Fodor's Expert Review Camellia Inn

YOU SHOULD KNOW A few rooms have a shower but no bath, and all rooms lack a TV.

room

Guest rooms are individually decorated, some with antiques, others with more contemporary furnishings. Each room has its own charms, such as a canopy bed, a private entrance, or a claw-foot tub. Three "king deluxe" rooms have whirlpool tubs and gas fireplaces, and all rooms have iPads for guests' use. Families often book a suite that has a room with a queen-size bed and a separate smaller space with a double bed.

The snug "budget room," which has an antique iron bed and a large 1920s-style private bath across the hall, is one of the best values in Healdsburg for lodging within walking distance of the plaza (and it's nice).

bathroom

The size and amenities of the bathrooms vary from room to room. Some rooms have only a shower, four bathrooms have whirlpool tubs, and others have claw-foot tubs. Well maintained, the bathrooms all have character. The bathroom in the family suite is suitably large.

lobby

A feast for Victorian-loving eyes, the downstairs front and back parlors, which double as the inn's lobby, brim with ceramics and other decorative items. Oriental rugs cover original floors; Carrara marble fireplaces (initially coal burning), period chairs and settees, and chandeliers hanging below ornate medallions complete the tableau.

pool

In season, one of the inn's most popular amenities is its large Roman-shaped backyard pool. Tall trees and a wisteria arbor keep things shady, and there are sufficient lounge chairs and a few areas to picnic. Late-afternoon wine-and-cheese sessions take place here in good weather.

spa

The house's solarium, added around 1900, now serves as a dedicated massage room. The genteel space's tall, light-emitting windows, white-wicker furniture, and checkerboard tiled floors promote relaxation even before treatments begin; the 1920s-style wallpaper adds a vibrant touch. The signature offering involves a Swedish massage, but deep-tissue massages and the customized Master's Massage, for which the therapists employ several stress-reducing techniques, are among the other options available for individuals or couples.

gym

The inn has no gym but does offer guests complimentary day-use passes to the Parkpoint Health Club (12-minute walk). The club has updated exercise equipment and weight-lifting machines and free weights. There’s an Olympic size lap pool, and instructors conduct aerobics, yoga, Pilates, and many other classes throughout the day.

dining

An elaborate buffet awaits guests each morning. Headliners include a vegetable frittata or other dish made from recently laid local eggs, fruit smoothies (the inn is famous for these), fresh fruit, croissants, toast, and various cereals. Wine and snacks are served at 5 p.m., and cookies, tea, coffee, and water are available all day.

drinking

There is no bar here.