Napa or Sonoma for 2 nights
 

Hi all - my husband and I are looking for a 1 or 2 night get-away without the kids in late august/early september. we're probably planning to go on a weekday.

where do you recommend we stay (napa, st helena, yountville, sonoma, etc)? we're interested in relaxing, walking around a quaint town, doing some window shopping, and a spa. we're not really planning to do any wine tasting.

we'd appreciate recommendations for a hotel in the $200-250. And, restaurant recommendations as well. this will be our first trip without the kids, so looking for something relaxing and romantic, but won't break the budget.

thanks in advance for any suggestions!

For walking, window shopping and spa, you can't be Sonoma. For a hotel, try the B&B that is connected to Ramekins Cooking School. Rooms are upstairs over the kitchen. Short, easy walk to the square and lots of little shops. Also spas in Sonoma. For a break from the wine scene there is a nice Irish pub just off the plaza, I think it is on the east side of the plaza square in an alley.

The Sonoma Mission Inn would be the perfect place for you in the Sonoma area. It's my favorite place to stay in this area. Pretty grounds, gorgeous spa, lots of pool here and a real pampering feel to the property. There are two nice restaurants at the Inn, I would suggest the General's Daughter for a romantic meal in Sonoma. :)

If you decide on Napa Valley, the Villagio Inn & Spa is great, we had a very relaxing stay here this past March. Get an inner courtyard room, you will be right across the street from Ad Hoc and REDD, two very nice places to dine in the area. ***kim*** ((f))

We absolutely loved Madrona Manor, just outside of the town of Healdsburg, which is just the kind of town you are describing. It is a 5 minute--or less--drive to town and the inn is on acres of lovely grounds and even has a pool. It was one of our nicest trips. They charge less on week-nights and so might fit your budget.

http://www.madronamanor.com/

I vote for Sonoma. Napa (the city) is really just that...a city and i think the other towns are too small. Sonoma is the perfect quaint small town. I love the Sonoma Mission Inn but hate the location. It is too far outside of town so you'd have to drive in. I've never stayed in any of the hotels in Sonoma proper but I'm sure other posters can recommend somewhere nice to stay.

But...saying that...if you're doing a spa day...definitely the Sonoma Mission Inn. Don't even think about going anywhere else.

As for restaurant rec's, here's a couple:

The girl and the fig (which you'll see recommended on this website over and over). It's a fun place. It's actually the bottom floor of a hotel (not sure if the hotel is good or not)

Della Santina's - cute little Italian restaurant just off the square. Very Good and there is outdoor dining as well.

If you feel like a drive (to see the valley), then a great place to stop for lunch is Cafe Citti in Kenwood. It's just a little place (you order at the counter and then they serve you) but the food is fabulous. We love their pizza but everything is just wonderful. There's outdoor seating too.

Have a great trip. Sonoma is one of my favourite places.

Cary

thank you so much for all your suggestions!!! based on your feedback, we are going to sonoma. however, i think we are going to try the Lodge at Sonoma since i found a great rate for them and they had good reviews on tripadvisor. thanks!

I think you should check out Healdsburg. The town square is more charmng than Sonoma, and there is more to see and do. There are also day Spa's just off the square. There are several B&B's in town that would meet your needs...