Title: Historic Writers Lodge w/spa as featured in San Diego Magazine. Walk to town. Reviews, Deals & Photos 2025 - Expedia.co.uk [See all properties](http://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?regionId=&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) # Historic Writers Lodge w/spa as featured in San Diego Magazine. Walk to town. Family-friendly holiday home in Idyllwild with a hot tub ![Interior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/30000000/29640000/29633400/29633369/148dce42.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/30000000/29640000/29633400/29633369/081cb86e.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/30000000/29640000/29633400/29633369/2507c27e_edited_59de.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![4 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, travel cot, WiFi](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/30000000/29640000/29633400/29633369/e7121d6e.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Pool](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/30000000/29640000/29633400/29633369/f8275d54.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Amenities - Policies - Location Historic Writers Lodge w/spa as featured in San Diego Magazine. Walk to town. provides amenities, such as laundry facilities and a hot tub. Treat yourself to a massage or other spa services. Guests can connect to in-room WiFi. 10 Exceptional ## Popular amenities - - Dryer - Breakfast available - Washer - Parking available - Fireplace ## Add dates for prices Check-in Check-out Travellers ## About this property ### Entire place You'll have the entire place to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party. ### Historic Writers Lodge w/spa as featured in San Diego Magazine. Walk to town. Come experience a bit of history! Commonly referred to as The Mystery Lodge. This was once a summer writing home to famous author, Erle Stanley Gardner, Author of the world renowned Perry Mason mystery series! Built in 1945 originally as a hunting lodge and summer home. Knotty Pine everywhere! Custom milled in Idyllwild in the 40's. The Mystery Lodge is a Hillside getaway with altitude one of 3 houses on over 3 acres! You can also book The Dome next door (VRBO# 653847) if you have a large group. There is a binder with some information on my favorite hikes and an Adventure parking pass for you to use during your stay. Come stay with us for your Idyllwild experience. Pungent pine trees, mountain views, cocktails on the deck. Walk to art galleries, enjoy creekside hikes, gaze at star filled skies while you enjoy our four bedroom, three bathroom home. The knotty pine interior offers a full kitchen, great room with cathedral ceilings, a primary suite with a private deck featuring a seasonal four poster outdoor bed (Summer only; June, July & August. Dependent on weather and only set up on request), outdoor lounge area with views of Tahquitz, and large hot tub/ jacuzzi. Just relax or choose from a menu of personalized services. We offer private chef service, rock climbing trips and hikes, yoga, spa treatments and executive retreats. We will customize your experience to ensure you get to enjoy all that is unique about our southern California mountain town. All services at an additional charge and are based on availability. Must be booked at least two weeks in advance. Rustic, well loved home has a primary suite with a grand king size bed, ceiling fan, sitting room, outdoor deck and ensuite bathroom. Downstairs bedroom has two twin beds\* that can be converted into a king bed, ceiling fan, and guest bathroom with a custom slate shower. Upstairs has two bedrooms with a jack and jill shared bathroom (remodeled custom tile shower/floor). One bedroom has two twin beds\* that can be converted into a king bed and the other room has a king size bed. Both rooms have custom entry doors. \*Please let me know if you would like either set of twins converted into a king bed at the time of booking. Great room offers a large wood burning fireplace, full wet bar, TV, stereo, and high speed WIFI. We have numerous board games and puzzles, some DVD's and a library of books to enjoy during your stay. Dining area in full service kitchen seats eight and provides everything you need for the ultimate dinner party with friends and family. Outside there is plenty of outdoor furniture for relaxing on the deck or dining al fresco on the outdoor dining table that seats 6. ## Property amenities ### Activities nearby - Birdwatching - Cross-country skiing - Cycling - Fishing - Golfing - Gym - Health/beauty spa - Hiking - Horseback riding - Hunting - Kayaking - Motor boating - Mountain biking - Mountain climbing - Rock climbing - Sledding - Swimming - Wildlife walks ## Similar properties ![Outdoor dining](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/107000000/106570000/106564200/106564168/11ebc3f5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### 3-Bedrooms in Idyllwild - AC, Jacuzzi, Sauna, Fitness-Game Room, Epic Views Idyllwild - Hot tub - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer 9.8 Exceptional 10 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-23&endDate=2025-10-24&selected=106564168&PinnedHotelID=106564168&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Outdoor spa tub](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/111000000/110620000/110611400/110611359/846bd601.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Fox Den Lodge: Your Cozy Mountain Haven w/ game room & Spa Fern Valley - Hot tub - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer 10 Exceptional 9 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-23&endDate=2025-10-24&selected=110611359&PinnedHotelID=110611359&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/35000000/34200000/34190500/34190452/w848h565x1y1-26ab3869.