Best Hotels in Sonoma | Local Wally's Sonoma Tourist Guide
Confused where to stay in Sonoma? Trust Local Wally's Top 10 BEST Sonoma hotels, from budget friendly to luxurious with rate comparisons and discounts.
BEST HOTELS AND PLACES TO STAY IN SONOMA
Where to Stay in the Heart of Sonoma: Best Hotels, Resorts, and Boutiques
Let me start by saying that I am very particular about where I stay when on vacation. My philosophy is that a hotel room needs to be at least as good as my own house meaning it must be clean, it must be comfortable, and it must be in a good location.
When picking a hotel in Sonoma you want to be near the plaza, the heart of Sonoma. Don't be fooled by low, low rates that put you miles from the wineries. You can easily drive from the plaza to Glen Ellen or Kenwood, but if you plan on doing mainly Russian River wineries you should check out my picks for best hotels in Healdsburg.
And yes, you can get some of these hotels with my discounted rate - check below for the most current list and rates.
Save on Wine Tasting Fees and Splurge on a Hotel
Think you can't afford to stay at a nice hotel? I'm here to tell you that you can afford it as long as you use a Priority Wine Pass for two for one tastings. If you figure you save on average $20 at each winery and that you'll go to 5 wineries per day the pass will save a couple a hundred bucks a day, money you can put into your hotel budget. Get your Priority Wine Pass here, just $39.99 for my readers, and never pay full price for wine tasting again. Go ahead, live it up! Get that good hotel with the money you saved on wine tasting - it all works out!
From Boutique Hotels to Big Resorts, The Best Places to Stay in Sonoma
Carneros Inn
High end luxury cottages that look like tiny Habitat Houses but are anything but. Located at the southern tip of the valley, Carneros Inn is equally convenient to both Napa and Sonoma.
Wally Says: Perfect for honeymoons, romantic getaways, a destination resort.
El Dorado Hotel
Luxury boutique hotel located right in the Sonoma Plaza featuring a trendy restaurant below and walking distance to tasting rooms and restaurants.
Wally Says: You can legally have an open bottle of wine in their city park across the street. Picnic time!
El Pueblo Inn
An older hotel that’s been nicely update, El Pueblo Inn offers a good location in a moderately priced hotel. Pool, hot tub, and free breakfast makes this one a top contender.
Wally Says: When you want a nice hotel but also think paying rent when you get home is important, check El Pueblo Inn.
Fairmont Mission Inn and Spa
Fairmont Hotels are known for their luxury and elegance and the Mission Inn and Spa delivers. An old world feel permeates the hotel, fancy but not snooty.
Wally Says: Honeymoons, romantic getaways, girls weekends, the Fairmont Mission Inn and Spa will not disappoint.
Inn at Sonoma - A Four Sisters Inn
Modern and sophisticated boutique inn, some rooms feature fireplaces, jetted tubs, and everyone loves the full breakfast buffet and afternoon wine and hors d'oeuvres, both included.
Wally Says: Awesome location, walking distance to the plaza, and the included breakfast and afternoon wine is over the top.
Ledson Hotel
Live like royalty at the Ledson Hotel, even if it’s just for the weekend. Six European inspired rooms and a great location right in the Sonoma Plaza.
Wally Says: Downton Abbey fans will love this place. Where’s my foot butler?
Lodge at Sonoma
Marriott sexies up its image at the Lodge at Sonoma, a Renaissance hotel that is truly impressive. Updated cottages with fireplaces, rustic chic, walk to Sonoma Plaza.
Wally Says: Bringing the spouse on a business trip and don’t want to tip off the boss?
MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa
This is the place to indulge. Standard rooms are excellent, upgraded cottages insane, a full spa and excellent restaurant, expect the best of everything at MacArthur Place Hotel.
Wally Says: I’m pretty sure you will love this one. Romance is a given.
A Couple More Worth Mentioning
Olea Hotel (Glen Ellen)
Northern Sonoma area, Olea Hotel is one of Sonoma’s best boutique hotels, a modern, adults only retreat with incredible attention to detail at every turn.
Wally Says: You won’t find a more romantic spot than this one. Surprise your spouse with this one!
Best Western Sonoma Valley Inn
When you just need a place to stay that’s not going to get you in trouble with the spouse, this budget friendly hotel is better than you might think. Free breakfast, yes thank you.
Wally Says: Great location, clean rooms, decent pool, it’s not fancy but it gets the job done.
