner plans because we felt like we were being held hostage.
When we arrived to check in there seemed to be confusion but eventually we got into our room. It was very tiny, dark and crowded with two enormous chairs. There was no water in the room and when I turned on the tap in the tiny bathroom, the water was brown. The shower had no light but did have a panel that opened to the outside with a rusty latch and swarms of mosquitoes.
When it got dark we turned on every light in the room. We could not see anything. Tried to start a fire but the wood must have been wet. The only thing that burned was the firestarter log and newspaper.
The next morning breakfast arrived at 9:15. It was good but not great.
We went to dinner at Sir and Star arriving at 8 pm sharp. There were several couples hanging in the wait area to be seated. As 8:15 rolled around and we were still standing there, I asked when we would be seated since our reservation was for 8. I got a very snippy response and was told to calm down. I merely asked how long before we were seated. Then they started bringing trays of champagne and french fries to keep everyone happy. Since we had to eat there because of their extortion, I told the manager if we were not seated in the next five minutes we were out of there. He was very nice and said he would seat us soon. The other guy in the reception was a total loon –I think his job was to check folks in but he was extremely condescending, rude and a complete mess.
We decided to leave a day early because the room was so awful. We checked out and were not even asked if we enjoyed our stay, why we were leaving a day early, nothing. The only thing we were told is that we would still be charged for the room. I said «of course» and still nothing but a blank stare. I got the feeling this happens a lot so they don’t even want to hear it.
This place is extremely pricey and not worth half of what we were charged. Very overrated.

Super cute cabins. We stayed in the sweet room. Came with locally source breakfast. Room super clean. A little noisy in the morning but with the ipod going you would hardly tell. It is pricey but worth it. A nice weekend getaway.

Just came back from a weekend at Manka’s and already wishing I was back there. Our second stay was wonderful, just like our first. This place is truly wonderful and so well appointed. I can go to Manka’s and do nothing/​relax and have the best time.
This time we stayed in cabin #7 which is a little bigger, has outdoor patio, and has a soaking tub which we did not have last time. Paying a little more for these additional items was definitely worth it — I couldn’t get enough of sitting outside at all times of day just soaking in the peaceful feeling.
Service was great as usual and staying 2 nights this time around allowed for us to be treated to their amazing breakfast twice. The first morning we had yogurt with granola/​apples/​honey and buns — we had this last time, however, the yogurt was even better this time, with a delectable whipped texture to it. The second morning we were treated to scrambled eggs w/​prosciutto and goat’s milk cheese with a bun — absolutely delicious. I also love that everything always comes with fresh pressed apple cider. Another hit was their turndown caramels — I typically do not like caramels, however, the freshly made ones here are to die for.
We also had dinner at Sir & Star during our stay and I must say, I felt utterly spoiled with food over the weekend between Manka’s and Sir & Star.
Michael provided great service once again. We left a few items behind and immediately called to see if they had found our items. Spoke to Michael over the phone and he was so friendly and helpful and let us know our items would be in the mail first thing the next day. I cannot wait to return to Manka’s!

The place looks beautiful on the internet but it is managed very poorly. If you’re planning in advance you probably shouldn’t book with them. They cancelled our reservation 6 months after we made it. I’m guessing because they had an event they could charge more for. If your vacation is important to you, find somewhere more reliable.

We stayed in a suite — it was great: cozy, large, clean. I appreciated the Kiehl’s bath products, robes and fridge for our wine.
The rate included an amazing gourmet breakfast delivered to our room. Happy with rate for value.
Nice in-​room massage. Melissa is a great therapist.
Nice welcoming from Curtis at reception and assistance on our way in.
Outside grounds and outside amenities could be improved.
Fabulous location for biking, walking, running and dining.
We will return!

