My husband and I are considering spending a couple of nights in Sonoma County in early November. We're very interested in exploring some Russian River area wineries.

I've been searching through the archives here, looking at trip advisor reports, and still having a hard time making a decision.

We'd like a room with a fireplace, and possibly a view. Don't want to spend more than $300/night. A cottage would be wonderful.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

The Sonoma Renaissance Lodge has all you are looking for in the Room department, but it is a good Hour+ away from the Russian River area - so I don't know if that is too far away for you.

It is a great hotel for the central Sonoma area, and all of the rooms we have had included a fireplace. The cottages are very, very nice as well...

We had a cottage room at the Lodge at Sonoma which did indeed have all you desribed including a great on site spa. I beleive we got it for $189 in Feb

This place has gotten some good press here:
www.springhillcabin.com
The location is good.

R5

Thanks for these suggestions.

The Lodge at Sonoma does indeed look very nice, however I'm concerned that it may be too far of a drive to the Russian River wineries. I've never been to the area. Am I incorrect about the drive?

I saw the Spring Hill Cabin website when I first started researching for this trip. I'm a little confused about the accomodations. Not many photos. I suppose I should call and get more details.

The Lodge at Sonoma is 45 min-1 hr
over to the RR area-additional delays are possible on Hwy 101 through Santa Rosa due to construction.

Have you looked at places on the
www.wineroad.com website ?

I'd also suggest looking in and around
Sebastopol and Occidental.

R5

3 that come to mind
Applewood Inn
Avalon
The Inn at Occidental

R5

Thanks R5. We are considering these places. The locations seem right.

To complicate things, I've also been looking at the Old Crocker Inn in the Alexander Valley, as well as vacation homes in Cazadero and Larkfied. Any thoughts on these locations in regards to visiting wineries?

Also, how far of a drive would Glen Ellen be from the Russian River area?

Thanks so much!

The Russian River area covers a good deal of territory so the distance from Glen Ellen would depend on where you're going. To Forestville would be a little more than an hour, another 15 minutes to Guerneville & more time for areas further to the west and/or north.
On the plus side, Glen Ellen is a nice little town in a beautiful area.

Larkfield is the northern end of Santa Rosa so it's centrally located but as another poster mentioned, there's construction & congested traffic nearby on highway 101. I live a few miles from Larkfield and while it's a nice place to live I wouldn't want to vacation there - I'd pick something surrounded by redwoods.

Cazadero is the second rainiest place in California - got just over 100 inches last rainy season. So it's great for redwoods but it might be wet. Hard to say, it depends on when the rainy season starts.

Alexander Valley is nice. And I agree that Occidental & Sebastopol would be nice places to stay.

Hope this helps,
Sue

Ha Shanti !
I thought Cazadero was THE rainiest place in CA.
It is rather out of the way,syd,
30 minutes of windy mountain road to and from Hwy 116 in Monte Rio and Then another 20-30 to wineries. Not at all good if the rains have started.

Larkfield is OK location wise, yet I'd rather be in the redwoods too, as long as you are seeking the Russian River area.

Old Crocker Inn looks interesting, kind of out of the way from the looks of it's location and the river crossing changes after the summer.

So, for the RR area I'd stick with Healdsburg/Monte Rio/Guerneville/Occidental/Sebastopol.
I can give you you driving routes to avoid construction in Santa Rosa
to/from Sonoma Valley-Glen Ellen, but I thought you were interested in the RR area.

R5

I had reservations at Applewood that I really didn't want to cancel. I'd try that if the location works for you.

Have you looked at vrbo?

Thanks so much for all the information. It's very helpful.

I did see some interesting places on the VRBO website, which is why I was asking about Glen Ellen.
Any recommendations for VRBO in RR?

We have stayed in the Backporch Suite at the George Alexander House in Healdsburg and would highly recommend it. This B&B is downtown in the historic district so there is no view. They do have a lovely garden that you look out onto through French doors. This would be a great room during winter weather as it has a little wood burning stove and, though large, is very cozy. Here's the website: http://www.georgealexanderhouse.com/...backporch.html

While in Healdsburg, I recommend you dine at the Cyrus Restaurant (reservations required). I'm hearing that Cyrus is now one of the top rated restaurants in the US. This is a splurge well worth the money--we will never forget it!

ttt