We have decided to go to Sonoma wine country for three nights after our San Francisco convention in May. I have read thru posts and still do not have a clear idea of which area it would be better to stay in...Sonoma or Healdsburg. We have a Saturday 1:00 flight out of SFO...would it make much of a difference if we stay in Healdsburg vs. Sonoma.
Also, if we don't mind splurging, which would be the nicest hotel or B and B in each area?
Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

We spent a day in Healdsburg. Here's a website to the wine area.

http://www.wineroad.com/ click on the "lodgings" tab. There are a lot of nice places in Healdsburg and their websites to browse.

Although I've never stayed there, a lot of posters rave about the Grape Leaf Inn.

We were there in May, and the weather was great!! Enjoy the experience.

The Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is very nice in the Sonoma area. www.sonomamissioninn.com It's a beautiful property, we're staying there in March.

Last Spring in Healdsburg, we really enjoyed our stay at the Hotel Healdsburg, www.hotelhealdsburg.com We got in under a package that included the tasting dinner at Charlie Palmer's Dry Creek Kitchen that was excellent.

For lunch we enjoyed the Alexandar Valley Grille at the Chateau Souverain, gorgeous winery and not to be missed. Good Luck and Happy Holidays! ***kim***

This is like me having to pick from Pizza or Pasta.
You can't lose!

:-?
Hmmmmmm...kimmer in Sonoma in March?

GET TOGETHER!!!!!! I'll get the courtyard at Della Santina's...She's buyin' the first wine flight!

I was considering barrel tasting the first weekend in March. Fly in Fri, Sat & Sun , then fly back on Mon. Can't firm up until 2nd week in Jan, but I'm pencilled in.

What wine goes with barrels?
Do you need a tooth pick after tasting one?:-"

I'll bring the tooth picks.

Kim -- Nice place, but at $600 a night, I'll have to get a couple of part-time jobs.

What's $600/night? We paid $300/night at the Hotel Healdsburg, and that included the tasting dinner for two with our room which was a large room with balcony and soaking tub. I think this special ends the last week of March, we got in just in time!

The Sonoma Mission Inn also has many specials and promotions with good rates (under $300/night!) ***kim***

Sonoma Hotel B'man...within crawling distance to good bars, restaurants, wine/cheese/shopping.

If you're nice, you get your own private bathroom!

kimmer..what time should we shoot for the GTG?

Kal's correct-you cannot go wrong with either area. In Sonoma, I gotta give a big thumbs down to the Sonoma mission Inn-not our nicest place to stay in the county,but that is just my personal experience, and the area of town it is in is not great at all.
If you want to splurge go for
the wonderful MacArthur Place, the rooms are nothing short of delicious and the spa is one of the best I have ever been to. In additon the Gaige House is a favorite of my neighbors-
after listening to her I think I would go for their new spa rooms!
In Healdsburg I agree with Budman
about the Grape Leaf Inn, or consider the Honor Mansion. The truly trendy
might enjoy duChamp.
The weather is so nice here in May!
Welcome to Sonoma!
R5

R5...you and "Big R" up for an impromptu GTG in March? ><

Just checked the website and they are offering the special until the last week of March for $322 this year, not bad at all considering the tasting dinner was around $60/pp.

I just received a postcard from the HH offering repeat customers a $100 credit to be used anywhere at the hotel. Hmm, tempting!

I still want to stay at the Sonoma Mission Inn! Once I'm there it's hard for us to leave the property we enjoy it so much. This time I want to try a spa treatment, missed it last time due to a pressed schedule. (We combine business/pleasure on this trip.)

It's Gumby time at the SMI! Sorry Kal, I'm devoting all of my time and attention to Mr. Kimamom this time. ***kim***

Kalest!
Kisses & Happy Holidays to You and
Mrs. Kal-
March?Sure!!!-we'll just celebrate
my Birthday ALL MONTH!!

Just like Christmas....
PARTYSHOPPARTYSHOPPARTYSHOPPARTYSHOP
R5

R5,
You sure you're not related to Mrs Kal?

Kimmer...don't worry...we'll catch up to you guys at SMI. You'll hardly notice us.
Drinks are on us.

Kim, certainly you can share Mr. Kimamom for one fun afternoon/evening? You'll be surprised how much fun he will have. I'll bring the wine!!

I have to vote for Sonoma vs. Healdsburg.

We were there this past Oct., and although we loved Healdsburg - be sure to eat at Willi's Seafood Bar if you are there - we found it remote.

We absolutely loved Sonoma. I tend to agree with razzledazzle about the Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa. We were shocked when we drove by it thinking - "THAT'S it?" To be fair, we did not go into the hotel, so don't know what the grounds are like, but it is not in the greatest area.

Also agree with razzledazzle about McArthur Place. Very nice, and great location. Correct me if I am wrong, rd, but I think you can walk to the Plaza from there - about 4 blocks or so. We've read rave reviews about the Gaige House, but that was another place we thought "THIS is it?" when we drove by. It's right next to some commercial building - some garage of some sort. It's also in tiny, tiny Glen Ellen with not much around. Service and rooms are supposed to be great though.

We liked Sonoma for proximity to SF as well as Napa, and loved strolling around the Plaza - Farmer's Market, many shops and great restaurants - Girl and the Fig, Cafe La Haye, La Salette, Della Santina's which has a great patio out back, as does Girl and the Fig.

Have fun!!

Thanks to all for your suggestions and advice.
If we stay in Sonoma, Sonoma Mission Inn and MacArthur Place have some very negative reviews on Trip Advisor and Fodors Rants and Raves. The Gaige House is in Glen Ellen and as the last poster said it is right on the road in a more remote part of Sonoma.
OTOH, Honor Mansion and Grape Leaf Inn have 100% positive reviews on these same sights.
What do you think?

My vote is Healdsburg. I don't understand the isolated comment at all. And it's not far from SF. For the friendliest wine tasting anywhere, the Dry Creek, Alexander Valley and Russian River Wineries stand out. None of this charging to taste business (unless you taste the library wines) and so many small, charming places where you might find yourself chatting with the winemaker.

Just read the comments about MacArthur Place on Tripadvisor, some not so happy campers, huh?

They've been sending me promotional e-mails to try their place, it looks very nice on the website. Wherever you stay, have a great time and Happy Holidays! ***kim***

Glsebs, Check out the Calderwood Inn in Healdsburg. It's off the main street (but easy walk to shops and restaurants), lovely lovely old victorian with beautiful furnishings, gardens and a fantastic breakfast.