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### 5 STAR \*\*STRAWBERRY CORNER\*\* CLASSIC CABIN ON CREEK, 1 MINUTE WALK TO VILLAGE! Idyllwild - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer - Pet-friendly 9.8 Exceptional 310 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-23&endDate=2025-10-24&selected=34190452&PinnedHotelID=34190452&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/19000000/18980000/18979600/18979585/6d365089.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Indian Heaven Treehouse-Nightly Shooting Stars, Miles of Balconies & Rock Views Fern Valley - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer - Pet-friendly 10 Exceptional 281 reviews £313 includes taxes & fees 14 Oct - 15 Oct [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-14&endDate=2025-10-15&selected=18979585&PinnedHotelID=18979585&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Dining](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/56000000/55410000/55403200/55403166/3014b6dd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### The Creek-Side Cabin: Spa, 5 Star, Upgraded, Big Deck, Quiet, Walk To Town Fern Valley - Hot tub - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer 9.8 Exceptional 142 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-23&endDate=2025-10-24&selected=55403166&PinnedHotelID=55403166&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Outdoor spa tub](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/76000000/75780000/75779900/75779877/f40044e3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Family Retreat: Near Town, Hot Tub, AC, Idyllwild - Hot tub - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer 8.4 Very good 16 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-23&endDate=2025-10-24&selected=75779877&PinnedHotelID=75779877&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Terrace/patio](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/22000000/21700000/21695500/21695405/b675dcdb.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Dramatic Geodesic Dome with amazing views, AC, spa and walk to town cold tub Idyllwild - Hot tub - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer 9.0 Wonderful 93 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-23&endDate=2025-10-24&selected=21695405&PinnedHotelID=21695405&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Outdoor dining](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/21000000/20140000/20140000/20139920/5abb9aaf.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Three Gazing Stars: Spacious, Stunning Views, Walk-to-Town, A/C Idyllwild - Hot tub - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer 8.6 Excellent 39 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-23&endDate=2025-10-24&selected=20139920&PinnedHotelID=20139920&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Outdoor dining](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/61000000/60340000/60338800/60338777/b20ddd24.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Almost Heaven! A charming cabin on the creek walk to town with spa Idyllwild - Hot tub - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer 9.4 Exceptional 67 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-23&endDate=2025-10-24&selected=60338777&PinnedHotelID=60338777&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Outdoor dining](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/20000000/19520000/19511600/19511534/0c00602d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### ROMANTIC LOG CABIN ~ Quiet, Clean, Cozy ~Walk to Trails, 3 Min to Town! Idyllwild-Pine Cove - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer - Free WiFi 10 Exceptional 241 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-23&endDate=2025-10-24&selected=19511534&PinnedHotelID=19511534&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ## Policies ### Check-in Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM Contactless check-in and check-out are available Minimum check-in age - 21 ### Check-out Check-out before 11:00 AM Contactless check-out ### Special check-in instructions An adult aged 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions ### Rules Please bring your slippers, we ask that you not wear shoes inside the house on the carpeted areas. It helps keep the everything clean for guests. BB guns, Pellet guns and firearms not allowed on property. No commercial use or filming on property without owner's written permission. Thank you! No smoking and no pets (even service animals) due to medical conditions. ### Pets Pets not allowed Note from host: Although we love pets, no exceptions can be made. ### Children and extra beds Children are welcome Note from host: Child friendly, not "child proof" ### Events No events allowed Only with owners permission/additional requirement ### Smoking Smoking is not permitted This is a non-smoking house. ## Important information ### You need to know This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking. Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited Note from host: Only with owners permission/additional requirement Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation Property Registration Number RVC-0259 ### We should mention A car is recommended for transport to and from this property ### Property is also known as Historic Author's Spa Ultimate Idy Experience Short Walk Town Historic Author's Spa Ultimate Idy Experience Short Walk Town ## About the area Located in Idyllwild, this holiday home is in a rural area. McCallum Adobe and Forever Marilyn are local landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Cameron Center Shopping Center and Plaza de las Flores Shopping Center. Travelling with kids? Consider Idyllwild Nature Center and Camelot Park Family Center. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching. [Visit our Idyllwild travel guide](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Idyllwild.dx177451) [View more Lodges in Idyllwild](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Idyllwild-Lodges.d177451-aaLodges.