Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [242]
Expensive
The Renaissance Lodge at Sonoma ★★ Downtown Sonoma’s only large-scale property is one of my favorite places to stay in the area because it’s well equipped, well located, and chic in its country decor, and it has a killer spa. At the center of this resort is a U-shaped building with a classic big-hotel lobby and a large courtyard swimming pool with plenty of lounge chairs. The modern and spacious accommodations in the main building are decorated in earth tones and come complete with prints by local artists, artistic lighting fixtures, balconies or patios, and some fireplaces and tubs with shutters that open from the bathroom to the bedroom. The two-story cottages along the property are especially appealing because they’re surrounded by trees, flowers, and shrubs and offer a sense of seclusion. The Raindance Spa, where I’ve consistently had exceptional massages, makes excellent use of its outdoor public space, with a number of small pools surrounded by lush plants. And as a bonus after your treatment, you get to hang around the pool all day if you want to. Another perk: The on-property restaurant cranks out surprisingly good food—and is extremely accommodating to youthful palates.
1325 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476. www.thelodgeatsonoma.com. 888/710-8008 or 707/935-6600. Fax 707/935-6829. 182 units. $249–$449 double. AE, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; concierge; health club and spa; Jacuzzi; large heated outdoor pool; limited room service. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, hair dryer, MP3 docking station.
Moderate
Best Western Sonoma Valley Inn Perfect for the traveling family, this simple inn with updated rooms offers plenty for kids along for the ride. There’s room to run around, plus a large, heated outdoor saltwater pool, gazebo-covered spa, and sauna to play in. The rooms come with a few nice perks, such as continental breakfast delivered to your room each morning, and satellite TV with HBO (they also offer a host of paid movies). Recently all rooms were newly furnished with love seats, new window treatments, and brand-new designer bedding. Most rooms have either a balcony or a deck overlooking the inner courtyard. An added bonus: If you need someone to help you get the kinks out, you can reserve one of the two new spa rooms and have the staff book an outside company to come in and give you an on-site massage. The inn is also in a convenient location, just a block from Sonoma’s plaza.
550 Second St. W. (1 block from the plaza), Sonoma, CA 95476. www.sonomavalleyinn.com. 800/334-5784 or 707/938-9200. Fax 707/938-0935. 80 units. $114–$369 double. Rates include continental breakfast. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Amenities: Exercise room; Jacuzzi; heated outdoor pool. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, hair dryer, free Wi-Fi.
El Dorado Hotel ★ This 1843 mission revival building may look like a 19th-century Wild West relic from the outside, but inside it’s all 21st-century deluxe. Each modern, handsomely appointed guest room has French windows and tiny balconies. Some rooms offer lovely views of the plaza; others overlook the private courtyard and heated lap pool. Most rooms are on the second floor and there’s no elevator. However, if you’re against hoofing it you can request one of the four so-called bungalows on the ground floor, which were upgraded in 2006 and have partially enclosed patios. The only major drawback is noise; it’s enough that management offers guests ear plugs, so if you’re a light sleeper, think twice. A new “market,” opened late 2007, serves light breakfast and lunch fare, coffee, and ice cream. Though prices reflect its prime location on Sonoma Square, this is still one of the more charming options within its price range—especially when you factor in instant access to the ground-floor El Dorado Kitchen, which is one of the valley’s best restaurants.
405 First St. W., Sonoma, CA 95476. www.eldoradosonoma.com.