Sonoma Valley is an area known as the birthplace of the California wine industry and many couples, families, and friends pack their bags and take a getaway to this popular destination each year. Despite being such a celebrated destination, there aren’t an overwhelming amount of hotels located in the actual heart of Sonoma. Whether you’re looking for a prominently named hotel like the Marriott or a boutique hotel offering just six rooms, here are a couple of the best hotels in Sonoma, based on locality to the city center and within short driving distances to well-known and often-visited vineyards and wineries.
- MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa
Reportedly one of the oldest homes in Sonoma, the exquisite Victorian mansion and focal point of the MacArthur Place Hotel’s grounds was built in the mid-nineteenth century. Today, it is an elegant hotel with a spa, restaurant, and conference facility, as well as offering natural outdoor delights, such as a fish pond, fountains, and lush gardens and trees. You will not be short on room choices here either: MacArthur Hotel offers six particular room types, including cabanas, cottages, garden spa suites, and deluxe guestrooms. Also included with these rooms are a continental breakfast buffet and nightly cheese and wine reception. Whether traveling on a romantic vacation with your significant other or taking your family to experience nature, MacArthur Place will undoubtedly meet your needs.
- The Lodge at Sonoma
A Marriott hotel, The Lodge at Sonoma consistently ranks highly among travelers of all types, despite being an established chain. But located just an hour north of San Francisco in the center of Sonoma, this well-known resort hotel will be everything you’re looking for during your stay in California. With its modern Italian villa-style architecture and updated decor, The Lodge offers an accommodating and familiar experience for travelers who are interested in comfort and ease over quirk and character. Don’t miss their onsite restaurant, Carneros Bistro, whose food has been publicly praised by several top food publications.
- Ledson Hotel
The Ledson Hotel classifies itself as a family-owned, luxury hotel in the heart of Sonoma’s city center. Established by a fifth generation Sonoma winemaker by the same name, each of the six guestrooms is named after a member of the Ledson family: William, Whitby, Winslow, Barker, Edna, and Noble. This interesting detail is a constant reminder of the charming history of one of California wine country’s most notable hotels. All rooms come with modern amenities, such as Wi-Fi and a refrigerator, along with relaxing niceties, such as king-size beds, whirlpool tubs, and a fireplace. If you’re looking for a place to unwind after a day of sightseeing in wine country, put your feet up at the Ledson Hotel.
- Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa
Enjoy excellent accommodations like complimentary wine tasting, hiking, and fitness classes at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa, located at the center of Sonoma city. The guestrooms are beautifully furnished in a clean, yet regal style that will make you feel like royalty. Enjoy their onsite spa, Willow Stream, which sits atop an historic thermal spring. When you get hungry, head down to the Santé restaurant, which serves delicious Michelin-designated meals. In-Room dining is also available if you’d rather stay cozy and private in your own room. You will definitely enjoy your visit to Sonoma when you stay at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn.
- The Sonoma Hotel
Thought of by some as the cradle of Californian civilization, the Sonoma plaza in the city center has much to offer in the way of local shopping, dining, and sightseeing. Amongst the store fronts and landmarks of the plaza lies The Sonoma Hotel, a simple and friendly establishment whose 1872 construction fits in beautifully with the similar surrounding architecture. The historical hotel offers just 16 guestrooms, but with many of the same amenities as larger hotels. Complimentary wine hour and daily continental breakfasts are included in the cost of the hotel, which ranges in price from $125 to $270 per night. The Sonoma Hotel is a great place to stay if you’re looking to experience not only the vineyards and natural scenery of Sonoma Valley, but also the thriving heart of this small town.
