About Sonoma

At the heart of the Sonoma Valley sits the town of Sonoma itself, a fabulous destination for fans of top-notch Californian food and wine. Popular with weekend visitors from San Francisco as well as guests from further afield, this buzzing wine country gem is brimming with characterful inns and elegant hotels fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Many of the best places to stay in Sonoma are in the town centre, perfectly-placed for soaking up the area’s lively foodie scene.

Sonoma Plaza, the oldest town square in California, is a gorgeous spot to begin any on-foot exploration. Admire historic buildings before popping into the laid-back tasting rooms and delectable eateries which line the surrounding streets. Expect relaxed days of winery tours and tastings both in town and in the Sonoma Valley, as well as myriad wonderful meals featuring the best of California’s famed farm-to-table produce. Culture aficionados will enjoy visiting Vallejo’s Home, whilst Cornerstone Sonoma and Bartholomew Park are lovely places for an amble.

Beyond Sonoma itself lie Jack London State Historic Park and Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, both of which are great for outdoorsy adventurers. Spend your days trekking, cycling or horse riding before kicking back with a glass or two of the good stuff!

Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic couples’ escape or a fun holiday with friends, the best places to stay in Sonoma promise a warm welcome and a classic Californian winery experience.

The Best Places to Stay in Sonoma

For an intimate hideaway

  • An Inn 2 Remember is a cute clapboard cottage with seven rustic, characterful bedrooms. Stay here for a romantic couples' retreat with a friendly, old-school vibe. Lovely breakfasts are served at a large farmhouse table in the kitchen — ideal for getting to know fellow guests.
  • Ledson Hotel promises six opulent rooms in the heart of Sonoma. Expect ornately carved wooden beams, big beds, huge fireplaces and an impressive collection of antiques. A sumptuous, adults-only pick.

For Luxury & a Spa

  • Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is an elegant hotel with classic interiors and a fresh, luxurious feel. Stay here for the top-notch Willow Stream spa and the gourmet cuisine at Santé. Very romantic.
  • MacArthur Place has been transformed from a nineteenth-century vineyard estate to a gorgeous spa hotel in verdant gardens. Book one of 64 indulgent rooms and suites to that you can try a rejuvenating spa treatment using natural ingredients sourced from the gardens, and savour fantastic food in the evenings. Beautiful.

For Foodies

  • El Dorado is a chic boutique bolthole with 27 crisp, contemporary bedrooms and a fabulous restaurant. Chef Armando Navarro specialises in crafting imaginative dishes using seasonal ranch and farm-sourced ingredients at El Dorado Kitchen. One for foodies and couples.

For a Classic Inn

  • Inn at Sonoma is a warm and welcoming B&B with 27 guestrooms in central Sonoma. Expect comfortable, casual interiors with fireplaces and private balconies in some rooms, as well as a rooftop hot tub and big breakfasts. With flexible accommodation options, this is a great family or group pick.
  • Cinnamon Bear Creekside Inn is a charming, owner-run B&B in a carefully restored farmhouse. With just seven comfortable rooms, this is a lovely, laid-back choice for a classic wine country escape. Excellent value.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly to Sonoma County Airport (STS), and take a 35-minute taxi to Sonoma. Alternatively, travel to San Francisco International Airport, and take the subway across the city to catch a bus to Sonoma via Santa Rosa. This overland route should take around 3 hours by public transport or 1 hour by car, making Sonoma a popular weekend escape from San Francisco.
  • California's wine country is brilliant for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Summers in Sonoma are hot and sunny. Time your trip for the harvest season (September or October) for slightly cooler weather and a very special atmosphere at the wineries.

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The best hotels in Sonoma

Cinnamon Bear Creekside Inn

Sonoma (California)

Owner-run B&B situated within a fully renovated 19th century farmhouse. Each room is unique but all have quaint antique beds, charming old-fashioned ceiling fans, homely colour-schemes and traditional art work; many have dual aspect. A good, comfortable base from which to explore the area.