Just went to Mankas this last weekend. The place came highly recommend by good friends. We were so excited to have one last getaway before our baby coming and having some quiet time and sleep and celebrate my partners birthday. We stayed in room 8. The room itself was great, loved the interior, bathroom, everything — there is nothing I would have wanted more of here. The reason why this a low star rating lies in the details. When a place is this expensive — and it truly is — the expectations are naturally higher than just staying at any cabin resort with lower rates, but Mankas just missed to the reach the mark to deliver on the high end category they are placing themselves into. Missing the outdoor tub piece is a big bummer also. There just aren’t enough extras here that would set Mankas apart any more from just a standard cabin resort.
A few things that went on: I did like the email communication up front and on the question if we needed anything special for the room I inquired about a birthday cake to be delivered to the room on Sunday for my partner. I never heard back on my inquiry. I got another email asking again if we needed dinner reservations. I answered no but also asked about late check in and never heard back. So I had to call to ensure we can arrive late. On the phone I was asked about food restriction for breakfast. I appreciated that questions shared my pregnancy state and the preference for decaf in the morning. The first day it all worked out, one decaf, one regular. A sweet breakfast box with goodies was left in front of the door. I loved that we didn’t have to get up and were able to eat in the room whenever and however we wanted. Could there have been more to the breakfast itself, yes! With scrambled eggs a piece of toast would have been nice. A piece of fresh fruit perhaps. A different kind of juice the second day, etc. The thing is the rustic style delivery of the food with jam jars and ceramic bowls doesn’t make it high end necessarily. Its what’s inside the box that counts. The second day breakfast — no decaf. The special request had gotten lost already on day 2. These are the details I am talking about. When charging on this level — the two nights and dinner at Sir and Star — which was awesome — the whole weekend comes to ~$ 1000, then I just expect more attention to details and service than Mankas offered.
The bigger issue over the weekend for us however was that we in the middle of the night found out that room #8 has the water heater pump installed right up against the other side of the wall where the bed is located. Don’t stay in #8. The water heater motor turns on with a a loud humming engine and the wall vibrates whenever someone in the neighboring rooms uses hot water — at any time. We investigated and turns out the water heater was mounted against the room wall from a utility room on the other side without any padding or insulation. A plumber should have known this would cause issues with the neighboring room 8. Needless to say we didn’t sleep very well the first night and I don’t consider myself a light sleeper. On inquiry with the front desk in the morning we were told that noone had ever complaint about this before and perhaps the engine needed a check up. And that was it. We went to buy ear plugs for the second night but still the experienced the same interrupted sleep again with the same issue. And point is that this is just simply not okay.
And so we left Mankas completely tired and underwhelmed. Upon on paying the bill I had one last hope that they would have given us a discount considering the no sleep experience that I would have gladly dealt with at motel 6, but not here, not with this price tag. But no such luck. I was so disappointed. We found caramels on the pillows but caramels don’t bring me back my sleep for the one weekend away chance we had and in the end this seemed a weak attempted in solving the issue at large.

Way over priced and not very friendly service. I am also dismayed to hear that this establishment has joined a tax dollar wasting lawsuit because they just can’t stop serving unsustainable Drake’s Bay Oyster Company Oysters. There are other fine oyster not far away:)! I support business that also consider the health of the waters & neighboring communities. This decision leaves a bad taste in my mouth… I will not be back or sending friends sadly based on principle.

Beyond my dreamiest expectations. Manka’s is so unbelievably cozy, my husband and I took photos of the labels on the towels, sheets and mattress in hopes of recreating the high end comfort of Manka’s at home. Manka’s breakfast is better than you could hope for. It is so fresh the warmth remains as it is delivers right at your door. I have nothing negative to say about Mankas. I just hope to get back here soon!

