Sonoma on the cheap(ish) - Please help
May 28th, 2007, 10:15 AM
#1
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Sonoma on the cheap(ish) - Please help
My boyfriend and I are planning a long weekend getaway to the Sonoma valley for a wine country outing. We're thinking of a mid July weekend (either the 11-13 or 19-20) and hoping to stay in or around Healdsburg...I did a boutique winery tour a few years ago in the area and loved staying there....HOWEVER.
We'd prefer to spend our $$ on wine & food and not necessarily on accommodations, but we're both used to a certain degree of comfort (if not luxury!) when travelling. Room rates seem to have skyrocketed into the $250s/night and we were wondering - is it possible to find a lovely little hideaway for less than that and still not have holes in the pillowcases? Or will we need to move farther from Healdsburg proper to make that happen?
Please advise - we're open to suggestions!
We'd prefer to spend our $$ on wine & food and not necessarily on accommodations, but we're both used to a certain degree of comfort (if not luxury!) when travelling. Room rates seem to have skyrocketed into the $250s/night and we were wondering - is it possible to find a lovely little hideaway for less than that and still not have holes in the pillowcases? Or will we need to move farther from Healdsburg proper to make that happen?
Please advise - we're open to suggestions!
May 28th, 2007, 10:42 AM
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Just for clarity.....Healdsburg isn't in the Sonoma Valley. It IS in Sonoma County, however, on Highway 101. Towns in the Sonoma Valley, which is on Highway 12 are Sonoma, Glen Ellen, Kenwood, and smaller El Verano and Agua Caliente.
Room rates in the summer are high all over the Wine Country. Two places in Healdsburg recommended by AAA are Amerixa's Best Value Inn and Suites $109-$129, and Wine Country Travelodge, $$99-$160. I don't usually find torn pillowcases in AAA recommended hotels <grin>. Good luck. Make your reservations soon. They fill up.
Room rates in the summer are high all over the Wine Country. Two places in Healdsburg recommended by AAA are Amerixa's Best Value Inn and Suites $109-$129, and Wine Country Travelodge, $$99-$160. I don't usually find torn pillowcases in AAA recommended hotels <grin>. Good luck. Make your reservations soon. They fill up.
May 28th, 2007, 10:49 AM
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Hi...thanks for clarification...my error in discussing Sonoma valley instead of county. I'm very fond of the area around Healdsburg but its SO much more expensivev than I remember. Will check out your options...any idea WHEN in July the rates shift? We initially looked at the end of the month and found that around the 29-30, rates skyrocketed...
May 28th, 2007, 11:08 AM
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Have you tried priceline?
If you have never used priceline before, come back and get pointers from experienced Fodorites here.
You should be able to get something under $1000 in either Sonoma or Napa Valley from priceline. It may not be a "little hideaway" though.
Good luck in your search!
If you have never used priceline before, come back and get pointers from experienced Fodorites here.
You should be able to get something under $1000 in either Sonoma or Napa Valley from priceline. It may not be a "little hideaway" though.
Good luck in your search!
May 28th, 2007, 12:26 PM
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The Camellia Inn has a room which is small, but very nice and reasonable. You can walk only a few blocks to the center of town- great place. We stayed at the Best Western once- not fancy, but perfectly fine. If you really want to save money, instead of a weekend go during the week. I've found special Mon-Th internet rates and have bought some terrific packages on www.luxurylink.com
May 28th, 2007, 01:23 PM
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We last stayed in the town of Sonoma and were able to rent a small house through www.vrbo.com.
May 28th, 2007, 03:39 PM
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You can get a lovely vacation rental for less than $200 if you check out www.sonomacountyvacations.com. Go towards the end of the list and you will find charming private accommodations..often with small kitchens and you'll get a lot more for your money than just a hotel room. Its based in Healdsburg, so most of the rental are in that area.
May 28th, 2007, 03:57 PM
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Another option would be to find a nice motel/hotel in Santa Rosa that fits your price range. It is only about a half hour drive to Healdsburg and you can just hang out in the area all day and into late evening.
If you want to try Calistoga in the Napa Valley, check out the Calistoga Inn (an old hotel with inexpensive rooms) and a pub downstairs as well as a lovely outdoor patio restaurant. OR try Washington Street Lodging for lots of charm but low price.
If you want to try Calistoga in the Napa Valley, check out the Calistoga Inn (an old hotel with inexpensive rooms) and a pub downstairs as well as a lovely outdoor patio restaurant. OR try Washington Street Lodging for lots of charm but low price.
