sunshineboca

Hello,
I'm planning a trip to wine country in Sept. I only have three nights, so thought I might spend two in Healdsburg and one in Yountville. I like the sound of both these towns and thought I could cover some of each wine region this way.
I have a night reserved at Maison Fleurie in Yountville (Carraige House room for 200.00). Any comments on this Inn or other suggestions? (they have a liberal cancellation policy).
I'm still trying to decide on accomidations for Healdsburg. The Grape Leaf Inn, The Honor Mansion and the Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza were a few that sounded very nice. Any information or help is much appreciated. There are so many wonderful sounding choices that I'm having trouble making up my mind.
Thanks for your help!

Ericka

My husband and I are making the same trip this weekend. A word of caution....most of the accomodations require a 2 night minimum for weekend stays unless circumstances have left the room open for only one night. Also, they book up very fast so make your reservations now. You can always cancel.

After spending hours on the phone, I managed to secure one night at the Honor Mansion in Healdsburg (Vineyard Suite) and one night at the Milliken Creek Inn in Napa.

Finally, if you're interested in eating at French Laundry, you'll want to call a full two months before you arrive.

Have a wonderful time!

southernbelle

We recently spent 3 nights at the Grape Leaf Inn (ask for a room in the new section of the house) and loved it! You can't go wrong with the location - a few blocks away from downtown and tons of wineries nearby. They offer a comlimentary wine tasting each evening which is lots of fun! We walked past the H. Inn and it just didn't look as nice. We'll always go back to the Grape Leaf.

Wherever you stay in H'burg, remember to stop at the Oakville Grocery each morning to load up on picnic food before you head out to the vineyards. The Armida winery is a wonderful place to picnic - beautiful views...
Also...eat dinner one night at Ravenous in downtown H'burg...have fun!

dcd

In the Spring of 2002, we (my wife and my parents) spent 3 nites at the Haydon Street Inn which is a B&B in Healdsburg and had a wonderful stay. My folks had the cottage, which is very spacious ala a one bedroom apartment with full kitchen, and we had the Turret Suite, which is also spacious altho tall people will have to duck in parts of the room. Very helpful and friendly owners who make great breakfasts. We all highly recommend it. Good location just a couple of blocks from the plaza, but more importantly, it's contrally located for the wineries. Check it out at www.haydon.com. We spent 2 days in Sonoma County primarily because the wineries are plentiful, excellant and most of them are free unlike Napa. We also hit Napa County one day. www.haydon.com.

Suki

We were in the Napa Valley for a 40th birthday celebration this past March. We stayed at Maison Fleurie there and found it quite nice. Great location, nice deck on which to have a glass of wine, and very reasonably priced.
My niece had stayed there and gave us this info before we made reservations:
Rooms available range from $150-$200 - they are small (think European) but very warmly decorated and they have a very nice gathering space downstairs. Do not require a 2-night minimum. Note: the sink in the rooms is outside the shower/toilet area - but it's really cute & manageable (in my opinion).
(800) 788-0369
www.foursisters.com

PamSF

Here's some info on the 3 places you have mentioned in HEaldsburg. The Inn on the Plaza is just that and is above a number of storefronts right on the Plaza. The Grape Leaf Inn is within walking distance to downtown while the Honor Mansion is not in easy walking distance to town but rather out on the same road as Seghesion Winery. (But this does not mean it is a particularly scenic road IMO). We visit Healdsburg often and find much of the charm for us is in being able to walk to "town". There are many restaurants and tasting rooms in the town plaza part of Healdsburg. I really do enjoy being able to walk to and from dinner in the evening. I have not stayed at the Grape Leaf Inn as yet..we always stay at the Camellia Inn..but it does look quite nice and is in a great location. I do suggest you check out the Camellia Inn as well. They have a pool. September can be pretty hot and you might consider a place with a pool. Honor Mansion has one as well I think. I always recommend Ravenous for dinner. This is our favorite spot in Healdsburg. It's great, fresh and a popular place with locals. I will be posting on our wine buys from our recent trip to Healdsburg on the "Other topics" forum soon. BTW I recommend taking Hwy 128 from Calistoga(Napa) over to Healdsburg. You will see some beautiful country and it will take about 1 hour.

sunshineboca

Thank you all for your help.
I'm glad that the Camellia Inn and Haydon St Inn were mentioned as these were two places I also considered. (as If I need more choices). The Camellias website is not very descriptive though.
The Honor Mansion is booked for my dates.(except the 400.00$ suite--yikes!!!)
The Grape Leaf has availability. Does anyone have specific room reccomendations for this Inn? The original building is less expensive then the newer west wing.(which starts at $275.00)
Thanks again for any help!

PamSF

We've stayed in a number of rooms at the Camellia. This is a home built for the town Dr in the late 1800's. The main house has I think 4 rooms upstairs.
The downstairs has lovely antiques(in good repair) and two fireplaces. The detail is worth seeing. We actually prefer the rooms off the main house. We just stayed in Firelight which faces the front of the house and has a small seating area. We liked it as well because we could have the door to our room open and still enjoy privacy during the day. This room is $199 plus tax on the weekend. There is a full (buffet style) breakfast with fruit,coffee, cereal and a main hot dish(usually some egg dish). The Inn has a nice pool in the back. There is wine and cheese served poolside each day around 5 pm. The owners also make wine and will occassionally do "tastings" for the guests. You are in a quiet neighborhood maybe 5 minutes(max) from the Plaza with off-street parking.
I'd say check the archives here as I know folks have commented on the Grape Leaf Inn. Frankly, both areas of that inn look nice. In September you will probably be out and about. This area of the world is beautiful and the wineries abound. I might go for the less expensive room given the time of year.