Olema House, The Sweetest Escape
There’s truly something special about returning to a property that you’ve made beautiful memories in. It’s as if you’re coming back home. That’s what Olema House felt like as soon as I walked through its doors for the first time in three and a half years: coming back home.
The same holds true for multiple properties: Hope Springs, Granada Hotel & Bistro, and Olallieberry Bed & Breakfast, just to name a few. It’s one thing to travel and stay at an aesthetic hotel, but it’s another to find a place that can truly be a container filled with all the things you love to look back on. I’m sure we all have that one hotel that we look back at fondly, and we don’t necessarily remember how comfortable the bed was or how gorgeous the views are from the floor to ceiling windows. What we tend to remember most are the loved ones we shared these rooms with, the quiet mornings where we’d watch light slowly pour into the room, and how bittersweet it was to watch the property grow smaller and smaller through the rear view mirror as we drove away.
What makes these properties so special, and why do we hold them so near and dear to our hearts? I’m not sure I have the exact answer; that’s what I’m trying to find out.
So this isn’t just a review of Olema House, it’s a love letter to the way certain places stay with us long after we check out—and to the way coming back reminds us we’ve gotten carried away again.
Returning to Olema House
When I received an email invitation to experience Olema House, I squealed with joy and immediately replied that of course I’d love to stay again. I had stayed at the property on Halloween back in 2022, and it was a property that I had had on my radar for a while at that point.
When the hotel was unveiled to the public via Condé Nast, I immediately fell in love with what I saw through the pictures. It looked so mysterious, enveloped by fog, yet still had that warm and inviting feel. It felt like an escape from the stupid, loud world. I knew I had to stay there.
I did a solo trip up to Point Reyes shortly after, and I was taken aback at what I saw. I had had Point Reyes on my Pinterest board for years and finally it was right in front of me. I drove past Olema House for the first time and thought, ahh, would love to stay here one day.
Months later, I started dating a guy who was originally from San Francisco, and he had taken me to the city to show off his hometown. I asked if he could take me to a little town up north called Point Reyes and if we could stay at a hotel nearby called Olema House. He said yes. He booked the Garden Suite for us, and I was beyond thrilled. Ecstatic.
And that’s where I finally got to experience the wonderful, grand Olema House. It sure lived up to the expectation. I woke up feeling so full and grateful. You’re probably thinking, “This is just a hotel. Relax.” But it’s more than that. It’s all the things I love, squeezed into one little container of a place.
If you love small towns, mysterious ocean views, towering redwoods, and the peace and quiet, then you would love Olema House because it offers that and then some.
The Cycle of Life in Our 20s
So much of our 20s is getting to know ourselves, losing ourselves in the pursuit of success, and then rediscovering who we are again.
I’m guilty of this. I forget I’m the girl that still runs around barefoot, sunbathes on the side of the highway, and reads and writes endlessly. I love to keep all the sentimental things like train tickets and museum pamphlets and glue them into my journal, and I love to pick up the local newspaper from small towns that I pass through, and glue newspaper clippings to my journal as well.
How often do we actually stop long enough to notice when we’ve drifted away from ourselves?
I can’t remember the last time I did any of the things I mentioned above. It’s easy to lose yourself when you live in the city, when you’re working endlessly to cover rent, groceries, car payments—the list goes on.
That’s why it’s important to stop, breathe, and go back to places that bring you back to yourself.
Take this as an invitation to pause, reflect, and see if you’ve gotten carried away again.
This recent stay at Olema House was a big reminder for me.
Today exists because a younger version of me dreamed up living up north. But some days are blurred because I get so carried away. I forget to stop and take a look at my surroundings, and to be grateful that I’m here.
Clearly this trip to Olema House scratched something in my brain and got me back to the part of me that loves to write so deeply again.
A little nudge from the universe – “You’ve gotten carried away, Danica. Come back.”
About Olema House
Olema House has had different names in the past: Nelson’s Hotel, Olema Inn, The Lodge at Point Reyes, and the original building was actually across the road. I highly recommend you look more into its history and the history of Olema overall. Knowing a bit of its history only makes staying here richer.
Also, you’d be surprised at how much there is to discover about small towns up in Northern California.
Rooms at Olema House Point Reyes
On my first stay, we stayed at Creek View King (originally called the Garden Suite). This time, we stayed in the Drake Suite, which is a two story suite. I much prefer the Creek View King, as it comes with a bathtub and felt way more open. If I’m being honest, even though the Drake Suite was two-stories, it felt more cramped than the Creek View King.
The property has a variety of rooms beyond the Creek View King and Drake Suite. They also have cottages for you to stay in if you decide to stay with your friends or your family.
How It Feels to Wake Up at Olema House
At night, it’s pitch black, but if you listen closely, you can hear the creek flowing and frogs croaking. It’s quiet and peaceful at night.
In the morning, it’s like waking up in heaven. Almost all the rooms have these beautiful French doors that open up to the courtyard. The air is crisp and it smells sweet. You can sit on the balcony while drinking your coffee, snuggled up in their cozy robes.
I love having the doors to the balcony wide open, and having the fireplace on. It makes for the perfect writing vibe. I have yet to stay at the property while it’s raining, but I’m sure that’s a vibe of its own.
These rooms are perfectly designed for you to slow down, drink your coffee (or tea), and just meditate on the stillness.
If the universe was trying to nudge me into coming back to myself, sitting on that balcony with my cat last weekend was where that message finally landed.
