Best Places to Stay in Sonoma Wine Country

With the reopening of hotels in Sonoma, you are probably ready for a getaway and asking yourself where to stay. Think no longer. We've already done all the research and below you will find out locals top picks. Since Sonoma is a big area, we recommend staying in a place close to where most of your activities are. Many of the resorts that we cover in our list include outdoor pools and space can be tight, so be sure to reserve your chairs early. The places listed are representative of the most popular areas and our favorites, but there are certainly other options out there to discover. Let us know if you find any new spots, so we can hear about your adventure. Meanwhile, explore the area via staying in one of our tried and true locations and rest-assured that you will be well taken care of.

If you are looking to stay close to the Sonoma Plaza you have plenty of options. Many visitors enjoy staying near this lively area because of the boutiques, award-winning restaurants and swanky tasting rooms. In the summer, there is a popular Tuesday Night Market that you won't want to miss! With everything in walking distance, it's a breath of fresh air to be relieved of making transportation arrangements. Since many hotels are operating at lower occupancy rates these days, we’ve provided several great options near the Sonoma Plaza that are outstanding.

Wildly popular and the new kid on the block, Sonoma Bungalows is a great option. Minutes from the action, Sonoma Bungalows offer luxurious and private one or two-bedroom cottages. As you can imagine, the innovative concept in accommodations lends well to the unique times we are living in. Without being on top of other guests or cramped into indoor community spaces, the bungalows offer a peace of mind and safely unlike no other. Flawless in design and meticulous in cleanliness, the bungalows are highly sought after. We’ve heard that the owners are putting together some great packages for guests, so be sure to inquire. If you are considering this as your first pick, be sure to give them a call to make reservations right away. 

For something a little more traditional, we absolutely love staying at The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance and MacArthur Place. Both have recently been renovated and include expansive gardens, creative outdoor areas and luxurious rooms. Steps away from the Sonoma Plaza, you can enjoy a leisure filled walk to some of the best restaurants and shops in town. And, if you want to simply hang at the resort, both locations have swimming pools, an on-site restaurant and cafe. With attentive staff and creative concierges, both hotels can help you build a day of activities that will make your visit action-packed and unforgettable. If you have your furry family in tow, both properties are pet friendly.

A little further out, but still considered Sonoma is the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn. Established in 1907 the Fairmount properties have been dazzling the world. The Sonoma Mission Inn joined the Fairmont Family much later, but has been opened since 1927 previously as the Boyes Hot Springs Hotel. Over time, the location has proven to be a hot spot for locals and tourists alike. Situated in the middle of residential and commercial business’, the resort is an ideal spot to stay. If you plan to venture outside of the resort you will however, likely need to consider your transportation. Most of the wineries and fancier restaurants are not within walking distance. Having said that, one of our all time favorite Mexican restaurants is a stone's throw away. Be sure to check out El Molino Central for incredible Mexican food. I know we are talking about places to stay, but El Molino deserves mention. 

If you want to stay right in the heart of Sonoma Wine Country you should check out Kenwood Inn & Spa (Kenwood). An idyllic location boasting rolling hills, sprawling upscale farms and miles of vineyards, is where the magic happens. While the drive to this spectacular location may seem long, you will get a great view of what wine county is all about. Of course, staying out here, you will need transportation because everything is very spread out. However, the peace of mind and tranquility that come with such a lovely place are worth the extra effort. Kenwood Inn has an enchanting Medditerranen feel and offers all the finest in amenities and style. We love that most of the two and a half acres of the grounds are peaceful and inviting in every way imaginable. If you are looking for a magical place to transport you to another world then Kenwood Inn & Spa is your only choice.

The quaint town of Healdsburg, located in Northern Sonoma is a lovely town to make your temporary home. Like Sonoma, Healdsburg has a central plaza filled with restaurants, shops and tasting rooms. Not far from town are more wineries than you will know what to do with. Also, if you are into cycling or hiking, there are loads of roads and trails to discover. Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza, a Four Sisters Inn is a great choice. With 16+ Inns under the Four Sisters umbrella, it's obvious that they know what they are doing and do it well. The Healdsburg Inn has 12 spacious guest rooms, with beautiful finishes and significant extra touches. Breakfast, afternoon wine tastings and cookies are usually included in the fees. We love a place that delivers in quality, comfort and value. Don't you? 

If you want to splurge a little and pretend that you are staying in French chateau, you should look into Hotel Les Mars. As a proud member of Relais & Chateaux, the standards are high at Hotel Les Mars. You can expect to be pampered and spoiled in every way imaginable. The grounds are impeccably cared for and the rooms are appointed with 17th and 18th century antiques. As if that isn't enough, the european service coupled with complimentary wine and cheese receptions and French breakfasts, will no doubt win you over. Located a block from the square, you can get in touch with the rest of the world in seconds.

Whether you stay in Sonoma or Healdsburg (or anywhere in between), you will be sure to have a great getaway. Sonoma has so much to offer, from hiking, to wine tasting, farm to table diningor long walks on the beach. Anything and everything you could want to do, can be found in Sonoma. The best part about the visit is the welcoming atmosphere and friendly people who live there year round.

We would love to hear about your adventures, so please let us know what you did while you were there! Cheers!