5 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 exterior of this property between Sonoma and Glen Ellen says "motel," but the design sensibility and customer service are more quaint country inn, with the rates splitting the difference. Many patrons return year after year, so book well ahead in summer and early fall, especially on weekends. A few blocks west of Highway 12 in a residential neighborhood, the inn is popular with pro bicyclists and serious amateurs. The small but cheerful rooms, a handful pet-friendly and most with patios or balconies, are individually decorated with painted wooden armoires and brightly colored contemporary artwork. All rooms have air-conditioning, Keurig coffeemakers, small refrigerators, and 32-inch flat-screen TVs with cable. Free rollaway beds are available for kids.

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.

Little luxuries delight at this well-run inn ¼ mile south of Sonoma Plaza whose guest rooms, softly lit and done in pastels, have comfortable beds topped with feather comforters and plenty of pillows. The rooms aren’t huge, but you'd be hard-pressed to find this much charm for the price elsewhere in town. Part of the Four Sisters Inns chain of small hotels in popular vacation destinations, this property has an exceptionally gracious staff. The inn isn’t the Sonoma Plaza area’s most intimate lodging, but it feels cozy, and a full breakfast is laid out every morning.

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.