Most vacationers traveling to Northern California's prolific wine-producing region of Sonoma County choose to do more than just drive through. Sonoma County has so much to offer that visitors are enticed to stay for a while.
Visitors who've made Sonoma one of their "regular" destinations have no doubt developed favorite Sonoma County lodging choices. Indeed, the options are many and diverse. Accommodations found in the towns of Sonoma County can fit a variety of budgets, from affordably-priced chain motels whose names you'll recognize, to very elegant bed and breakfast establishments and country inns that offer spectacular amenities to go along with their higher cost. You'll also find everything in between, including campsites and RV parks, modest lodges, a few larger hotels, vacation rentals, and small privately-owned motor inns.
B&Bs/Inns
By far, the loveliest places to stay in Sonoma County are the B&Bs. These are usually the first choice for adults who are traveling sans children, enjoying days of wine-tasting, exploring the regional and state parks, and just basking in the beauty of the breathtaking scenery.
When it comes to lodging in Sonoma County, Bed and Breakfast choices are quite varied but you'll find most of them in the smaller towns. The town of Sonoma has the most choices, but also check out Glen Ellen, Cloverdale, Sebastopol, Guerneville, Forestville, and Healdsburg, or the coastal towns of Jenner or Bodega Bay.
Bed and Breakfast establishments in Sonoma County include beautifully decorated rooms, often graced with antiques, and a wonderful morning meal.
Country inns are similar in style but usually somewhat larger. Breakfast may or may not be included but the inns usually boast a fine restaurant on the premises.
Hotels and Motels
If you prefer to stay in hotels, or if traveling with children dictates the need to choose a more kid-friendly environment, you'll want to head to the cities of Sonoma County. Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park, two of the largest cities, offer the best choices for those seeking a chain motel. You may also find a few chains in Healdsburg or Sebastopol as well. Many of those same cities also offer small motels that are clean and friendly, owned by locals and not part of a national chain.
Resorts and Spas
Visitors will find a few Sonoma County lodging choices that can be classified as resorts or spas. These luxury full-service accommodations are indeed the exception rather than the norm, but if that's your preference, check out the few that are available in Sonoma, Bodega Bay, Santa Rosa, and a handful of other towns.
More couple-oriented than family-oriented, these facilities often include day spas where you can pamper your body, amenities like pools and hot tubs, and restaurants staffed by some of the best chefs in the business.
Campgrounds and RV Parks
If you prefer to take a rustic approach to your vacation, you'll have plenty of camping options to choose from in Sonoma County. Lodging here includes a number of state and regional parks that offer everything from primitive campsites to secluded cabins. A smattering of RV parks is also available in various towns - including Healdsburg, Petaluma, Bodega Bay, Cloverdale, and Rohnert Park.
If you're seeking a campsite in one of the parks, be sure to inquire previous to your arrival. Many of the parks only have a few sites available and the summer months can get quite busy.
Vacation Rental Houses
Many vacationers choose to lodge in a home-away-from-home when they travel. That's no problem in beautiful Northern California wine country. Sonoma County lodging includes a choice of various rental homes, ranging from quaint to quite luxurious.
Sea Ranch lodging allows you to choose a vacation rental house to fit your needs and personality. This private enclave of homes includes huge houses that overlook the Pacific Ocean or small cottages nestled in the woods (and everything in between). Other towns and cities offer vacation rental opportunities as well, including Sonoma, Healdsburg, Guerneville, Glen Ellen, Sebastopol, Kenwood, Petaluma, and Bodega Bay.
What You'll Pay
Sonoma County B&Bs and Inns don't come cheap, especially if you're traveling during peak tourist season or if you choose a location with a view. Expect to pay $150 to more than $200 per night for a room at a quality B&B or small inn. A few select properties exceed $300 per night. If you're flexible, consider traveling in the spring or fall for better rates.
Chain hotels are in the $100 per night range in the peak season with smaller privately-owned motels costing about the same. Resorts and spas may be your costliest choice for Sonoma County lodging, yet many of the B&Bs are similarly priced.
Campgrounds and RV parks range anywhere from just a few dollars a night for a tent site to $40-$50 per night for an RV hook-up.
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