When planning a trip, finding the best place to stay isn’t always easy. And, it can take hours of web searching, and you still may settle for less than you wanted.
As I planned a recent trip, I was once again reminded how lucky travelers to the Wine Road area are, and what a great resource they have at their fingertips. I spent hours trying to find just the right accommodations at the right location with the amenities we wanted. I kept thinking about the Wine Road Lodging database, and how it could have saved me so much time. I thought others should know about this time-saving tool for finding just the right place to stay.
Reason for the Trip
Decades ago, we could call up a travel agent and tell them where we were going and they’d magically know the best accommodation to fit our needs. Maybe someday soon a specialized AI tool will be able to do the same, but for now, we rely on search engines and how well the bots have indexed a website.
Reasons to visit Sonoma County can vary from a family vacation to a romantic getaway to exploring the wineries. The desired amenities and location can vary with each reason.
Amenities
Often the amenities can outweigh the location. If you’re planning a family vacation, a top priority might be having a pool so the kids can swim while you relax and read. With the Wine Road lodging database, you can search by pool and discover several options located throughout the area.
Maybe you’re planning a romantic getaway and looking for a room with a jetted spa tub. You can search for that and find some very romantic options. What if you want to bring your dog — no problem! You can search by pets allowed and find plenty of great options.
With over 30 amenities options including charging stations, you’ll be able to quickly narrow down your search for the perfect place to stay.
What Type of Lodging
Maybe you love the charm of a vintage Bed & Breakfast but aren’t sure how to find a list of them. The WineRoad.com has you covered. One of the search options is by lodging type. Along with bed and breakfasts, you can also search for hotels, cottages, spas, country inn, luxury hotel and more.
Location Location Location
If you’re new to an area, being able to search by the name of a town or a region of the county can save you time from constantly referring back to a map to figure out where a lodging is located. With the Wine Road’s Lodging database, you can search by region. This is very helpful if you know you want to stay in Healdsburg or in the Guerneville area.
And Now for Something Completely Different
One of the lodgings on the Wine Road website also offers a unique overnight experience. Safari West, also known as the Sonoma Serengeti, is a world-class wildlife preserve that offers luxury glamping. Each glamping tent comes with a private viewing deck, en-suite bathroom, and polished hardwood floors. And because it’s outdoors, you’ll see and hear African wildlife.
If you want glamping without the wildlife, check out Wildhaven Sonoma Glamping. Located in picturesque Alexander Valley, Wildhaven was selected as one of the Bay Area’s top-rated glamping experiences.
Located on the edge of Guerneville, The Highlands offers cabins for those who want the luxuries of home, and their newly opened Coyote Camp with glamping tents. Perfect if you’re looking for more of the great outdoors experience.
If you just want to find a place to park your camper, RV, or pitch your tent, then the Cloverdale KOA Camping Resort is the perfect place for you.
Views and Quiet, too
Bed & breakfasts (B&B) and inns are often located in beautifully restored historic buildings. In Northern Sonoma County, we have the added benefit of stellar views. Here are just a few options you might consider. Each offers a different location and set of amenities, giving you plenty of great options.
Bella Luna Inn – luxury inn in downtown Healdsburg with great amenities including a pool
Bella Villa Messina – luxury hilltop villa minutes from Healdsburg with endless views
Belle de Jour Inn – minutes from downtown Healdsburg, this inn has the feel of being in the countryside
Dawn Ranch Lodge – on the Russian River in Guerneville, this creative retreat offers 22 acres for you to explore and enjoy
Inn at Occidental – an inviting B&B inn in the charming hamlet of Occidental, just minutes from the Pacific Ocean
Raford Inn – countryside B&B nestled into a hillside in the Russian River Valley and oozing with charm
The Gables Inn – a beautiful Gothic Victorian house in the peaceful countryside just south of Santa Rosa
The Pinschower Inn – this Cloverdale home, built in 1901, blends modern amenities with historic architectural details
Best Place for City Life
If city life is where you feel most at home, there are plenty of options. Two recently opened hotels in Santa Rosa, both located in the heart of downtown, will give you access to restaurants, bars, breweries and more, all within walking distance.
Hotel E, in Santa Rosa’s Courthouse Square, is a luxury boutique with valet parking and wine tasting in the lobby lounge. Art House Hotel offers spacious rooms, studios or apartment suites that are perfect for an extended stay. They also host a rotating art exhibit in their gallery lounge, showcasing a local artist.
Need another Santa Rosa option? Hotel La Rose is located in the historic Railroad Square. La Rose offers guests historic charm along with the spacious accommodations and the comforts of a first-class hotel.
Best Place for a Luxurious Escape
Maybe you’re looking for luxury living during your time in wine country. No worries, that’s covered, too.
The Ruse, a newly opened luxury lodging just blocks from the heart of Healdsburg, offers so many amenities that it’s best shown rather than described. Check out their photo gallery to get a glimpse of the offerings.
Downtown Healdsburg offers several additional luxury escapes you’ll want to explore. Harmon Guest House, Hotel Healdsburg, h2hotel, and Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza are all worth the time to check out and each offers a unique experience in the heart of Healdsburg.
More Luxury Options
Vintners Resort, located just north of Santa Rosa, offers spacious rooms and suites. On site are two restaurants, an inviting bar and a full treatment spa. The 92-acre estate with walking paths, fountain courtyards, redwood trees, vineyards, and lush, colorful gardens provides plenty of outdoor space to unwind. While the pool, state-of-the art fitness center, and bocce court give you focused activities.
If you prefer a more central location, explore the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country located in Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square. The Hyatt offers well-appointed rooms, a pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurants with many other restaurant options a block or two away.
Plenty of Hotels
Sometimes you just want a nice hotel with just the right amenities, and there are plenty of options for that as well. Here are a few listed by location:
Geyserville
Geyserville Inn
Guerneville
boon hotel + spa
Creekside Inn & Resort
Healdsburg
Best Western Dry Creek Inn
Fairview Inn & Suites
Hotel Trio
Hotel Vinea
The Lodge at Healdsburg
Rohnert Park
Double Tree Hotel Sonoma Wine Country
Santa Rosa
Hilton Garden Inn
Sebastopol
Fairfield Inn & Suites
Windsor
Hampton Inn & Suites
Holiday Inn Express
Holiday Inn Windsor Wine Country
Now that you’ve had a taste of how many different types of lodging options await you, I hope you enjoy your next stay along the Wine Road. And, you’re sure to find just the perfect place.
If your next trip to wine country happens to be in early July, think about attending the Summer Wine Trail event on July 8th. Over 40 wineries along the Wine Road will be pouring their summer wines.
Happy Sipping!
Note: the cover image is the inviting porch at the Inn at Occidental.