On one of the mornings that we were there, we were reminiscing on our last visit to Olema House, and how young we were. We had no idea that we would be living in San Francisco and being able to visit Point Reyes whenever we wanted.
I also journaled my heart out and told myself that I want to honor the girl inside me who moved to Northern California for its slowness. I did get carried away, but now I’m back and I want to honor her.
Olema House Amenities to Help You Slow Down
Living in the city can be taxing. That’s why it’s so nice to have a proper escape once in a while. Olema House has onsite amenities that will make you feel like you’re a million miles away from everyday life.
The property has outdoor fire pits (with s’mores kits waiting for you at the lobby!), gardens, a creek, a restaurant and cafe, and lots of common areas for you to spend your time in.
I recommend grabbing a set of binoculars at the lobby, buying a morning coffee (or matcha) at Due West next door and walking over to a bench by the creek. You can spend the morning there, just listening to the water, sipping on your hot beverage, and scoping out birds in the trees. In the afternoon, I recommend reading or journaling at any one of the common areas downstairs. It’s very zen throughout the day, you’ll see a few guests here and there but it won’t feel like a noisy commercial hotel. The interactions you’ll have won’t deter you from the inspiration you’re feeling while writing in your journal or reading your book or doing whatever it is that’s bringing you joy.
The amenities are there for you to create little rituals throughout the day. They allow you to settle into that Olema rhythm: slow mornings, soft afternoons, and peaceful evenings.
Olema House Pet-Friendly Perks: Bringing Our Cat
This time, we decided to bring our cat, Chandler Bing, with us. That was honestly the cherry on top. We saw that a few guests had brought their dogs with them as well. It’s so nice when you can travel with your pet. It made the property feel even more like home.
In the mornings, I allowed him to roam around the gardens, hands-free. It was nice to see him so stimulated and happy. I woke up halfway through the night (around 2AM) and saw him sitting down on the balcony, looking out into the darkness. It was so adorable. The property doesn’t provide pet bowls or treats, and they didn’t give us many specific rules. I would say to not allow your pet to sit on chairs/sofas and leave them in the room when you dine at Due West (that’s obvious), and to keep an eye on them at all times. I was prepared and had his disposable litter box, water bowl, his blanket, and feeder.
Chandler was very zen throughout our stay. He travels with us often, so he’s very used to it. Before we checked into Olema House, we had brought him with us to Hog Island Oysters at Tomales Bay. It was nice to have our cat sitting with us while we ate our oysters and soaked in the ocean views.
Things to Do Near Olema House in Point Reyes
In the mornings, I recommend having a slow morning at the property, then making your way out to Point Reyes Station in the afternoon. There are a handful of restaurants, coffee shops, and stores. I recommend going to Palace Market and having the iconic buffalo milk ice cream. It’s a MUST! I always have it with olive oil, sprinkled with sea salt on top.
Wait – I just realized they stopped serving the buffalo ice cream. Bummer.
If you’re into hiking, I recommend Tomales Point Trail for wildlife and ocean views, and Chimney Rock for cliffs and seasonal flowers. Obviously, if the Lighthouse is open, make the drive out there and visit it. It’s so painfully beautiful and makes you feel like time is standing still. Another spot worth visiting is the Cypress Tree Tunnel. It’s a short paved drive lined with tall Monterey cypress trees. It’s magical.
I recommend visiting Heidrun Meadery – this is a must-visit for us whenever we’re up there. They have an amazing selection of meads and honey for you to try. We always make it a point to buy a bottle and buy a couple jars of honey to last us for a little while. (Honey goes by really fast in our household!)
Planning Your Stay at Olema House
There isn’t a “perfect” time of year to go up and visit Point Reyes and to stay at Olema House. I’ve visited when it was pouring rain, gloomy and mysterious, when it was very hot, and when the weather was perfect. That’s the beauty of the Bay Area – you don’t know what you’re going to get. I say the best time to visit is according to your mood. What are you craving? A mysterious, rainy getaway? A sunny, lively trip away from the city? An outdoorsy, activity packed weekend? Olema House can be the anchor to whatever you have in mind.
Two nights is perfect for a reset, but I think four nights is the sweet spot. I’ve only ever stayed for two nights and it just never felt enough.
This property is perfect for couples, solo getaways, and especially creatives. I promise you will feel a surge in creativity after staying at Olema House.
If you’re feeling burnt out, getting a little carried away, or just needing a quiet escape from life – this is the place to be.
Coming Back to Yourself
I did feel a bit sad leaving the property. Seeing it disappear from our rear view mirror as we drove away, back into the city, was bittersweet. Who knows when we’ll be back?
While I was graciously invited by the property, I also feel like it was a calling. A calling back to my old self. I didn’t bother touching my phone at all during our stay. My mind had time to explore, I felt more inclined to think of different ideas to excel in both my personal and work life. Quite honestly I had been feeling a little bit in a rut. This plucked me out of it fairly quickly.
It’s nice to go back to places like this because it gives you perspective. I know this is less of a traditional review and more of a return to who I am.
I hope Olema House becomes a place that you’ll also feel called to visit when you’re feeling yourself drift away. But in general – I hope that you’re discovering places of your own to be containers of your best memories.
We drove away watching the property shrink in the rear view mirror again—but this time, I felt a little more like myself.
I hope you find your own version of Olema House, the place that gently asks you to come back.
