Sonoma is best-known for its 20-mile stretch of wineries, producing a wide variety of chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon and zinfandel. It’s known as the birthplace of Californian wine, but it’s lesser-visited than headline-grabbing Napa Valley – which makes it even more irresistible.
(Photo: Farmhouse Inn via Booking.com)
Located around an hour north of San Francisco, lovely and laid-back Sonoma is the ultimate destination for those looking for sun, sparkling service and fine wining and dining. As well as wine tasting and tours, the county is famous for its history, quirky art galleries, boutique shopping and farm-fresh cuisine. To accompany such well-to-do pursuits, there’s an array of luxury hotels, boutique boltholes and five-star resorts to choose from too. Here’s our pick of the best luxury and boutique hotels in Sonoma, based on location, facilities, amenities and design.
Farmhouse Inn Sonoma
Romantic and rustic in equal parts, the Farmhouse Inn is ideally located in the heart of Russian River Valley and just two miles from the nearest Sonoma winery. It’s, without doubt, one of the most luxurious boutique boltholes in the area, with 25 rooms each offering complimentary concierge services. Guests can expect cheery Californian service, with a glass of wine on arrival. Once you’ve had your fill of vineyard adventures, you can head to the spa for a luxurious spa bath or laps around the heated pool. Best of all is the Michelin-starred Farmhouse Inn Restaurant, which serves up fresh and seasonal dishes from the Sonoma valley. Finish up with complimentary smores under the starry skies. From £549 per night
Book at Booking.com
Hotel Les Mars
(Photo: Hotel Les Mars via Booking.com)
In some ways, Hotel Les Mars looks like it would be more at home in 18th century Provence than in the heart of the Soma Valley. Set in a French-inspired property, the decor here is brimming with centuries-old antiques, Flemish tapestries and walnut-panelled rooms. Each of its 16 guestrooms is spread out over two floors, pied-à-terre style, with four-poster beds, writing desks and stiff linen drapes. Staff are happy to make reservations for vineyard tours across the region, and the nearby Chalk Hill Estate winery offers exclusive offers for guests. It’s a short stroll to downtown Healdsburg from the hotel, but you won’t want to miss refined dining at The Chalkboard, the hotel’s onsite restaurant. From £357 per night.
Book at Booking.com
The Lodge at Sonoma Resort and Spa
The Lodge, a Marriott Renaissance property, has all the trappings of a modern resort without that soul-destroying atmosphere of a chain hotel. Cottage-style accommodation features comfy king-sized beds, balconies overlooking the grounds and sleek bathrooms kitted out with luxury toiletries. There’s an onsite spa featuring an assortment of different treatments, an outdoor heated pool, hot tub and a 24-hour fitness centre. The hotel is set away from the hustle and bustle, around a mile from the Sonoma Plaza. Helpfully, the hotel offers an on-demand shuttle service to and from the plaza, useful for those travelling without a car. From £189 per night.
Book at Booking.com