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Sonoma Valley is often regarded as the birthplace of wine in California and is even home to the state’s oldest premium winery, founded in 1857, the Buena Vista Winery.
After nearly two centuries of the wine industry practically taking over the breadth of the state, Sonoma’s Wine Country remains the pinnacle of California’s over 174 officially recognized American Viticultural Areas.
Today, Sonoma Wine Country is one of the most popular tourist destinations for wine lovers and nature lovers alike. It combines miles of sweeping vineyards with the breathtaking beauties of the valley’s picturesque landscapes.
Whether touring the region’s world-renowned wineries or simply basking in the marvel that is Sonoma Valley, visitors have a myriad of opportunities to escape into this idyllic corner of Wine Country.
Now when it comes to determining where to stay in Sonoma Wine Country, visitors have a massive selection of fantastic accommodation options to choose from. Whether staying in the countryside at one of the region’s celebrated vineyards or in one of the small communities dotting the valley, there are dozens of unique hotel and resort options suitable for visitors of any budget.
Still, while these hotels are available throughout the valley, most visitors tend to stay in one of the region’s four main towns and cities — Sonoma City, Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, and Glen Ellen.
In this article, we will offer up information on the best hotels in Sonoma Wine Country that you won’t want to miss out on your next visit.
Where to Stay in Sonoma Wine Country — City Guide
- Why Stay in Sonoma City: Located at the southern edge of the valley, Sonoma City is the region’s largest community and boasts its most extensive collection of shopping centers and services. Additionally, the city is only a short drive from Napa Valley, offering a convenient location for exploring the region. Sonoma City is the best destination for first-time visitors and for everyone looking to experience all of the wine country’s offerings.
- Why Stay in Healdsburg: Situated at the northern edge of Sonoma Wine Country, Healdsburg is a small-town community perfect for visitors that prioritize relaxation. Between the region’s luxurious resorts, Healdsburg Memorial Beach, and the large variety of spas, guests will find seemingly limitless ways to unwind when visiting this corner of paradise.
- Why Stay in Santa Rosa: Nestled in the heart of the action, Santa Rosa occupies a central location in the valley that visitors can base on as they explore the region’s many vineyards and attractions. Additionally, Santa Rosa features some of the Sonoma Valley’s best hotels and child-friendly attractions that make it a fantastic destination for hosting families.
- Why Stay in Glen Ellen: As the least-touristed community in Sonoma Valley, Glen Ellen is located only 7 miles north of Sonoma City and is a fantastic destination for visitors looking to explore the natural side of the valley while not getting caught up with the heavy crowds.
10 Best Hotels in Sonoma Wine Country
- Carneros Resort & Spa
- El Dorado Hotel & Kitchen
- Sonoma Creek Inn
- Montage Healdsburg
- Hotels Les Mars
- Hotel Trio Healdsburg
- Vintners Resort
- Hotel La Rose
- Gaige House
- Olea Hotel
1. Carneros Resort & Spa — Sonoma City $$$
Situated along the Sonoma Highway straddling between Sonoma and Napa Valleys, the Carneros Resort & Spa is a premier accommodation option and is one of the best facilities for hosting excursions into Sonoma Wine Country.
The premium luxury resort is surrounded by miles of breathtaking vineyards and features several opulent services and amenities that make it one of the most lavish accommodations in California.
Some of the services found within the resort’s complexes include two outdoor pools, three full-service gourmet restaurants, an award-winning spa, an extensive fitness center, and even bocce ball courts.
But of course, while it is easy enough to spend the day exploring Carneros Resort’s facilities, the true wonders of the region are found within the surrounding countryside. Many of the region’s top wineries are within 12 minutes from the resort’s front door, including Buena Vista Winery, Viansa Winery, and many others.
Every room at the Carneros Resort features only top-tier amenities, including luxury linens, built-in entertainment systems, outdoor showers, and heated tile floors in the en suite.
2. El Dorado Hotel & Kitchen — Sonoma City $$
Located within one of the state’s most historic landmarks, the El Dorado Hotel is one of the valley’s favorite hotels for history lovers and is just down the street from the iconic Sonoma Plaza and Sonoma State Historic Park.
The hotel itself is a part of the Salvador Vallejo building complex, which was initially built nearly two centuries ago in 1843 and served as the family home for the brother of the city’s founder.
