3 Best Hotels in Glen Ellen, Napa and Sonoma

From the colors and surfaces in the guest rooms and public spaces to the filling breakfasts, the attention to detail at this country-casual yet sophisticated boutique lodging impresses most guests. Rooms are in three buildings—11 in two hillside structures and 2 more below the lobby and breakfast area—and there are two garden cottages. All the accommodations, painted in soft soothing hues, contain upscale-contemporary furnishings and very comfortable beds (mostly kings) with luxurious sheets. All rooms have a patio or other outdoor seating area. Room amenities include bathrobes, complimentary snacks, refrigerators, Brita water filters, heated bathroom floors, and smart TVs.

On a slope of the Mayacamas range with gorgeous Sonoma Valley views, this working ranch, vineyard, winery, and lodging feels totally off the grid despite its location 2½ miles north of downtown Glen Ellen. From the decor and setting to the relaxed hospitality, nothing at the 105-acre property seems calculated or overly manicured. A stay at this spot owned by the same family for six generations provides a rare chance to experience the Wine Country lifestyle that predates the era of luxury inns and haute cuisine.

There's no other place in Sonoma or Napa quite like the Gaige House, which blends the best elements of a traditional country inn, a boutique hotel, and a secluded hideaway. Black and white predominate in the individually decorated guest rooms, with muted grays and lightish-brown hues softening the effect. The main house, an 1890 Queen Anne, contains more than half the rooms, whose features vary. Two newer structures hold Zen Suites, all of which have private gardens and deep granite soaking tubs. Some Zen suites face Calabazas Creek (these are the most desirable); others have interior courtyard views. Magnolia, oak, and other trees shade the backyard and its swimming pool and hot tub area.