The Best Resorts and Places to Stay for Your Vacation in Sonoma, California

Choose between a luxurious day at the spa or one out on the golf course at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
Choose between a luxurious day at the spa or one out on the golf course at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa | Courtesy of Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa / Expedia
David Hillier

With more than 425 wineries and a bubbling reputation as a foodie’s paradise, bon vivants flock to Sonoma to gorge by day – and rest their heads on plush spa hotel pillows by night. But there’s more there: 55mi (88.5km) of Pacific Ocean coastline and over 60 regional and state parks attract outdoors lovers to hike, ride and paddle its rivers – or maybe just gaze up at a lofty redwood. We’ve hand-picked the best resorts in Sonoma for your break – and they’re bookable on Culture Trip.

1. Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, for spiritual healing in the pools

Luxury, Chain Hotel

Two double beds in an elegant room with a fireplace and a flat-screen TV at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
Courtesy of Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa / Expedia

The site of this luxurious resort is revered by Native Americans who viewed it as a sacred healing ground. It is fitting, therefore, that visitors will leave feeling revived. Soak in one of the geothermal mineral pools or spend a lazy afternoon in the Roman-style bathhouse. Golfers must make the short 1.3mi (2.25km) journey to Sonoma Golf Club and its 177-acres (72ha) of gleaming Sonoma Wine Country.

2. MacArthur Place, for boutique chic

Boutique Hotel, Spa Hotel

Elegant, farm-chic dining area at MacArthur Place featuring light wooden floors, white wooden ceiling beams and large lamp shades
Courtesy of MacArthur Place / Expedia

This six-acre (2.4ha) Sonoma resort is a byword for minimalist luxury. The 64 rooms are all decorated stylishly with many having access to a semi-private shared garden just outside the Victorian residence – just one of the nooks and crannies available. Sonoma Plaza is minutes away with its boutique stores, art galleries, and restaurants. Need a wine fix? There are 30+ tasting rooms all in one block of the plaza – good job it’s a short walk back to your room.

3. Inn at Sonoma, for thoughtful extras

Inn

A double bed in a room with a green and white striped wallpaper, a fireplace and a private balcony at Inn at Sonoma
Courtesy of Inn at Sonoma / Expedia

This luxury resort in Sonoma is all about the small touches. Guests receive a complimentary breakfast each morning that differs from your normal hotel fare – think mushroom sage tart with potato and cauliflower hash, or freshly baked cranberry scones. Every afternoon, guests are treated to free local wine and cheese – before retiring to their airy contemporary rooms for an afternoon nap. Don’t worry if it’s chilly out – each room has its own fireplace.

5. Country Club 2 – Marquee, for a home away from home

Short-term Rental

Living area with a grey couch, a persian rug, a fireplace and board games at Country Club 2 – Marquee
Courtesy of Country Club 2 – Marquee / Expedia

This luxury five-bedroom home combines crisp modern architecture with homely touches like a family room with a projector and record player. Pride of place goes to the pool surrounded by plush sun loungers – with a fire pit, barbecue, hot tub, and table tennis table ensuring you could happily never leave, although surely you’ll be wanting to hit some of those local plonks. The Valley of the Moon Winery and vineyards is 2.4mi (3.9km) away, while BR Cohn is a breezy 3.3m (5.3km). Santé.

6. The Lodge at Sonoma Resort, for peace and mindfulness

Luxury, Chain Hotel

High-ceilinged living space with couches, leather chairs, french doors and a fire place at the Lodge at Sonoma Resort
Courtesy of The Lodge at Sonoma Resort / Expedia

Whether you’re downward-dogging in a morning yoga class on the lawn or getting treatment in the Raindance Spa, this luxury Sonoma Resort will guide you to an almost indecent state of wellbeing. Fancy adding a soupçon of culture to your holiday ensemble? Head across the road to the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art – before chowing down on some pasture-raised meats like crispy Berkshire porchetta at Wit and Wisdom, the hotel’s on-site restaurant.

7. Sonoma’s Best Cottages, for local pleasures

Cottages, Short-term Rental

White double bed with a woven leather headboard in a simple room at Sonoma’s Best Cottages
Courtesy of Sonoma’s Best Cottages / Expedia

Bring the home on holiday with these four quaint private cottages – just a cork’s throw from the Sonoma Plaza and a number of wineries. Seconds from your front door is the Sonoma Mercantile – a 21st-century take on the old-fashioned neighborhood general store that sells everything from local honey and candles to hyperlocal wine and breakfast burritos. Visitors may also use the Calm Spa at the Cottage Inn – book yourself in for the signature warm bamboo deep tissue massage.

8. Country Club 3 – Wildflower, for Italian delicacies

Short-term Rental

Living space with white, grey and cream chairs and couches, a persian rug, fireplace and wooden beams on the ceiling at Wildflower
Courtesy of Wildflower - Wine Country Home w Pool & Bocce Ball Court / Expedia

Glass and windows abound in this single-floor house that welcomes the light – whatever the time of day. There’s a private swimming pool with a hot tub and even a bocce ball court, while anyone interested in exploring the area’s history can make the 2.3mi (3.5km) trip to Vallejo Home State Historical Monument. Don’t fancy cooking but craving some home-style eats? It’s a swift six-minute drive to Mamma Tanino’s Ristorante for classic Italian dishes like melanzane di parmigiana or spaghetti alla carbonara.

Looking for more? Book into one of the best hotels in Sonoma or try one of these hotels suitable for every kind of traveler, now bookable on Culture Trip.

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