I have been very torn about writing a review for Manka’s, and this is why:
Our first experience there was amazing. Manka’s was one of the places I wanted to review for my travel blog, so we booked the Fishing Cabin. We were upgraded and stayed in the Manka’s Cabin, and were warmly greeted and pampered during our 3 night stay. The cabin is gorgeous, the breakfasts are to die for, and they left us personalized notes everywhere that made my fiancé (now husband) and I feel just so very special. The place was magic. I left feeling like I could write a 30 page glowing review, but I held off because I know that for a place to be truly exceptional, it needs to hold that standard for more than one stay. But that aside, it was a dream to stay there.
So it is no surprise that we decided to come back to get engaged last year. My husband set everything up for us to stay in the Manka’s Cabin again, and although the cabin itself is truly stunning, our experience at Manka’s couldn’t have been more different. We paid full pop for the luxury of the Manka’s Cabin (it was not an upgrade,) and so the following was disturbing for us:
Somewhat rude and difficult check in, although we were returning clients. I have a mild walnut allergy, which they accommodated the first time we stayed, but this time, they told us they could not. When I said they had before, they hemmed and hawed before finally agreeing to bring us our breakfast anyway.
My fiancé had called in advance to tell them that this was a special getaway for us and that he was proposing and asked if there was anything they could do. They said they would, but nothing happened. For other getaways at less expensive places, when we said we were having just a romantic getaway, we have been greeted with wine, chocolates or even flowers. This was our engagement, and there was nothing. No evening s’mores like the first time. No little notes. Nothing. We were at least expecting the same treatment we had received the first time around.
We went into the bathroom and found there was no shampoo, conditioner, or lotion. We asked at the front for these, and they said their supplier was out. For over $ 700 a night, they can walk to the local store and buy us a $ 1.99 bottle of Suave to be accommodating. Instead, we did, which for the price they are charging, is unacceptable.
Like at every hotel, when you want towels replaced, you leave them on the floor, and if you want to keep them, you hang them up. There is a redwood soaking tub and a bathtub that required us to lay towels on the ground so as not to track water on the lovely wood floors of the cabin… but once that was done, you really don’t want to use them again for bathing. The cleaning crew came through while we were there, and I let her know the towels were dirty from being on the floor and that we needed new ones. She agreed, of course, but as I turned to go, she picked up the dirty towels from the floor and hung them up for us to use again. This was on our second morning, so I was sure she had done it before. I stopped her and explained (as nicely as I could) that we really needed new, clean towels. I got the sense that this was their policy to save money on laundry, so I didn’t really want to be short with her… she probably just does what she is told… but at an establishment that charges as much as the Ritz, that is just really terrible.
In the morning, our breakfast never came. We called multiple times and finally got a response from some gentleman who said he was told that because of my allergy, neither my fiancé nor I would be having breakfast. I can understand them accidentally canceling mine, but to cancel both seems ridiculous. Even after working it out the first morning, we had to call again the subsequent mornings… not very good customer service or communication amongst staff. The breakfasts were smaller and not very good.
Right before my fiancé took me on the picnic to propose, he stopped in to remind them that they had said they might be able to do something to make things special for us, and they offered to sell him an overpriced bottle of wine for $ 200 or they could make us a very expensive in room dinner (which they offer, anyway.) He declined the wine, but accepted the dinner, which was mediocre and not particularly generous for the price, not special.
There were other things, and we left Manka’s the second time feeling like we would never go back, which breaks my heart because the cabin is so adorable. We give it a 10 star for our first visit and 1 for our second, leaving us with an overall 2 star rating. Our plan is to give it one more chance after a break (time for issues to be resolved) and we’ll revisit our Unilocal rating at that time. Manka’s has such potential to be an amazing getaway, and we really hope the current management puts in the effort to have more consistent results. At that price, cleanliness, great service, and basic amenities should be a guarantee.

I stayed at their fishing cabin and visited Manka’s cabin — both have been finished and furnished to perfection. If you want a getaway — here it is.
The buildings are rustic and well-​integrated with the large pines and redwood trees of the area. The wood used for the interior of the cabin along with the couches, reading chair, and flannels are warm, completely comforting, and soothing. It’s an instant relief to walk into from the hectic, everyday life. The staff were welcoming, attentive, and friendly.
The breakfast they deliver is phenomenal. Everything is artisan, locally-​made, and thoughtfully prepared. I’ve never had a fluffier yogurt and quite frankly, didn’t know it was possible.
I could go on, and on, and on… but if you want to really treat yourself, stay here for a retreat, whether romantic or to decompress.

They had a reservation last minute in the Mushroom Room. You have to call to book a reservation, there isn’t a service available online.
When we came to pay, you check in at this little airstream trailer, and no one was there to greet us. It was dark, hard to see, and spent about 30 minutes trying to figure out where we were going. Circling around the hostess eventually made her way up to the trailer and was extremely snooty about checking us in, and having us park certain places, just about all the details in general.
The reservation process and check in was VERY detailed, but I seemed to have several problems processing payment (magnetic strip failure) with my card when I arrived, which broke the calm professionalism (that you would expect with the pricetag they put on it) I was expecting. I would suggest bringing backup cards with you if you plan on staying.
The breakfast they serve with your stay is very rich and set my stomach off for the rest of the day. Would recommend they provide perhaps a selection such as hard boiled eggs for folks that can’t handle starch (they had the most delicious cinnamon buns, fresh pressed apple juice and granola, with homemade yogurt, but it was too rich for me. :(If they had the ability to take a selection or options, that would be really great.

