Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [241]
SONOMA
The southernmost town in Sonoma Valley is also the most “townlike,” with an extremely charming town square encircled by hotels, restaurants, boutiques, and a historic California mission. It’s also a short drive from many of the wineries.
Best For: Visitors who want instant access to shopping, restaurants, and bars.
Drawbacks: It’s far more bustling than other areas and requires longer time in the car when exploring wineries to the north.
Very Expensive
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa ★★★ Set on 12 meticulously groomed acres, the Fairmount Sonoma Mission Inn is the only choice for visitors looking for a world-class resort. Known for its old-world glamorous looks (think massive three-story replica of a California mission built in 1927 and painted pink and an array of satellite wings housing numerous superluxury suites), it’s even more famous for its unparalleled spa facilities, which showcase, among more modern conveniences, the property’s original draw: naturally heated artesian mineral pools and whirlpools. It’s got all the other outdoor bells and whistles, too, including golf, tennis, and enough picture-perfect wedding spots to keep the brides and grooms coming. Rooms range from understated country elegance, and sometimes a wood-burning fireplace, in the original hotel to fancier, more modern rooms with plantation-style shutters, ceiling fans, down comforters, oversize bath towels, and fireplaces. For the ultimate in luxury, the opulently appointed Mission Suites are the way to go. Golfers will be glad to know the resort is also home to the nearby Sonoma Golf Club, host of the PGA championship every October.
101 Boyes Blvd., corner of Boyes Blvd. and Calif. 12, PO Box 1447, Sonoma, CA 95476. www.fairmont.com/sonoma. 800/441-1414 or 707/938-9000. Fax 707/938-4250. 226 units. $149–$1,259 double. Rates include free wine tasting (4:30–5:30pm) and free bottle of wine upon arrival. AE, DC, MC, V. Valet parking is free for day use (spagoers) and $25 for overnight guests. From central Sonoma, drive 3 miles north on Hwy. 12 and turn left on Boyes Blvd. Amenities: 2 restaurants; babysitting; bike rental; concierge; golf course; health club and spa; Jacuzzi; 3 large, heated outdoor pools; room service; sauna. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, high-speed Internet access ($14 per day), minibar.
MacArthur Place ★★ A lower-key alternative to the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa (see above) is this much smaller and more intimate luxury property and spa located 4 blocks south of Sonoma’s plaza. The 51⁄2-acre “country estate” is replete with landscaped gardens and tree-lined pathways, free-standing accommodations, a spa, and a heated swimming pool and whirlpool. Most of the individually decorated guest rooms are Victorian-modern attached cottages scattered throughout the resort; all are exceedingly well stocked. Some suites come with fireplaces, porches, wet bars, six-speaker surround sound, and whirlpool tubs that often have shutters opening to the bedroom. Everyone has access to complimentary wine and cheese in the evening and the DVD library anytime. The full-service spa offers a fitness center, body treatments, skin care, and massages. Within the resort’s restored century-old barn is Saddles, Sonoma’s only steakhouse specializing in grass-fed beef, organic and sustainably farmed produce, and whimsically classy Western decor. An array of other excellent restaurants—as well as shops, wineries, and bars—is within biking distance. Note: All rooms are nonsmoking.
29 E. MacArthur St., Sonoma, CA 95476. www.macarthurplace.com. 800/722-1866 or 707/938-2929. 64 units. Sun–Thurs $239–$650 double; Fri–Sat $349–$699 double. Rates include continental breakfast and evening wine and cheese. AE, MC, V. Free parking. Amenities: