Can anyone suggest a hotel/motel/inn/BB in Wine Country area that is affordable but has character? My husband, adult daughter and teen son are visiting San Francisco in late July and would like to spend a day enjoying the scenery and a winery or two in and around Sonoma before driving up to Mendocino. I've done an Internet search, but all the places I've found are either wildly expensive or have poor reviews. There must be some off-the-beaten-path, well-maintained, locally owned establishments that offer good value for the money but are not well advertised. Our target area is from Napa to Healdsburg but will venture farther for the "right" place. All advice is appreciated.

If they can choose a weekday rather than weekend for their day in the area, you'll get better rates.

try Sonoma Creek Inn.

The Sonoma Hotel on the square in Sonoma might work for your family. Also, downstairs the excellent "Girl and The Fig" restaurant. Good luck!

Try this:

http://www.elpuebloinn.com

We stayed there a few years ago. It looked pretty ordinary from the street, but the room was pleasant and large. It had the most beautifully landscaped pool area. Hope it's still good.

The Hotel El Dorado is very quaint and right on the square. ( Sonoma) www.hoteleldorado.com There is a small pool, also. Rates start at $170/night during the week.

The BW Sonoma Valley Inn was also very nice and affordalbe. There is a pool and covered gazebo with jacuzzi on the property. I think they're still in the Entertainment Book.

The Girl and the Fig on the plaza is a must! ***kim***

We were looking for just what you described and loved the Jack London Lodge. Small, locally owned, very clean, nicely decorated and the rates were more reasonable than anything else I could find.

We were pleasantly surprised by the restaurant overlooking Sonoma Creek, the small town of Glen Ellen and Jack London Park. In fact, we spent much more time in the park than expected but gladly traded a winery or two for a hike and a long talk in the park. Walked to the grocery across the street from the hotel to buy snacks and drinks for the drive around wine country.

Take a look at their link - http://www.jacklondonlodge.com/inn.html

Thank you, everyone, for your advice. I'm contacting these hotels. All sound like just what my family is looking for.