Sonoma is a small but beautiful Spanish colonial town, backdropped by redwoods and rolling hills, nestled at the end of the crescent-shaped Sonoma Valley. Its bucolic charm is nurtured through a sprinkling of world-famous vineyards which offer down-to-earth rustic vibes, and a plethora of distinguished wine-tasting excursions.
Visitors from all over the world flock to California purely to experience Sonoma’s organic produce and natural beauty, which consists of mountains, forests, rivers, valleys, and meadows, along the Pacific Ocean coastline.
Its majestic ambience is reflected effortlessly in its refined hotels. From laid-back boutiques to stunning 19th-century adobe buildings, here are the best cool and unusual hotels in Sonoma, California (in no particular order)…
1. MacArthur Place Inn & Spa – an award-winning, chic and very Instagrammable boutique hotel with trendy, contemporary decor
Set on a historic six-acre estate in the heart of Wine Country, the award-winning MacArthur Place Inn & Spa is depicted by its winding pathways, intimate gardens, and its mid-century pool.
The full-service spa beautifully coalesces flowers and herbs from MacArthur’s very own gardens and neighbouring vineyards. The 64 lavish guestrooms feature soothing textures and custom-designed millwork to beautifully complement the heated travertine floors and natural materials.
Sophisticated and seasonal dining experiences are offered in the hotel’s graceful culinary outlets. A vibrant, convivial Mediterranean kitchen is delivered at Layla, while the Bar at MacArthur is classically styled and features meticulously rendered American cocktails.
The coffee bar & marketplace ‘The Porch’ is inspired by the pastoral charm of Sonoma and boasts a gorgeous farmhouse setting.
- To book, check prices or availability for MacArthur Place Inn & Spa
2. Cottage Inn & Spa – a cool, trendy and modern alternative to a traditional inn close to the wineries of Napa Valley
Housed in a peaceful enclave a block from Sonoma’s quaint town square, step onto the peaceful grounds of Cottage Inn & Spa and be transformed by its peaceful courtyards and award-winning Mediterranean architecture.
Cathedral ceilings, jacuzzi tubs, and plush king beds comprise the luxury private suites, as well as fireplaces which fill the room with a warm flickering glow.
Further cool facilities include the warm ambience of a fire pit and a zen garden spa which offers therapeutic couples’ massages in a soothing atmosphere.
Guests can enjoy complimentary wine tasting passes to many Sonoma Valley wineries, as well as freshly made local pastries delivered to their room each morning.
- To book, check prices or availability for Cottage Inn & Spa
3. Seven Branches Venue and Inn – a beautiful and elegant boutique inn that’s perfect for a romantic couple’s getaway
Girdled by lush parklands, Seven Branches Venue and Inn offers a breathtaking backdrop for a special vacation and showcases the area’s Spanish roots with a tiled roof, rammed-earth walls, and a sun-dappled courtyard.
The property houses a classic ballroom topped with a custom-made marble-top bar and antique French chandeliers, and adds a touch of rustic charm to an opulent setting.
As the sun peeks through the curtains, you will be refreshed and ready for the day ahead, courtesy of the plush bedding and lavish amenities which embellish the boutique guestrooms.
Located just blocks from Sonoma’s historic town square, you can sip and savour impeccable delicacies which are expertly crafted and joyfully served, before heading out to enjoy a vibrant evening stroll.
- To book, check prices or availability for Seven Branches Venue and Inn
4. Inn at Sonoma, A Four Sisters Inn – a charming country-chic inn which mixes traditional Napa Valley with modern
Taupe siding, stone features, and an inviting front porch dotted with potted plants and flowers welcome you to the chic Inn at Sonoma, which greets guests with a homey lobby of wicker furniture and pale-yellow walls that enhance the sunlight.
The elegant guestrooms are decorated with striped walls in pastel hues and patterned armchairs and boast state-of-the-art amenities to ensure a comforting stay.
The inn’s charming atmosphere caters to romantic getaways, and travellers looking to explore the local wineries. Free homemade cookies and hors d’oeuvres are offered to guests, as well as a delicious breakfast served in the sunlit, open-plan breakfast room.
- To book, check prices or availability for Inn at Sonoma, A Four Sisters Inn
5. An Inn to Remember – a cute, cosy and Instaworthy inn with a charming shabby-chic interior
Nestled amid lavish gardens in the heart of the Sonoma Valley, the charming and romantic Inn to Remember located in the heart of wine country getaway is comprised of two vintage clapboard homes built in 1869 and 1910, edged in pretty greenery.
A small stone walkway leads you to an outdoor hot tub under a vine-covered pergola, and thoughtful touches such as complimentary bike rentals and in-room welcome snacks accentuate the homey atmosphere of the inn.
Graceful, country-chic interiors include a warm, inviting living room, and a wood-burning stove. The inn’s six guestrooms feature airy French vintage décor with fireplaces and private porches, while classic window shutters adorn the walls.
- To book, check prices or availability for An Inn to Remember
6. Bungalows 313 – a gorgeous aparthotel with a quirky and unusual vibe
All of the unique rental suites at Bungalows 313 can be entered directly from a Tuscan-style courtyard which boasts a 17-inch fountain and a large chill-out area with fire pit.
The European boutique style of the property radiates a spirit of informality, comfort, and privacy, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Sonoma Wine Country.
The three exclusive types of Bungalow all feature a kitchen, a private outdoor space, and private access to the extravagantly landscaped courtyard.
The property’s optimum location puts you within a short meander from the local restaurants and charming boutiques of the European-style town square, and on the doorstep of Sonoma State Park.
