The lemon haven in Arcata
Guest rating: 5.0 / 5
Overview
The Lemon Haven is a charming, historic home in Arcata, California, offering a private whole-house rental rather than a traditional hotel room. Set on a residential lot with a rolling lawn, it blends old-home character with modern conveniences for families, couples, and travelers with pets. With a public rating of nearly 4.96 from 581 reviews, it stands out as a well-loved, small-scale lodging option in the area.
Rooms
The home has two bedrooms: one with a luxurious king-size bed, and a second with two extra-long twin beds that can be configured separately or joined into a second king bed. This flexible sleeping arrangement makes the property workable for couples, small families, or groups of friends traveling together.
Amenities & Recreation
The fully equipped kitchen includes a rice cooker, crock pot, blender, oven, stove, and microwave, making it easy to prepare meals for two or the whole family. Outdoors, guests can enjoy a fully fenced backyard with a rolling lawn suited for bocce ball, an outdoor grill for cooking out, and shade trees for relaxing with a drink. Additional comforts include heating, cable TV, an ironing board, free on-site parking, and pet-friendly, smoke-free interiors, plus paid Wi-Fi for those needing to stay connected.
Location
The Lemon Haven sits within easy walking distance of downtown Arcata's Plaza, home to numerous restaurants, a farmers market, and seasonal festivals, and is just two blocks from Humboldt State University and its Van Duzer Theater. The Arcata Community Forest, with miles of redwood hiking trails, is only three blocks away, and the wild Humboldt coastline and majestic redwoods are within easy reach. Multiple bus stops sit within a few hundred meters (14th St & Union St, B St & 14th St, Union St & 7th St, and the Arcata station), and California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport is about 12.4 km away.
Dining Nearby
A wide range of dining options surrounds the property, including Italian restaurants (SALT, Venicia), Japanese spots (Tomo, Tanuki's Den), a Mexican restaurant (Chilango's), a steak house (Campground), a bar & grill (Plaza Grill), a chicken wings restaurant (The Couxp), and the Carriage House Arcata Restaurant, all within roughly a kilometer's walk.
Best for
This property suits pet owners, families, and small groups who want a home-like base with a fully equipped kitchen, fenced yard, and flexible bedroom configurations for two to four guests. It's also a strong fit for outdoor and culture-minded travelers, given its proximity to the Arcata Community Forest, redwood hiking trails, the Plaza's restaurants and farmers market, and Humboldt State University's Van Duzer Theater.
Travel tips
Plan to walk to downtown Arcata's Plaza and Humboldt State University, both just a few blocks away, and take advantage of the several bus stops within roughly 300-700 meters for trips further afield. Since the property is a house without on-site staff or front desk, coordinate arrival details in advance, and note that the nearest airport, California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport, is about 12 km away, so plan ground transportation accordingly. Pack for outdoor time, as the fenced yard, grill, and nearby redwood trails are highlights best enjoyed with proper layers given Humboldt County's often cool, foggy weather.
What guests say
Guests consistently praise the Lemon Haven's cleanliness, cozy character, and convenient location within walking distance of downtown Arcata and Humboldt State University. The fenced yard is frequently highlighted as a major plus for travelers with dogs, and reviewers note the home feels well-equipped and comfortable for both inside and outdoor stays. A recurring caution among some guests involves encountering transients passing by the house who occasionally tried to interact with their dogs, though this was described as a minor issue rather than a dealbreaker. Overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many reviewers explicitly recommending the property.
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