What do you think about staying in Santa Rosa itself? or south of that area? THe idea is to use it as a base for day trips around Sonoma?

DH trying to save some money. I'm dubious.

Do you mean day trips around Sonoma County ?
Staying in Santa Rosa is fine. You can use Hwy 12
to get down to Kenwood,the town of Sonoma and
to explore the Carneros.

You can use Hwy 116 West to get to/from the Russian
River towns and out to the ocean.
You can use a combo of 116 W/Wohler Rd./Westside Rd.
to get up into Healdsburg, the Dry Creek area and
east of 101 to Geyserville, Jimtown and the Alexander Valley.
I'm a Sonoma County local, so I can help with backroads
travel and many destinations.

So, let's start with: What's your budget for lodging ?
What time of year is your visit ? and what
do you want to see/do while you are here ?

R5

I've stayed at the Hilton in Santa Rosa, Hilton Garden Inn just north of Santa Rosa and the Doubletree in Rhonert Park andf like all 3. The HGI is just 1-2 exits north of Santa Rosa on the 101 and, IMO, was the most convenient for exploring the Healdsburg, Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley and Alexendar Valley areas.

Last month we stayed at Kenwood Inn and Spa, which is probably one of the most incredible and romantic places we've ever stayed. Kenwood is just south of Santa Rosa on Highway 12 and just north of the town of Sonoma. This may not be the experience you are looking for, and it can be pricey, but it is really wonderful.

Kenwood Inn is indeed lovely, elnap !

The Hilton Garden Inn is out at the Sonoma County Airport-
not too much air traffic (except now when all the Bohemian Grove
participants are in town with their private jets in tow)
yet it can be a busy little airport.

The Santa Rosa Hilton is 10 minutes to the south on Hwy 101.

If you do Priceline, you will find the Hilton Santa Rosa,
and The Hyatt Vineyard at 3.5* range. Adjacent to the
Hyatt is a Courtyard by Marriott at 3* range.

Do return and tell us your budget, ilana

i stay at the vitners inn in santa rosa. going again in september.

Couple of years ago my husband and I stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott a block or two from Railroad Square. If it is still there, there's a terrific French restaurant named Le Gare which had very good food and prices at the time.