Description:
Vision Quest's sister company, Wild Things Animal Rentals Inc., is one of a half-dozen California companies that train wild animals for film, television and educational work. Owner Charlie Sammut wanted to find a way for his menagerie to work without traveling, so he combined his wild animal training experience with a hotel business background to create a bed and breakfast providing close encounters of the wildlife kind.
The result is an experience you're unlikely to find anywhere else.
Pats and Pans:
If you object to animals in captivity, don't go here.
Facts:
- Four safari-style tent bungalows
- 400 River Road
- Salinas, CA
- Phone: (831) 455-1901
- Toll Free: (800) 228-7382
- Fax: (831) 455-1902
- website
Facilities:
There is no on-premises restaurant. Instead, your continental breakfast will be delivered to your tent, often by one of the animals. There's no pool or tennis court, either, but since the primary focus at Vision Quest is the animals, and you'll find yourself spending most of your time watching them or interacting with them.
Room Amenities:
Rooms overlook a five-acre elephant play pen. The safari-style tent bungalows are built on a raised wooden platform and are quite comfortable. Each room has a tastefully-done animal-themed decor. If you're particularly fond of giraffes, zebras, big cats or elephants, ask for your room by name.
Each room has its own bathroom. Beds are comfortable and for cooler nights, they're equipped with electric warmers.
Rates and Guarantees:
The only way to reserve a room at Vision Quest is to call the numbers above.
Reviews:
Vision Quest Safari Review:
Vision Quest Safari Bed and Breakfast is one of the most fun lodging experiences I've ever had, and I've been telling people about it ever since I first stayed there in 2003. You can read the whole story in the piece I wrote for the San Francisco Chronicle.
I especially enjoyed hearing the lion Josef roar in the night and afternoon visits from some of the members of his menagerie.
For a double dose of fun, book a room here during the Salinas Air Show and you can watch the airplanes practice and perform without leaving your porch.
