The Bidwell House - Chester, California

John Looze

The the Bidwell House is something of a cross between a small hotel and a B&B. We were in the two bedroom suite, which had one average sized room, and one very large room. Both were well furnished.
The lobby and sunroom are a delight, as were the beautiful grounds.
As noted in other reviews, the location near a main road could cause light sleepers a problem.

Soheila Soheil

This is a historic B&B Inn run by a lovely family. The common areas are furnished in old style, giving it a very cozy atmosphere. The staff were all very friendly and attentive. We enjoyed the quiet in the evening after our visit to the Lassen national park. And the uniquely prepared breakfasts were awesome. I definitely recommend this place.

Randy M

Although the town had little to offer and for the location the price of the room is somewhat overpriced, the room we stayed in was very nice and it’s 1/2 hour from the south end of Lassen volcano and a 21/2 hour drive to Lake Tahoe.

The owner likes their guests to be there by 6 pm but we’re called saying we might be late and they accommodated us leaving the keys at the front desk letting us know that we could call them if we’re had any issues.

Ate at the local pizza parlor which was good for a usual pizza place. You might want to try it.

Tom Swayze

That's here just one night, was a really nice place, I came with friends but it would be a romantic getaway. I stayed in the oldest part of the house, two bedroom suite, and is was clean and comfortable, with lots of old house charm. Breakfast was custom made and freshly cooked, and although I that from the sounds of it, strange, it was delicious.

Scott G

I stayed here with my son for three nights in mid May, as a base for going to Lassen Volcanic National Park. It's a beautiful property, it reminded us of a Southern plantation. A plaque on it says it was built in 1901. It does show its age some, and much of the outside walkways could use some paint touch ups. The boards also creak a lot, so if someone is up before or after you walking around upstairs or past your door, you will likely hear it.||||It felt very homey, with lots of odds and ends and fun touches throughout the rooms and lobby, and the owners are super friendly- you can tell they really enjoy what they do. Breakfast each morning, from 8:30-9:30, was delicious. They accommodated my son's celiac disease by offering gluten free toast. I like super soft beds and the bed was a bit hard for me the first night, but I got used to it and had no issues the 2nd or 3rd night. There is no AC but there is a heating system. Our room was kinda dark and old-fashioned. It was big and the shower water was hot, but for almost 200 a night it could have been a bit fancier. But I suppose that's part of the Inn's charm, it's homey, not fancy.||||The Inn is located at the far end of the one main stretch of road going through Chester, and has a lot of things within easy walking distance, including a bike rental shop, restaurants, and a general store.||||If I came back to Chester I might do a cursory look for a cheaper option first (I heard some sort of logging convention- not kidding- was in town when we were there, so rooms were scare), but I would be perfectly happy staying at the Inn again too. It has great atmosphere and the owners are very friendly.

Jeffrey Schultz

We really enjoyed staying at the Bidwell House. We only stayed one night, and certainly would stay there again. It was less than an hour from Lassen National Park. The check in was smooth and welcoming. We were given good advice on where to eat locally. Wine was available in the evening at a reasonable price, and we enjoyed the amenities of the room. Breakfast was fantastic---the hostess prepared frittatas, and an attentive server took great care of us. It was a wonderful stay.

Nancy W

I’m unclear how or when this property received a 3 star rating as it’s barely a 2. Thank goodness I always travel with disposable slippers as the old carpet was dirty. They hung mosquito netting above the bed that had dead bugs in it. I always check for bed bugs, thankfully none, but the chocolate brown velour blanket had visible accumulation of dust on it. |The sheets were old. No soap dish. Furniture was not antique, but more garage sale and in poor condition. No coffee maker, so if you are an early riser and want to enjoy the sunrise on the front porch with a cup of coffee, you are out of luck until 8:30. The windows and doors are not sealed, so bring ear plugs, I did, but not much help against the loud traffic. This is such a darling property. Too bad it has not been maintained and updated. Until recently they haven’t had any competition. Now they do. I’ll take my business to the Timber House Lodge.

John Sanders

Great jump off for Lassen NP and Burney State Park. Room was nice and clean. Host was friendly, gave helpful sightseeing advice and great breakfast in sunny breakfast room. Her husband was helpful w info about recent park status (road not completely open yet (snow) in early June but visitor center open). Walking, biking on closed NP road was really fun. Choc chip cookies at front desk were enough to return for. (They left keys at desk for late check in with prior arrangement.)