About

A tradition on the Russian River since 1906

In 1906, a summer home was built under the ancient redwoods on the south bank of the Russian River. Two years later, hotel construction began and it became summer resort known as the Riverview Inn.

Scenes from the 1942 film, Holiday Inn, starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire were filmed at the Inn (with some help from artificial snow) and our name was changed to match the film name. Film historian Ken Barnes called it “the definitive Hollywood musical of the 1940s.” It’s about Jim Harper (Crosby), a singer who decides to escape the rat race of nightly performances in clubs by opening an inn in the country that’s only open on holidays.

The movie is famous as it brought together three greats in the prime of their careers – Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, and Irving Berlin and won an Academy Award for Best Movie Song, “White Christmas” in 1943.

In 1952, the hotel was renamed Village Inn and became an all-seasons hotel.

The property is currently owed by a family who is dedicated to preserving the Inn’s golden historic charm.