Located within the boutique hotel is the esteemed El Dorado Kitchen, a popular restaurant that is open to visitors and locals alike. The restaurant serves award-winning dishes served using only locally sourced ingredients and is a fantastic spot for tasting the many flavors of the region.
Exclusively available to hotel guests are a wide array of services and amenities, including a solar heated pool, fireplace lounge, and 27 rooms with traditional designs inspired by the local landscape.
Each room at the El Dorado features select comfort amenities, including espresso machines, luxury linens, Bluetooth audio systems, bikes for rent, and private balconies overlooking the historic square.
3. Sonoma Creek Inn — Sonoma City $
A budget-friendly way to enjoy the landmarks and convenience of Sonoma City, the Sonoma Creek Inn occupies a quaint corner of the community. It features plenty of comfort services and amenities, all available at affordable rates.
Situated only a few minutes from downtown Sonoma’s historic plaza, guests staying at the inn are only a short distance from the town’s attractions, as well as several of the region’s top wineries, including Ravenswood, Benzinger, and Hanzell.
Additional services located nearby include several of the city’s top restaurants, shopping centers, and even the celebrated Sonoma Golf Club.
All rooms at the Sonoma Creek Inn feature comfort amenities, including coffee makers, flat-screen TVs, spacious bathrooms, and even private, fully-furnished balconies from which guests can enjoy the city’s breathtaking vistas. In addition, all rooms are accompanied by a regional winery map with discounted tasting coupons.
Hotel rooms start at $105 per night at the Sonoma Creek Inn.
4. Montage Healdsburg — Healdsburg $$$
Nestled in the heart of a 258-acre vineyard, the Montage Healdsburg is one of the most luxurious full-service resorts in the valley and promises guests a lavish stay in an idyllic corner of the countryside.
At the resort, guests will have their every need met and will receive full access to the onsite restaurant, poolside bar, country store, and two pools that offer some of the most breathtaking views of the region’s surroundings.
Also provided within the resort’s complex is an 11,500-square-foot full-service spa that provides the highest degree of pampering to every guest.
Beyond the hotel’s zero-edge pool and spa facilities, guests will experience a myriad of opportunities to explore the countryside and are within only a short distance from many of the region’s top wineries.
Of course, guests will only have to leave the resort for this experience if they want to, as the hotel’s now 15 acres of vineyard are available for guests to peruse.
In their rooms, guests will continue to enjoy the hotel’s high degree of luxury, with each room beautifully designed to emphasize the region’s natural wonders. Every room features hardwood floors, marble bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows, providing unobstructed views of the surrounding vineyards.
5. Hotel Les Mars — Healdsburg $$$
Nestled amongst the hills leading to the Russian River near the northern edge of Sonoma Valley, the Hotel Les Mars is a luxury resort accommodation near Healdsburg. It offers visitors convenient access to both the nearby community and celebrated vineyards.
The eclectic hotel is styled with the traditional Parisian charms of the 17th and 18th centuries. It is only one block from the historic downtown squares and its services, including a Michelin Star fine dining restaurant.
Additionally, the Russian River Valley, located just north of Healdsburg, is one of the most beautiful corners of Wine Country and offers visitors a plethora of outdoor adventures and scenic vistas.
Beyond its idyllic location, the Hotel Les Mars is also home to one of the most comfortable stays in the region and features convenient services and amenities, including a 24-hour front desk, antique furniture, a complimentary breakfast, and even an onsite restaurant.
In each of the hotel’s 16 rooms, guests can expect to find such extravagant amenities, including ambient antique furniture, fine Italian linens, an en suite bathroom, and a fully stocked mini-fridge.
6. Hotel Trio Healdsburg — Healdsburg $
Owned and operated by Marriott Hotels & Resorts, the Hotel Trio Healdsburg is a high-end accommodation in Healdsburg that provides the top-of-the-line services and amenities that guests have come to expect from the international hotel chain.
A convenient accommodation for exploring the northern region of Sonoma Wine country and the Russian River Valley, the Hotel Trio Healdsburg features plenty of onsite additions to accompany its location amongst its top attractions. These include an outdoor swimming pool, an extensive fitness center, an onsite bar, and even free bike rentals.
The hotel also offers several ways to explore the countryside and even provides a shuttle service among its amenities. In addition, popular attractions such as the Well Fargo Center for the Arts and Safari West are only short distances away.
All guests at the hotel will start each morning with a complimentary breakfast. Additionally, a kitchen with a dishwasher, microwave, and fridge are available in select rooms.