READ THIS!!!
You would think paying over $ 700 for one night at a secluded hotel would give you the slightest bit of customer service. Think again!!! I just returned from a trip with my girlfriend and unfortunately, the low light was our one night at Manka’s (which ironically was the highest rate we paid of all our hotel choices).
Upon our arrival, I drove past the front office (a small trailer) twice before realizing it was actually where I am supposed to check in. After peering in through the window of the trailer I was flagged in by the concierge. She mistakenly thought I had already dropped my bags off and proceeded to take us to the incorrect room. After finally getting into the correct room, we were given a small tour and left alone. Needless to say, we were unaware of any accommodations that were available to guests.
As we were leaving to go to the nearest market for food, we were yelled at by the only other employee we saw our entire trip. I got out of the car to see what she was saying. She was yelling at us to make sure we checkout by 11 am or else there is an extra $ 200 charge. So our first two encounters with Manka’s staff were completely unprofessional and uninviting.
We made our own food that night not knowing there was supposedly a restaurant at Manka’s. The room, a small cabin with a front and back porch, was nice. As morning came, I heard some noise as I began to wake up around 7 am. After going into the bathroom, i noticed RODENT DROPPINGS in the bathtub! Thats right!
I immediately called the front desk and informed them, asking if this was a common problem. As you could guess, there was no service recovery whatsoever! The front desk apologized nonchalantly and hung up. This was just a few hours before our checkout and we decided to take a walk around the premises before we left. As it turns out, the grounds really are not that secluded. The hotel is located on residential streets with neighbors taking there morning walks as well. Luckily it was Monday morning so we got to experience the ambiance of trash trucks picking up neighbor’s garbage!
FInally, we arrived where this horrible stay had started, in the «front office.» I informed them again that there were some unwanted visitors in our cabin as I was handing her the key to the cabin. I was more excited to go to our next hotel which turned out to be amazing for only a fraction of the cost!
FINAL NOTES:
–TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE
–OVERPRICED
–RODENTS
Be Warned Unilocalers!

I attended for a wedding and stayed at the Olema Inn, which is owned and managed by Mankas. Rooms were reserved for the wedding, but I had to call and make my own reservations for one of the rooms. I could only stay for one night (saturday) as I explained when I reserved the room. I also called the night before (friday) to double check on the time i could check in for that 1 night.
They charged me for 2 nights — Friday and Saturday. The night before I stayed and the night I was there. I called 3 times and every time they promised a call back. Never happened. I have not been refunded the $ 220 for the night I didn’t stay there. They said that this was explained to the original person who reserved the rooms, but I made it clear I was only staying one night the 2 times I called, and they never told me that I had to pay for 2.
There also was no receptionist, no iron, and no representative of the Inn on site.
They said they would send me a confirmation email. They never did, if they had this situation would clearly be resolved based off of the contents of that email.
Not too happy with this situation. I am down $ 220 for a mistake on their part, as I made it very clear twice that I was only staying and paying for 1 night.
I have talked to them 3 times about this and they continue to tell me they will call me back. They have not once over the 2 weeks I have been chasing my money.
Very unprofessional, truly disappointing.

I should add that I spent Christmas 2011 at Manka’s and it’s a Christmas I hope to repeat soon (being an atheist, I don’t actually celebrate other than eating good food!). The meal was out of this world (by fire-​light) with wonderful live music by toy piano. Manka’s warmed my heart! A picture of the menu:
I’ve stayed at Manka’s 5 times now and it still remains one of my favorite retreats from my bustling day-​to-​day life!

I lost reception about a mile away from this place. It’s not that far from civilization, but I felt like I really got away for the weekend.
We were greeted with rum apple cider in the Airstream, and then taken to our room, Annex Room 10. I would never decorate a room like a lodge, but it went with the theme of being out in the woods, and it was spotless. Next time, i would request a room with an outdoor hot tub. The views were gorgeous, and the fireplace kept everything very cozy.
We chose to have a vegetarian meal served in our room and it was fantastic. They said dinner would be served at 7 to 7:30, but it turned out to be closer to 8. We had stopped for cheese at Cowgirl Creamery, so I was ok with waiting a bit for dinner, especially since everything turned out to be so good.
We had a bread salad with tame and wild mushrooms, a Spanish omelette, asparagus, a bean and vegetable dish, and an apple tart/​cake with cream and wild honey. The next morning, breakfast was delivered to our doorstep in basket: coffee, apple cider, homemade yogurt with granola, honey and apples and warm cinnamon rolls. All simple but well prepared food.
I really enjoyed my stay here, and everyone we dealt with was very nice. I’m glad I got to experience it.