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C33.75027%2C-116.71494&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=yFj3gxtPXnETUiZEHQxkmvwVMN0=) Idyllwild, CA ### What's nearby - San Jacinto Mountains - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles - Mount San Jacinto State Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles - Idyllwild Nature Center - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles - Idyllwild Park - 17 min walk - 0.9 miles - Morongo Casino - 39 min drive - 30.4 miles ### Getting around - Palm Springs Station - 53 min drive - Palm Springs, CA (PSP-Palm Springs Intl.) - 72 min drive ### Restaurants - ‪Mountain Center Cafe - ‬7 min drive - ‪Idyllwild Village Market, Deli & Pizzeria - ‬7 min walk - ‪Idyllwild Brewpub - ‬11 min walk - ‪Alpaca Coffee & Tea - ‬19 min walk - ‪The Peak Restaurant & Bar - ‬3 min drive ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Historic Writers Lodge w/spa as featured in San Diego Magazine. Walk to town. pet-friendly? > No, pets are not allowed at this property. ### What time is check-in at Historic Writers Lodge w/spa as featured in San Diego Magazine. Walk to town.? > Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. ### What time is check-out at Historic Writers Lodge w/spa as featured in San Diego Magazine. Walk to town.? > Checkout is at 11:00 AM. ### Where is Historic Writers Lodge w/spa as featured in San Diego Magazine. Walk to town. located? > This family-friendly Idyllwild holiday home is located in a rural location, just steps away from San Jacinto Mountains and Mount San Jacinto State Park. Idyllwild Nature Center and Idyllwild Park are also within 1 mile (2 km). ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## Expedia's Latest Trends ### Hotels > [Hotel Los Gatos](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Los-Gatos-Hotels-Hotel-Los-Gatos.h896049.Hotel-Information) > > [Wuksachi Lodge](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Sequoia-National-Park-Hotels-Wuksachi-Lodge.h893730.Hotel-Information) > > [Narrow Gauge Inn](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Fish-Camp-Hotels-Narrow-Gauge-Inn.h4905068.Hotel-Information) > > [Hotel Marguerite Anaheim/Garden Grove, Trademark Collection by Wyndham](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Garden-Grove-Hotels-Holiday-Inn-Express-Suites-Garden-Grove-Anaheim-South.h917954.Hotel-Information) > > [Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Palm-Springs-Hotels-Omni-Rancho-Las-Palmas-Resort-Spa.h1703.Hotel-Information) > > [Papillon Cellars](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Mariposa-Hotels-Papillon-Cellars.h36250072.Hotel-Information) > > [Casablanca Inn](https://www.expedia.co.uk/San-Clemente-Hotels-Casablanca-Inn.h13340.Hotel-Information) > > [Yosemite View Lodge](https://www.expedia.co.uk/El-Portal-Hotels-Yosemite-View-Lodge.h576660.Hotel-Information) > > [The Ameswell Hotel](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Mountain-View-Hotels-The-Ameswell-Hotel.h67369193.Hotel-Information) > > [The Westin Palo Alto](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Palo-Alto-Hotels-The-Westin-Palo-Alto.h428694.Hotel-Information) > > [Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Palm-Springs-Hotels-Hyatt-Regency-Indian-Wells-Resort-Spa.h16130.Hotel-Information) > > [Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Lake-Tahoe-Hotels-Tahoe-Lakeshore-Lodge-Spa.h19231.Hotel-Information) > > [Pismo Lighthouse Suites](https://www.expedia.co.uk/San-Luis-Obispo-Hotels-Pismo-Lighthouse-Suites.h10966.Hotel-Information) > > [Riviera Resort Palm Springs](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Palm-Springs-Hotels-Margaritaville-Resort-Palm-Springs.h26011.Hotel-Information) > > [Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Monterey-Hotels-Hyatt-Regency-Monterey-Hotel-Spa.h18152.Hotel-Information) > > [Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Oakhurst-Hotels-Yosemite-Southgate-Hotel-Suites.h3650.Hotel-Information) > > [Tenaya at Yosemite](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Fish-Camp-Hotels-Tenaya-At-Yosemite.h28451.Hotel-Information) > > [Hampton Inn & Suites South Lake Tahoe](https://www.expedia.co.uk/South-Lake-Tahoe-Hotels-Hampton-Inn-Suites-South-Lake-Tahoe.h8881.Hotel-Information) > > [AutoCamp Yosemite](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Mariposa-Hotels-AutoCamp-Yosemite.h29554711.Hotel-Information) > > [Little Sur Inn](https://www.expedia.co.uk/San-Simeon-Hotels-Little-Sur-Inn.h1340615.Hotel-Information) > > [Hotel Vinea, a Travelodge by Wyndham](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Healdsburg-Hotels-Hotel-Vinea.h126590.Hotel-Information) > > [SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel](https://www.expedia.co.uk/San-Luis-Obispo-Hotels-SeaCrest-OceanFront-Hotel.h1365352.Hotel-Information) > > [Hyatt Regency Santa Clara](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Santa-Clara-Hotels-Hyatt-Regency-Santa-Clara.h4313.Hotel-Information) > > [Hyatt Regency Orange County](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Garden-Grove-Hotels-Hyatt-Regency-Orange-County.h15965.Hotel-Information) > > [Nature's Inn Bed and Breakfast](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Ahwahnee-Hotels-Natures-Inn-Bed-And-Breakfast.h5409429.Hotel-Information) > > [Sea Mountain Inn Nude Resort and Spa - Adults Only](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Palm-Springs-Hotels-Sea-Mountain-Inn-Nude-Resort-Adults-Only.h27490625.Hotel-Information) > > [Hilton Vacation Club Lake Tahoe Resort South](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Lake-Tahoe-Hotels-Lake-Tahoe-Vacation-Resort-By-Diamond-Resorts.h64098.Hotel-Information) > > [JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Palm-Springs-Hotels-JW-Marriott-Desert-Springs-Resort-Spa.h17123.Hotel-Information) > > [Carmel Mission Inn](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Monterey-Hotels-Carmel-Mission-Inn.h21218.Hotel-Information)