I have seen a lot of questions about this place here and since I spent last weekend there I thought I would report. First, the room. I got a Deluxe Rainforest Shower King Suite, on "sale" for $345. I liked the room very much. It's decorated sort of country, but country as per your very chic decorator uncle who likes Magritte. The bed was wonderful, there was a real fireplace, and the feel was spacious and casual elegant. Loved the persimmon wall color. And the rainforest shower (instead of a jetbath)was very nice. As for the place overall, I was very impressed with the service. The restaurant, Saddles, is a good steakhouse with simple but well-prepared food and a fabulous wine list. The waiters there are just wonderful, friendly but authentic.

Also had a massage - excellent.

I can imagine if you are there when a business conference in underway it can be overbearing. But for a weekend it was v. nice. It also looks as though come summer the gardens will be lovely and lying by the pool would be a good way to spend an afternoon. It isn't exactly a resort - too much in the middle of Sonoma. On the other hand, it is not just a lodge or hotel.

Bottom line: loved the room, good service.

Thanks for the report, LPC48! We were considering MacArthur Place, but I had heard the rooms were a bit "overdone."

We'll be staying at the Sonoma Mission Inn next month, I'm really looking forward to being in the Sonoma area again. Where did you dine? I'm looking for a lunch spot in Sonoma or possibly Healdsburg or Santa Rosa. ***kim***

Thanks LPC48 for keeping us up to date on one of my fave places. It is so nice to hear first hand that you too enjoyed Macarthur Place! I loved the anniversary escape
we had there-I agree with you it's very chic. (I could have moved in I liked the room so much.)
We had no complaints about the staff when we were there, so it's nice to see
you enjoyed consistency.
as well.
R5

Lunched at Della Santina - I posted about it somewhere...Amazing salad, nice cannelloni, lemon tart to die for, nice owner/manager service. And about the rooms being overdone - I usually prefer minimalist, i.e. Hotel Healdsburg, but this didn't push my too fussy or too chintzy or too anything buttons. For what it's worth.

Della Santina is probably what I'll go with. It has also received good reviews on Chowhound. I guess Maya is up for sale now. Did you have a chance try the girl and the fig or Cafe La Haye? ***kim***

Was dying for pasta so only ate at Della Santina and stayed in at night and ate at Saddles. Next time - girl and the fig looked good.

OK, found your reply to my inquiry on Chowhound! Yes, girl and the fig is the first place we head when we hit Sonoma! The fig salad, crabcakes, lavender-infused creme brulee with a glass of Imagery Artistry Viognier, what could be better? ***kim***

I will remember your menu. Thanks.

Your menu at Della Santina also sounds good. I think this will be our lunch spot for our second lunch in Sonoma. (I'm really looking forward to trying those lemon cottage cheese pancakes at the Big 3 Diner at the SMI, also!) Cheers! ***kim***