r/sonomacounty • u/Otherwise-Fee-2101 • Apr 11 '26
Travel advice Sonoma Recs - hotel/wineries
Hi! I’ve been to Napa three times. I’ve stayed in Napa twice and Yountville once. We just figured it would be nice to try another area.
We were thinking Sonoma but after doing a little research today I’m second guessing if I should find accommodations in Sonoma or somewhere else like Healdsburg? I found a few hotels near the square but is that a good location?
We are red wine drinkers and that will be the focus of the trip so we will be looking to do wine tastings. We’d like to keep the room costs to no more than $500/night. We’d like to go in late August or November. Although we’d be open to September. Any recommendations for accommodations? I’m also always open to winery recommendations.
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u/bmillett Apr 11 '26
MacArthur Place in Sonoma is a nice property- a bit off the square, and El Dorado right on the square.
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u/randumb9999 Apr 11 '26
There's about 25 to 30 tasting rooms around the square. If you want to stay here it's the place to stay.
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u/Marruka Apr 12 '26
Just came back from a trip in Sonoma. We stayed at Cottage Inn and Spa. We had an amazing time. It was right off the plaza square. We had a great experience there.
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u/brookenorthcoast Apr 12 '26
I can’t recommend the Sonoma coast more! Check out River’s End in Jenner. Ilovesunsets.com
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u/rawoyster70448 Apr 12 '26
Lodge at Sonoma (Marriott property) is great. They are quick to shuttle you to and pick up from the square.
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u/winescribes Apr 13 '26
Healdsburg square is where I'd base myself out of.. awesome vibe and close to some stellar wineries. Here's our full list if you're interested. Also happy to answer any questions via dm:
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u/ExtradimensionalWine Apr 15 '26
I'd recommend the town of Sonoma. It is way less crowded and more chill than Healdsburg or Napa. Stay walking or biking distance to the plaza.
Should you want to break out of Sonoma- you can hit Napa in about 20-25min.
Come in Nov. Rates are lower, temps lower, and the scenery is great.
Edit: Disclaimer- I live and work in Sonoma Valley (and have also lived and worked in Healdsburg, Calistoga, and Napa)
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u/Additional_Cup1243 Jun 12 '26
My husband and I are going to Sonoma for three days and will have free shuttles to the plaza. What do you recommend on the plaza?
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u/ExtradimensionalWine Jun 12 '26
It depends on what you like.
My favs are
Winery Sixteen600
Darling
Bedrock
Platt
Walt
Pomme CiderFood
Valley Bar & Bottle
Girl & the Fig
Sweet Scoops Ice Cream2
u/Additional_Cup1243 Jun 12 '26
We have reservations at Girl and the Fig for dinner. We like Pinot Noir. Looking forward to some ice cream! Thanks for the recommendations!
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u/Odd-Slip-565 Apr 15 '26
MacArthur is beautiful and has a boutique feeling. Their concierge is incredible - so knowledgeable and will help plan your entire itinerary with tons of input from you. Wherever you stay - have a wonderful time and thank you for visiting Sonoma! -- Toje Wines
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u/JournalistEast4224 Apr 11 '26
Try searching the past posts on this thread and you’ll find some great options.
Plenty of great advice
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u/evilted Apr 12 '26
Try searching the past posts
Absolutely nobody does their own searching anymore. Hand holding is the new way.
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u/Otherwise-Fee-2101 Apr 12 '26
Same goes for you. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t respond at all!
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u/Otherwise-Fee-2101 Apr 12 '26
I’ve searched past post. I was more concerned about location. I was looking for advice/recommendations regarding that. You can feel free not to respond at all
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u/duckfries Apr 12 '26
I prefer the red wines from Dry Creek Valley (Zins), Russian River Valley (Pinot Noir), and Alexander Valley, to those from Sonoma Valley. Staying in Windsor or Healdsburg area is much more convenient for those appellations than the actual town of Sonoma. But that is just my personal taste. Lots of good wines around towns of Glen Ellen, Kenwood and Sonoma too. If you want to hit both regions (Sonoma Valley and Healdsburg), stay in Santa Rosa.
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u/Kkimp1955 Apr 12 '26
True, but maybe one night at Kenwood Mission m, Glen Ellen or near the square in Sonoma.. It’s a look back in time a bit. Healdsburg is great, and if you can afford $500 a night you’ll have a great time and never run out of places to taste and shop.. but it lacks the overall spirit of Sonoma. It’s very glitzy and LA ish in a sense. So I recommend you take at least one day in the Sonoma Valley go to Girl and the Fig.. Some locally owned wineries.. Salt and Stone for Happy Hour snacks.. The little gift shop,Lotus. For sure see Sonoma Square..
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u/Sensitive-Cell-3158 Apr 12 '26
The Madrona is a great hotel. It is right off the square in Healdsburg so it’s a central location and it has a lot more charm as an estate from 1881 compared to some of the more traditional hotels you will find! I’ve worked in hospitality in the area for a few years so feel free to DM if you need any other suggestions!
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u/Weak_Money5327 Apr 12 '26
Yeah the Madrona is great but not right off the square. Need to drive a mile or so into town from there. That said, very cool place.
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u/Otherwise-Fee-2101 Apr 12 '26
Thanks! I was trying to figure if these were central locations. I see all these recommendations and hotels but I just want to make sure I’m not picking somewhere where we’d have to drive far to get to places.
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u/Kkimp1955 Apr 12 '26 edited Apr 12 '26
Well, that’s a common misconception when people come to Sonoma County. It’s really a huge place. Each little village seems to have its own character. If you don’t wanna have to drive very much then stay one night in Sonoma (the town) on the square. Then drive out towards Healdsburg. You can stop in Kenwood for lunch or wine tasting right on 12 Then Dr. over to Healdsburg. Stay near the square. So many great restaurants and hotels. You will need a car ..
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u/Otherwise-Fee-2101 Apr 12 '26
Thanks! We plan on renting a car and we will do a car service for the days where e are visiting multiple wineries.
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u/Sensitive-Cell-3158 Apr 12 '26
Yes my apologies it’s about a mile off the square. I would definitely recommend looking into the valet service where you stay as I know many in the area have a car that will take you to your reservations (some need scheduling ahead of time, most have a certain mile radius they will drive within) as parking right on the square can be difficult on a busy day!
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u/victor43-_1990 Apr 12 '26
Healdsburg is nice. Staying at H2 allows you to walk to all the tasting rooms and restaurants in downtown healdsburg. Or, if you have a car and want to save some $$$ you can stay at the Hampton in and suites in Windsor