  • Local exploring - Combine Sonoma's cultural and historical sites with tasting your way around the vineyards of this scenic region
  • Wine tasting - Sonoma is known as the birthplace of California's wine industry; there are vineyards that date from the 1880s
  • Sights nearby - Sonoma's 19th century colonial-style plaza is renowned in California. Visit Mission San Francisco Solano and Sonoma Barracks
  • Cooking classes - Ramekins Sonoma Valley Culinary School is nearby
from CA$240 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Inn at Sonoma

Sonoma (California)

A casual chic inn, nestled in the famous Sonoma Valley. Decor is minimalist and sleek, with comfy beds, fire places, private balconies and seating areas. Explore the town like a local with all main attractions within walking distance, or make use of hotel bikes! Rooftop hot tub is a must!

  • Cooking classes - Cooking and Wine Classes at Ramekins Sonoma Valley's cooking school dedicated to the home cook, from amateur to aficionado.
  • Barefoot Luxury
  • Designer
  • Views
from CA$255 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
MacArthur Place

Sonoma

A 19th century vineyard estate in the historic town of Sonoma, transformed into a luxurious Inn and spectacular garden spa. Rooms and suites are effortlessly stylish and opulent in chic oriental style. Endless opportunities to explore; on wheels, in the saddle, you name it! Fun and sophisticated.

  • Cooking classes - Ramekins Sonoma Valley Culinary School , offers unique cooking classes available in a stunning "rammed earth" style building.
  • Sights nearby - The Historic Sonoma Plaza, the largest town square of its kind in California, is just a short four-block walk away.
  • Birdwatching - Sonoma is one of the Country's best places for birding with all types of birds to discover.
  • Opulent
from CA$346 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Ledson Hotel

Sonoma

This quaint hotel sits right on the historic and bustling Sonoma Plaza. The opulent and old-world ambience is accentuated by floor to ceiling windows, ornately carved ceiling beams, antique furnishings, plush linens and palatial en suites. A free wine tasting is available for guests.

  • Great walks - Visit Quarryhill Botanical Garden for breathtaking beauty.
  • Restrictions on children - Children cannot be accomodated.
  • Full of character
  • Opulent
from CA$386 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
An Inn 2 Remember

Sonoma

Charming clapboard cottage surrounded by gardens. Interiors are the epitome of shabby chic; plenty of exposed brick, distressed wood, freshly cut flowers and artfully mismatched antique furniture. Low-key but stylish rooms are decorated with a muted colour palette. Boho-boutique couple's retreat.

  • Wine tasting - A stay includes a complimentary 'wine passport' to enjoy as much tasting and visiting of vineyards as it is possible to fit in
  • Local exploring - Come here to explore Sonoma Valley wine region but also explore the area's interesting cultural and historical sites
  • Sights nearby - Sonoma Barracks, Vallejo Home State Historical Monument, 19th century Mission San Francisco Solano and General M G Vallejo Home
  • Local markets - There is an excellent weekly farmer's market selling locally sourced produce including wine
from CA$436 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
El Dorado

Sonoma (Sonoma)

This boutique bolt-hole is nestled in the heart of Sonoma’s historic town square. In the cosy guestrooms, heritage flagstone floors are dressed in beautiful rugs with rustic, wooden furnishings and French doors leading to a sit-out terrace. A seasonal restaurant completes this wine country getaway.

  • Foodies - The hotel's charming restaurant serves inventive dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, perfect for visiting foodies
  • Local exploring - Set in the heart of Sonoma in the vibrant town square, this hotel is perfectly placed for local exploring
  • City Style - Occupying a heritage property with beautifully appointed interiors, book this hotel for chic Sonoma style
  • Romantic
from CA$444 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

Sonoma (Sonoma)

An elegant hotel and spa set in Sonoma wine country along scenic Highway 12. Rooms are traditionally inspired but the feel is fresh and contemporary. The Willow Stream Spa and health club are a real lure as is the fine dining restaurant Santé. A romantic escape.

  • Wine tasting - This is wine country and there are some excellent options just a short drive away (along scenic Highway 12)
  • Total relaxation - An elegant and tranquil space complete with an indulgent spa and on point service
  • Foodies - Dine on the chef's four-course dinners at Santé paired with local wines
  • Great walks - There's miles of beautiful hiking trails to explore
from CA$475 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia