3 Best Hotels in Sonoma, Napa and Sonoma

Guests at this 7-acre boutique property five blocks south of Sonoma Plaza bask in ritzy seclusion in plush accommodations set amid landscaped gardens. On land once part of a ranch established in the 19th century, the hotel takes its architectural cues from a circa-1850s Victorian home that now holds 10 guest rooms. Newer buildings contain 59 more accommodations, among them two cottages and several garden suites. The rooms, many with gas fireplaces, have the same beige, light brown, soft white, and black color scheme that predominates in the public areas. Layla, for Mediterranean cuisine, is the main restaurant.

The draw at this mission-style resort is the extensive spa with its array of massages and treatments, some designed for couples. The focus on fitness and rejuvenation extends to an adjacent 7,100-yard golf course winding through trees and vineyards, a changing schedule of fitness classes, and guided hiking excursions on Fridays and weekends. Fairmont and Deluxe guest rooms aren't large (some of the former are less than 300 square feet) but are supremely comfortable; some have patios or balconies. Vineyard (500 square feet) and Mission (550 square feet) suites feel roomier and have fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs. Most Vineyard Suites have patios or balconies, as do some Mission ones. A few Legacy Collection one-bedroom suites range from 600 to 1,010 square feet. The chefs at the resort's Santé restaurant prepare modern American cuisine.

Handsome public areas and a destination restaurant by celebrity chef Michael Mina are among the selling points of this 10-acre, two-story, Mission Revival–style resort. A mural behind the front desk and the lobby's salon-style assemblage of paintings, drawings, photos, and ceramic plates highlight Sonoma's history. Mina's Wit & Wisdom Tavern is the fine-dining option, and there's a smaller café for breakfast and lunch. The fitness center's off to one side; the full spa at the back of the landscaped property contains a large outdoor relaxation area. Most rooms measure just under 400 square feet, with several junior suites slightly larger. Done in muted tones, all the accommodations have pillow-top mattresses, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and small refrigerators. Most have private outdoor seating areas, some with tubs.