Sonoma County Hotels

Originally built in 1881, this boutique hotel, newly remodeled by San Francisco-based designer and co-owner Jay Jeffers, blends contemporary elements and charms of the past with remarkable attention to detail. There are 24 completely unique rooms distributed between the main house, the carriage house, and free-standing bungalows. (Indulge in crisp linens and heated tile floors.) On the expansive eight-acre property, guests can luxuriate in the on-site orange grove, take a dip in the saltwater pool, enjoy the restaurant (helmed by Michelin-starred chef Jesse Mallgren), and ogle over exquisitely patterned wallpapers, original architectural features, and antique furnishings, like a set of particularly charming bunny-eared chairs. Our favorite part? Savoring our morning coffee from the wraparound porch, enjoying views of Napa’s rolling vineyards.

Recently reopened after major renovation, the Sea Ranch Lodge is built to blend with the nature—miles of cliffy northern California coastline—that surrounds it. And it invites guests to do the same. (Sea Ranch is a sustainable-lifestyle legend; the community was planned under the ethos of “living lightly on the land” in the ‘60s.) This is where people go to spend their morning in the sunroom with an especially engrossing novel, take a hike along ocean bluffs in the afternoon, and lounge by a crackling fireplace and sip cocktails as the sun sets. It doesn’t hurt that the on-site restaurant, helmed by chef Eric Piacentine of Big Sur Bakery fame, is fantastic—or that the rooms look like that, with Brooklinen sheets, Bathing Culture toiletries, and a pair of binoculars in lieu of a TV.

Founded over a century ago as family estate, vineyard, and working ranch, this newly remodeled property is a bucolic, low-key-luxurious landing spot for visiting oenophiles. Each of its 64 rooms—some are nestled in private farmhouse-style cottages—is appointed with custom furnishings, cloudlike linens, and in some cases, stunning outdoor showers or baths. The whole property is dotted with art. But the true beauty is in the grounds, which boast lush lawns and gardens, winding flagstone paths, verdant archways, and cozy firepits to unwind by after a day of tastings. Don’t skip the restaurant, Layla: Locals flock to this Mediterranean-meets-farm-kitchen for incredible cocktails, whole roasted branzino, hearty ribeye, and exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable service. They do an excellent breakfast, too—but if you’re looking for something quick on your way out the door, there’s also a coffee shop on the property that serves simple espresso drinks, matcha, chai, and scones. At night, MacArthur’s loungey bar is a great stop for a nightcap. The spa offers an extensive menu of relaxing facials and massages featuring essential oils made from local flowers, herbs, and plants. We loved the purifying “MacArthur cure” to clear a day…

Buried deep in wine country, “a retreat for the modern age” is an apt descriptor for the new-ish Montage. Less than two hours from San Francisco, the property is as much a wellness destination as it is a wine-centric one. The spa is next level, with a roster of both traditional and more cutting-edge treatments available. Meanwhile, yoga happens outside amongst the vineyards. At its core, the Montage Healdsburg is a classic California resort: Understated, aesthetically respectful of the natural surroundings, and resolutely upmarket. Given the property sits on 250 acres, you are saturated in vines, oak trees, and native flowers at every turn—the level of space and isolation is total bliss. And the hotel has every amenity you can think of (with great activities for kiddos). The concierge crew are whizzes at arranging private tastings, tours, and bespoke dining experiences throughout the Sonoma Valley. Images courtesy of Christian Horan.

Located in Santa Rosa’s up-and-coming arts district, The Astro, a recently renovated 1960s motel, offers the essentials for an outdoorsy wine country stay–proximity to the region’s vineyards, closeness to the city’s restaurants–at a much more accessible price point. Everything in the space is considered, from the authentic mid-century pieces that outfit the thirty-four rooms (its owners sourced incredible finds, from Danish church light fixtures to Robert Arneson sculptures to iconic prints of Mohammed Ali and Joni Mitchell, all of which are shoppable), to the genuine warmth of the staff who will give you insight into the best places–and ways–to see the Sonoma Valley. Within striking distance from the airport, it’s a convenient, easy spot to book a few rooms and call basecamp for the weekend. And if you’re looking to burn some extra calories, the motel comes stocked with shiny Shinola Bikes on-the-ready to rent.

Inside a family-owned working ranch that dates back to 1892 and shaded by local oak trees, this five-room B&B is packed with charm.

A guesthouse and a major foodie destination, SingleThread Farm is located on a stretch of five acres between the Russian River and San Lorenzo Ranch.

Located on the west side of Healdsburg, this hotel puts you within walking distance of all the downtown wineries and restaurants. (You can also borrow one of the hotel's PUBLIC bikes to explore.)

Owners Don and Rhonda Carano, second-generation Italian Americans, acquired the Vintners Inn after spending more than 20 years honing their craft as winemakers in the Russian River Valley.

For years, this quaint hotel has earned a reputation for being one of the Russian River Valley's best, for both service and its gorgeous grounds.