Rainbow Guest House

Pros

• The couple spent about 20 years remodeling the Rainbow Inn with evident passion.
• It is described as a Harry Potter Castle, full of stories.
• The host put a lot of effort into decorating every corner of the Rainbow Inn.
• It is a heaven for readers.
• Guests can detox from their cell phones during their stay.
• The host provides amazing breakfasts each day at the requested time.
• Breakfast is served in a picnic basket on the deck with a view.
• Dona is a gracious and generous host.
• The stay is relaxing and quiet, with easy access to wine country and the casino, and the coziest guest house.
• It is the most elegant place to stay in Idyllwild, with top-notch service, breakfast, comfort, and decor; John is a delightful host.

Cons

• The food was meh.

Review

Rainbow Inn stands out as a rare, deeply personal retreat tucked into the hills near Idyllwild. Over the course of many years, a dedicated couple poured their heart into remodeling this space, transforming it into something more like a living storybook than a simple inn. Guests describe arriving at a place that feels almost magical - a Harry Potter-like castle of nooks and stories, where every corner seems to hold a memory or a detail crafted with care. The atmosphere invites you to slow down, to linger, and to lose yourself in books and quiet conversations, making it a true haven for readers and dreamers alike.

The everyday rhythm of a stay at Rainbow Inn feels crafted to nurture presence and connection. Guests recall unplugging in a deliberate, welcome detox from cell phones, letting the surroundings and the company take center stage. One of the daily delights is the breakfast, prepared to your preferred time and delivered in a picnic basket. There's something wonderfully ceremonial about stepping out to the deck to enjoy a meal with a view - the kind of simple pleasure that can set a day on a bright, unhurried course. Even when the mood turns reflective, the mornings here are praised as a superb way to begin - an embodiment of the hosts' philosophy that life can be celebrated in small, meaningful routines.

The people who run Rainbow Inn come up repeatedly in the guest notes, and their hospitality is clearly a defining feature. Dona and Scott are described as wonderful, gracious, and generous, with a setting that is serene, beautiful, and relaxing. In some reviews, Dona's gardens are singled out as an herbalist's dream, a living extension of the care and attention poured into the property. The inn's hosts are attached to the land and its tranquility, and their warmth makes the stay feel effortless, inviting you to unwind and feel at home. Another guest highlights John as an absolute delight and a host who ensures every detail is perfect, underscoring that the care and attentiveness extend across different visitors' experiences.

The inn's setting supports a variety of enjoying opportunities beyond the breakfast ritual. Several reviewers emphasize its quiet charm and privacy, noting that the guest quarters are cozy and comfortable, while still offering ample space. The property sits up on a hill, away from the bustle of the city, with views that guests find outstanding. The pool and deck face toward the hillside, providing a romantic, starry backdrop that suits couples, friends, and small families seeking a peaceful retreat. The location is also described as convenient for exploring nearby attractions, including wine country and local casinos, making it a versatile getaway where romance, relaxation, and gentle exploration come together.

Inside, the Rainbow Inn is lovingly described as eclectic and thoughtfully stocked. The guest house is noted for being well-equipped and ready to accommodate a variety of needs: a well-stocked kitchenette, the option to grill your own food, and a healthy continental breakfast when you want it. Guests appreciate the practical touches that make a stay easier, and they enjoy the sense of abundance - whether the breakfast is plentiful or the overall ambiance feels generous rather than cramped. Several reviews highlight the decor and furnishings as top-notch - an atmosphere that blends charm with comfort, making the space feel both refined and welcoming. The inn's book-filled rooms and the sense that everything you could need is provided contribute to the impression of a self-contained, cozy world.

There are, as with any collection of experiences, a few notes of variety. One guest mentions "Meh food" in a single review, a candid reminder that even beloved places can strike different chords for different tastes. Yet taken together, the reviews paint a consistent picture of a destination where beauty, care, and a spirit of generosity outweigh occasional misalignments of preference. Prices are described as reasonable, reinforcing the sense that Rainbow Inn offers a high level of hospitality and ambiance without an inflated price tag. The combination of outstanding views, quiet seclusion, and a palpable sense of care makes many visitors eager to return.

Ultimately, Rainbow Inn emerges as a great retreat for couples and friends alike, with a setting that invites relaxation and a slower pace. Its eclectic decor, the abundance of books, the herbalist-inspired gardens, and the thoughtful touches - from breakfast baskets to the option of cooking your own meals - craft a holistic stay that feels more like a personal escape than a commercial lodging. Guests leave with a refreshed sense of possibility: the reminder that starting the day on a hopeful note, appreciating the present moment, and embracing the beauty around you can be a powerful, life-affirming experience. If you're seeking a place to unwind, reconnect, and be surrounded by stories, Rainbow Inn provides a memorable, heartfelt setting that many travelers find irresistible.

This part of North Hollywood, California, offers a convenient and accessible location for senior living. With several pharmacies nearby such as Rite Aid, CVS Pharmacy, and Walgreens, it ensures easy access to medications and health care needs. The area is also home to various parks like Playground and Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and leisurely walks. Additionally, transportation options are readily available with Burbank Airport Ride Share Pick Up and North Hollywood Metro Station within close proximity. There are reputable hospitals like Providence St Joseph Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente Emergency nearby for any medical emergencies. In terms of amenities, cafes like Starbucks and restaurants such as Porto's Bakery & Cafe are in the vicinity for dining options. Furthermore, entertainment options include theaters like AMC Burbank 16 and places of worship like St Michael & All Angels offer a diverse range of cultural experiences in the community.

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.2 miles)

Parks

• Playground (1.4 miles)
• Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park (4.5 miles)
• Fryman Canyon Park (5 miles)
• Coldwater Canyon Park (5.4 miles)
• Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook (5.8 miles)
• Franklin Canyon Park (5.9 miles)
• Lake Hollywood Reservoir (6.2 miles)

Transportation

• Burbank Airport Ride Share Pick Up (1.9 miles)
• Baggage Claim (1.9 miles)
• Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) (1.9 miles)
• Terminal A (2 miles)
• North Hollywood Metro Station (2.6 miles)
• Universal City Metro Station (4.7 miles)
• Van Nuys FlyAway Bus Terminal to LAX (5.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Kaiser Permanente Emergency (2.7 miles)
• Providence St Joseph Medical Center (4.7 miles)
• Veterans Administration (6.2 miles)
• Tebi, Sina Dr - Providence Holy Cross Medical Center Diabetes Education (6.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.3 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)
• Starbucks (4.4 miles)
• Starbucks (7.1 miles)
• Starbucks (7.4 miles)
• The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker (7.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Porto's Bakery & Cafe (3.4 miles)
• Wendy's (3.4 miles)
• Taco Bell (3.7 miles)
• Wendy's (4 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (4.2 miles)
• Bob's Big Boy (4.3 miles)
• McDonald's (4.4 miles)

Physicians

• Mid-Valley Comprehensive Health Center (3.7 miles)
• Southern California Orthopedic Institute (4.5 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Burbank 16 (4.5 miles)
• Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood (5.1 miles)
• Regal Sherman Oaks Galleria (5.8 miles)
• TCL Chinese Theatre (7.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Michael & All Angels (5 miles)
• Immanuel Bible Church (5.2 miles)