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From historic hotels on the plaza to contemporary quarters and full-scale resorts further afield, the Sonoma Valley can accommod ate the tastes of virtually every overnight visitor. This time of year is pretty much a buyer’s market, especially on weeknights when most inns discount their prices from high-season, weekend rates. The following places are some of our favorites.
Brickhouse Bungalows
Built in 1907 in the style of an Italian farmhouse, the original residence has thick stone walls and travertine flooring. Over the decades, four other bungalows have been added, each with amenities such as a fireplace, cable TV, private phone and kitchenette. Lush gardens and a central courtyard give this compound the ambience of a country home only half-a-block from the Plaza.
Rates: $160 to $299
313 First St. E., Sonoma; 996-8091; www.brickhousebungalows.com
The Cooperage Inn
The Cooperage, which was once an icehouse, brewery and cooperage, has recently been transformed into two one-bedroom suites with modern conveniences such as high-speed Internet access and HBO TV. The larger Milano Suite has a fireplace, Jacuzzi tub and a kitchenette.. Continental breakfast is included.
Rates: $150-190
301 First St. W., Sonoma; 996-7054; www.thecoooperageinn.com
Cottage Inn and Spa
Luxurious suites as large as 750 square feet make this a great choice for travelers who like a lot of space. All four accommodations are architecturally distinct and have Mexican tile floors with carpets and many feature French doors that open onto a garden or courtyard.
Rates: $188 to $347
302 First St. E., Sonoma; 996-0719, 800-944-1490; www.cottageinnandspa.com
El Dorado Hotel
Appointed with four-poster beds, Mexican tile floors and California/Spanish-style furniture, the 17 rooms at this downtown hotel are chic but not fussy. Built in 1843 of adobe, the hotel has a balcony overlooking the plaza, a heated outdoor swimming pool and an excellent restaurant, the El Dorado Kitchen.
Rates: $155 to $275
405 First St. W., Sonoma; 996-3030;
www.hoteleldorado.com
El Pueblo Inn
After almost 50 years in business, this surprisingly comfortable inn recently completed extensive renovations, including the addition of new rooms. Accommodations include the cozy Adobe Rooms, with garden views, and the larger Sonoma Rooms, each with its own balcony. A whirlpool spa, a seasonally heated pool and complimentary continental breakfast add up to a destination inn for friends and family.
Rates: $95 to $255
896 W. Napa St., Sonoma; 996-3651;
www.elpuebloinn.com
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn
No other inn in the valley offers such an array of accommodations, from historic rooms in the original hotel to spacious suites in more contemporary buildings. The resort also has the most amenities, with two restaurants, two pools, a full-service spa and concierge service, as well as its own supply of thermal mineral water.
Rates: $189 to $1299
18140 Hwy. 12, Boyes Hot Springs; 938-9000; www.sonomamissioninn.com
Kenwood Inn and Spa
Mediterranean-style architecture with Moorish accents distinguish this deluxe retreat. Thirty rooms are arranged in three buildings connected by pathways and landscaped, enclosed courtyards. The spa is known for using organic Caudalie Vinotherapy products. Amenities include a swimming pool, an outdoor hot tub and gourmet breakfast.
Rates: $350 to $400
10400 Hwy. 12, Kenwood; 833-1293;
www.kenwoodinn.com
Inn at Sonoma
Casual California decor is the theme at this small hostelry just two blocks south of the plaza. All the rooms have fireplaces and most also have a private balcony. extends to the well appointed rooms, each with a fireplace. Most rooms also feature a private balcony.
Rates: $145 to $250
630 Broadway, Sonoma; 888-568-9818; www.innatsonoma.com
Ledson Hotel & Restaurant
Steve Ledson, owner of Ledson Winery and a fifth-generation Sonoman, designed this boutique hotel to resemble an early 19th-century structure. Six second-floor guest rooms, all with fireplaces and balconies, are appointed with period furniture as well as whirlpool tubs and computer hook-ups.
Rates: $350 to $500
480 First Street East, Sonoma;
996-9779;
www.ledsonhotel.com
Lodge at Sonoma
With 182 spacious guestrooms in the main lodge and in freestanding cottages, this versatile hotel is well suited to independent travelers as well as to conference participants. A swimming pool and a full-service spa encourage guests to relax. The Carneros restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily.
Rates: $189 to $450
1325 Broadway, Sonoma; 935-6600;
www.thelodgeatsonoma.com
MacArthur Place Inn & Spa
Established eight years ago on 11 landscaped acres of a historic property, this inn has expanded to offer 64 accommodations in the original estate residence as well as in modern structures. Every guest room and suite has CD and DVD players, color televisions, grape seed bath products, coffee makers, down comforters and terry robes; some accommodations also have a wood-burning fireplace, wet bar, refrigerator and an oversize bathroom with hydrotherapy tub. MacArthur Place has a swimming pool, a restaurant and conference center and a full-service spa.
Rates: $255 to $599
29 East MacArthur St., Sonoma; 938-2929; www.macarthurplace.com
Ramekins
Culinary enthusiasts interested in the Ramekins Cooking School have only to walk downstairs to attend classes.. Food-related art and other whimsical touches enliven each of the six rooms, and the “asparagus” spindled staircase is sure to amuse.
Rates: $125 to $235
450 West Spain St., Sonoma; 933-0452; www.ramekins.com
Sonoma Creek Inn
Sixteen stylish rooms are decorated by Valley designer-turned-event planner Julie Atwood, who put Dennis Zieminski paintings on the walls and shades fashioned from vintage Boyes Hot Springs postcards on the reading lamps. The adjacent Creekside Café is open for breakfast and lunch.
Rates: $69-$89
239 Boyes Blvd., Boyes Hot Springs; 888-712-1289, 939-9463; www.sonomacreekinn.com
Sonoma Hotel
The 1880 Sonoma Hotel offers an unparalleled experience for history buffs and other visitors. Originally housing a dry goods store and butcher shop on the ground floor, the structure was transformed into a hotel in the 1920s. All 16 renovated guestrooms are furnished with antiques.
Rates: $110 to $245
110 West Spain St., Sonoma; 996-2996; www.sonomahotel.com
Sonoma Valley Inn
Most of the attractive, comfortable rooms and suites at this contemporary hotel have fireplaces, patios, balconies and/or garden views. Located less than a block from the plaza, the inn has a heated swimming pool, a hot tub and conference facilities.
Rates: $109 to $349
550 Second St. W., Sonoma; 938-9200; www.sonomavalleyinn.com
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Kenwood Inn and Spa. Submitted photo.
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