7. Vintners Resort — Santa Rosa $$
Located towards the northern edge of Santa Rosa, Vintners Resort offs an opulent stay while placing guests in the center of the Sonoma Valley. The mid-range hotel provides resort-level accommodation at an affordable price range and is one of the best-valued hotels in the entire valley.
Featured within the resort complex is a wide variety of services, including three restaurants and lounges, an extensive onsite spa, and one of the region’s premier wedding and event venues. Additionally, the resort also features a 55-acre vineyard which is open to guests through a series of vineyard and garden tours.
However, with its centralized location, guests at the hotel are also conveniently situated to take advantage of many nearby services and attractions. From venturing north to the Russian River Valley or south to Sonoma City, Vintners Resort serves as an idyllic doorway to all of the region’s many wonders.
But of course, the marvels of Vintners Resort don’t end with its onsite and nearby services. The luxury of the stay extends to each of the resort’s rooms, where guests will find a series of luxury amenities, including electric fireplaces, a patio or balcony, and some of the most breathtaking views of the vineyard and gardens.
8. Hotel La Rose — Santa Rosa $
A budget-friendly accommodation located directly in the heart of Santa Rosa’s historic railroad square, the Hot La Rose is the only hotel in Sonoma Country to be officially resisted in the National Trust of Historic Hotels in America.
It provides guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the region’s winemaking past as they explore the development of the industry in Sonoma Valley.
Operating for over a century, the Hotel La Rose was first opened in 1907 and had been hosting visitors to Wine Country ever since. Even today, the hotel remains a favorite accommodation in the region thanks to its combination of historical significance and its situation near many of the valley’s top attractions.
Along with providing convenient access to the many services and amenities of the community, the Hotel La Rose is also only a short drive away from some of Sonoma’s most famous vineyards and wineries. As a result, it is the perfect hotel option for visitors seeking a taste of everything the region has to offer.
With 48 modernized rooms sporting traditional designs, the hotel provides an old-school ambiance while providing the comforts of modern accommodation. Rates start at $149 per night.
9. Gaige House — Glen Ellen $$.
Operated out of the old family home of Albert Ebenezer Gaige, built in the late 1800s, the Gaige House offers a homey accommodation option in Sonoma Valley’s quiet and picturesque Glen Ellen community.
A member of the Four Sisters Collection, the Gaige House features Asian-inspired décor, an outdoor pool, a moon and sun deck, a meditation nook, and an onsite spa.
Additionally, the Gaige House offers plenty of complimentary additions daily, including a wine and cheese hour, complimentary breakfast for two, freshly baked cookies, and unlimited coffee, tea, water, and soda.
Every room at the Gage House features luxury amenities, including an iPod docking station and private entrances for the ultimate privacy. Select rooms also feature a private patio overlooking breathtaking views of the nearby creek.
The Gaige House is the ideal Sonoma Wine Country hotel for guests seeking a relaxing setting as they unwind in the picture-perfect community of Glen Ellen.
10. Olea Hotel — Glen Ellen $$
One of the few adult-only hotels in Sonoma Valley, the Olea Hotel combines simple elegance with luxurious services and amenities to provide one of the best-valued accommodation options in Wine Country.
A hillside bed and breakfast, the Olea Hotel features an outdoor hot tub and pool surrounded by several modern lounging chairs for visitors to enjoy while sipping their favorite varietals amidst the properties surrounding oak and olive trees. Additionally, the hotel also offers a complimentary gourmet breakfast each morning and several comfort amenities.
In each room, guests will find an en suite bathroom with heated floors, an iPod docking station, and even a fireplace or valley view depending on room selection. For additional comforts, guests can book massage services, including stone treatments.
For off-site attractions, the Olea Hotel is situated near many famous wineries, including Buena Vista Winery, Audelssa Estate Winery, and many more.
Best Hotels in Sonoma Wine Country – Conclusion
Whether you prefer the abundant services of Sonoma City or the picturesque beauty of Healdsburg, there are plenty of resorts and hotels in Sonoma Wine Country for visitors of all interests.
These are the best Sonoma Wine Country hotels depending on your budget:
- Best Luxury Hotel in Sonoma Wine Country: Carneros Resort & Spa
- Best Mid-Range Hotel in Sonoma Wine Country: Vintners Resort
- Best Budget Hotel in Sonoma Wine Country: Hotel La Rose
