1. Ledson Hotel
City: Sonoma, CA
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (707) 996-9779
Address: 480 First Street E.
Description: This is quite likely Sonoma County’s smallest luxury hotel. Opened in 2003 and overlooking the Sonoma Plaza, Ledson Hotel was created by the owners of Ledson Winery (see the Wineries chapter), who know a lot about constructing unique properties. The hotel’s six guest rooms are on the second floor; on the first floor is Harmony Lounge, a wine bar featuring a menu of small plates expertly paired with Ledson wines, and live music on occasion. Each elegant guest room has its own personality, plus king beds, whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, and balconies. Modern amenities include surround-sound TVs and high-speed Internet access. Three rooms overlook the plaza (try to reserve one of these for people-watching).
City: Sonoma, CA
Category: Accommodations
Address: 405 First Street W.
3. El Pueblo Inn
City: Sonoma, CA
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (707) 996-3651, (800) 900-8844
Address: 896 West Napa Street
Description: Built of adobe brick, this is the classic L-shaped motel of the 1950s. With a large, heated swimming pool, whirlpool, exercise room, and garden courtyard around the 53-room complex, it is an excellent location for either families or couples. Cribs are available, and there’s a coffeemaker, hair dryer, and refrigerator in each room, plus cocoa and biscotti for the kids. Continental breakfast is included.
4. Sonoma Hotel
City: Sonoma, CA
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (707) 996-2996, (800) 468-6016
Address: 110 West Spain Street
Description: Situated on the northwest corner of Sonoma Plaza, this fine old hotel was originally a town hall built in the 1880s. Rooms are furnished with antique furniture and one, the Vallejo Room, has a bedroom suite of carved rosewood once owned by Gen. Mariano Vallejo’s family (see the History chapter). All rooms are furnished in keeping with the 19th century, and all have been given names to match their decor—Bear Flag room, Yerba Buena, and Italian Suite. In one of the rooms, author/poet/actress Maya Angelou holed up to write her third novel. All 16 rooms have private baths and air-conditioning. Breakfast is served in a quaint foyer that retains the original fireplace and stained-glass windows. At street level is the Girl & the Fig restaurant (see Restaurants chapter).
City: Sonoma, CA
Category: Accommodations
Address: 550 Second Street W.
6. Thistle Dew Inn
City: Sonoma, CA
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (707) 938-2909, (800) 382-7895
Address: 171 West Spain Street
Description: This is a prime location for Wine Country visitors. Just a half block off the Sonoma Plaza, the Thistle Dew puts guests within short walking distance (or biking distance, if you want to borrow from the inn’s stable) of fine restaurants, shops, wineries, and historic sites. The six guest rooms manage to provide a feeling of seclusion and privacy in spite of the fact that the inn is on a busy street on the edge of downtown. Breakfast is served in the dining room looking out on Spain Street. All rooms have private baths, and some have whirlpool baths (a shared hot tub is outside).
7. Victorian Garden Inn
City: Sonoma, CA
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (707) 996-5339, (800) 543-5339
Address: 316 East Napa Street
Description: It’s a farmhouse built in 1870, but it’s only blocks from the downtown plaza. The wraparound porch with wicker chairs harks back to a simpler time. But it’s the gardens that make this inn unique. Lawns and paths wind through the trees and along the creek, with occasional spots to sit and contemplate. The four guest rooms—one in the main house and the rest in a century-old water tower—have private baths and are elegantly decorated. Woodcutter’s Cottage is a private retreat with a fireplace, claw-foot tub, and garden view. Breakfast is served in the dining room, on the patio, or in your room. The inn also offers professional massage services in your room or on the patio. A pool and spa are available, too.
8. Trojan Horse Inn
City: Sonoma, CA
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (707) 996-2430, (800) 899-1925
Address: 19455 Highway 12
Description: A change in ownership resulted in a complete change in the theme and feel of this inn. Each of its six rooms is named for a music legend, and all are richly dressed in luxury linens. Check out the Sarah Vaughan room, for instance. There’s also the Ellington room (for Duke), and Ms. Holiday’s room (a tribute to Billie). A full breakfast is served along with fresh fruit and gourmet coffee. Friday and Saturday early evenings are for gathering in the parlor for wine and munchies.
City: Sonoma, CA
Category: Accommodations
Address: 100 Boyes Boulevard
City: Sonoma, CA
Category: Accommodations
Address: 1325 Broadway Avenue
City: Sonoma, CA
Category: Accommodations
Address: 29 East MacArthur Street
12. Sonoma Spa On The Plaza
City: Sonoma, CA
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (707) 939-8770
Address: 457 First Street W.
Description: When you’ve worked yourself into a tizzy shopping and dining in Sonoma, slip into this conveniently located spa for a relaxing tune-up. You’ll find everything from specialty massages to body treatments and herbal facials, in package form or a la carte. Deluxe packages, lasting from two to five hours, run from $159 to $370. Three types of one-hour, mud-based body treatments are offered at $75 each. I can personally vouch for this place; ask for massage therapist Sunset.