sunshineboca

I'm looking for help with choosing a special place to stay in the Guerneville area for one Sat. night in Sept. My husband and I will be driving from SFO in route to Healdsburg for two nights(Sun & Mon). Our inn in Healdsburg is booked for Sat. night so we thought we might spend one night in Guerneville. I'd like to stay around $200.00(or less).Applewood Inn has smaller rooms available in the original bldg for $195.00.The Fern Grove Cottages also look cute for just a little less $ per night. Any personel experiences with these places? Also, Sonoma Orchid Inn??? Is one or the other better situated for wine tasting or maybe a drive to the coast?
I know Applewood has a well respected restaurant.( That would be convient.) Are there other good dining choices near Fern Grove Cottages?
Finally, any winery suggestions for this area,( as well as any in route to Healdsburg.)
Any suggestions are welcome
Thanks

janisj

The only places I personally know along the Russian River require 2-night minimums on weekends so can't help much.

But at least this will top your thread . . . . .

JayZee

One night in this area (in Sept) is going to be hard. My only suggestion is a chain hotel in Santa Rosa.

razzledazzle

sunshineboca-
Applewood is quite nice, yet I believe the $195 rate is only available for Sun & Mon, not Saturday night. That said,
we've had friends stay at Sonoma Orchid
and they loved it-(used to be the
Ridenhour Inn, which was quite popular.) If you are at all unsure,
go over to Trip Advisor and check out the reviews. If Sonoma Orchid has a Sat night only available-I'd take it !

Location, location ! Head west on River Road into Guerneville and take the Armstrong Woods Road to Armstrong Wood for a hike among old growth redwoods.
Continue west on 116 and you'll hit Hwy 1 and the coast-take a left at this intersection and head to Goat Rock State Beach or the Salmon Creek State beaches-turn right and head up to Jenner and some spectacular views !

Now, back at the Sonoma Orchid you are a stones throw from Korbel winery
and literally surrounded by many others.
One nice tour would be to head west on River Road,turn left on Wohler Road-
a short drive will find you at split
merge left and continue on Wohler Road
and cross the historic Wohler Bridge
over the Russian River. Yow will intersect Westside Road here. Turn right
and you'll discover numerous wineries.

Good maps of the area can be found at
http://www.wineroad.com
The Sonoma Orchid is just about in the middle of the Russian River Appellation.
So there are many other driving tours
you could concoct on your own.

Do make that reservation SOON-it's our busy time up here !

R5

sunshineboca

Thanks Razzledazzle for your reply. Sonoma Orcid Inn would not book for one night on Sat. as mentioned, but I was able to get the night at Applewood for $195.00.( Apparantly there was a window for this night for 1 room.) Whew!!! I'm glad thats done.
I'd love any suggestions for wineries from all of you with local knowledge.
Thanks again
Cheers

LLindaC

Get on www.opentable and book a reservation for Willi's seafood in Healdsburg. Great place.