- To book, check prices or availability for Bungalows 313
7. Ledson Hotel & Zina Lounge – a classically elegant hotel that exudes traditional historic/vintage charm with a cool twist
Meticulously designed by fifth-generation Sonoma farmer and Winemaker, Steve Ledson, the Ledson Hotel & Zina Lounge antique grandeur and modern amenities combine with subtle touches and a personalized service.
Standing as the crown jewel of the historic plaza, a stay here will plunge you straight back into the time of a bygone era, where luxury and extravagance prevail.
The six individually designed guestrooms are named after the legendary Ledson family members, and reflect a unique personality with almost 400 square feet of opulence.
The onsite Zina Lounge specializes in ultra-premium wines, and the grapes are handpicked, fermented, and aged in French Oak barrels. Here, your memorable wine sampling experience will be accompanied by stunning views of a golden Californian sunset.
- To book, check prices or availability for Ledson Hotel
8. El Dorado Hotel – cosy and welcoming boutique hotel with a rustic, typically Californian charm
Housed in the landmark Salvador Vallejo edifice, the El Dorado Hotel’s courtyard features a prized fig tree aged over 150 years, guiding guests to harken back to the past.
The adobe structure has been through various incarnations and has been thoughtfully re-designed and modernized into a sophisticated boutique hotel.
The 27 commodious guestrooms boast extravagant French doors and private balconies and reflect the town’s casual elegance. A welcoming sanctuary in the heart of Sonoma’s downtown square, El Dorado is mere steps from exquisite wine tasting experiences and tremendous art galleries.
A solar-heated, saltwater pool sits gracefully beside a lively bar and a manicured garden, while the on-site kitchen focuses on the freshest ranch-raised ingredients to offer delicious California-inspired cuisine.
- To book, check prices or availability for El Dorado Hotel
9. The Lodge at Sonoma Resort, Autograph – a stunning luxury hotel with a spa close to the best wineries in Napa Valley
This oasis of serenity is situated within walking distance to the quaint boutiques and world-class eateries of Sonoma Plaza. Offering yoga classes on the lawn, as well as a blissful spa experience, a stay here is designed to revitalize mind, body, and soul.
Reflecting the vibrant character that makes Sonoma so memorable, the newly updated guestrooms at The Lodge at Sonoma Resort, Autograph feature locally sourced amenities and graceful décor to complement a soothing sleep.
Vibrant, indigenous flora-lined walkways lead to an elevated stay in the boutique cottages which provide spacious sitting areas and private fireplaces.
At The Lodge, guests can enjoy elegant wine tasting sessions, as well as award-winning dining experiences in the heart of California’s scenic Wine Country.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Lodge at Sonoma Resort
10. El Pueblo Inn – a cute and cosy inn with a gorgeous Instagrammable swimming pool
Enveloped by lush fields of grapes, the downtown boutique El Pueblo Inn seamlessly blends Adobe serenity with Tuscan beauty and Wine Country’s idyllic charm.
Guests can wake up from a blissful night’s sleep in a lush guestroom adorned with wooden and brick accents, and open their doors to a tranquil courtyard garden of towering palms and fountains.
The on-site menus complement gourmet dining experiences which reflect the changing seasons and feature the best of local, farm-fresh produce.
The guestrooms boast pull-out couches, fireplaces, and reclining chairs, and offer private patios or balconies where you can sit out and relax amid the calming presence of the Sonoma Valley.
- To book, check prices or availability for El Pueblo Inn
11. Sonoma Hotel – a neo-classical hotel close with a unique charm, ideally located for sampling the best Californian wines
This vintage 19th-century hotel maintains a nostalgic charm with a stone fireplace and Italian-stained glass in the lobby.
The old-fashioned feel at the lovely Sonoma Hotel contrasts beautifully with its 16 modern guestrooms, which feature elegant French country furniture, clawfoot tubs, and trailblazing in-room amenities.
This opulent hotel houses the wonderful ‘Girl And The Fig’ restaurant, which offers French aperitifs, unique and traditional cocktails, and an award-winning Rhône-Alone wine list.
The beautiful setting which girdles the property provides a stunning backdrop for enjoying the great food and plush sleeping experiences and is located amidst the fine dining spots and artisan boutiques of the tree-lined plaza.
- To book, check prices or availability for Sonoma Hotel, A Four Sisters Inn
12. Sonoma Bungalows – contemporary-style inn boasting a unique, quirky charm
This unique and intimate property welcomes you to experience the quintessential atmosphere of Sonoma, with unrivalled access to the dynamic restaurants and boutiques that form the quaint town.
Each of the 8 luxury bungalows at Sonoma Bungalows and suites are elegantly appointed with gourmet kitchens, grand master bedrooms, and open living spaces which seamlessly blend opulence with understated sophistication.
The lobby has an 85-inch TV surrounded by comfortable furniture, while the outdoor patio boasts 2 fire pits and a large fountain, inviting guests to lounge around and rejuvenate the senses. The hotel offers incomparable package deals which include exclusive wine tours on a personalized itinerary basis.
- To book, check prices or availability for Sonoma Bungalows
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Born and raised in Brazil, Gaby has always had a taste for the intriguing, the off-beat and the far flung. After travelling around most of South America, living in Spain and Italy and then moving to England, her feet have stayed continually twitchy. Studying for a degree in Spanish translation and then learning five more languages only poured more fuel onto her travelling ardor.
Gaby likes nothing better than discovering new destinations and meeting the locals, tasting the cuisine and hearing about the local stories. Her other indulgences include French cinema, boxing, photography, colourful manicures and soaking up the rays on a sun-infused beach. She counts Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Barcelona, Lisbon and Cornwall as her most favourite places in the world.