4 Best Hotels in Sonoma, Napa and Sonoma

The sturdy metal gate of this vacation-rental complex near Sonoma Plaza opens into a leafy courtyard fronting three buildings containing smartly furnished studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom accommodations with kitchens or kitchenettes. The two-bedroom suites occupy the two-story 1907 stone structure that anchors the property. They're good choices for families or couples traveling together, but the studios and one-bedroom options are also commodious and comfortable.

With just six rooms, the Ledson feels intimate, and the furnishings and amenities—down beds, mood lighting, gas fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and balconies for enjoying breakfast or a glass of wine—stack up well against Wine Country rooms costing more, especially in high season. Toss in a caring staff and the ground-floor tasting lounge, and this really is one of downtown Sonoma’s best lodging options.

Groups or those who simply prefer lodgings that feel more like home should consider these two-bedroom suites just off Sonoma Plaza. All have fully stocked kitchens (cookware, dishes, utensils)—although with several of Sonoma's best restaurants nearby, you may not do much cooking. Each suite comes with air-conditioning, a gas fireplace, a patio or balcony, Wi-Fi access, and washer/dryer, and all the bedrooms have California-king beds.

Delivering romance and relaxation is the raison d'être of this courtyard complex 1½ blocks north of Sonoma Plaza. Near restaurants, shops, and tasting rooms but quiet and seemingly off the beaten path, the Cottage Inn pleases sensitive travelers with serene style and graceful touches. Mexican-tile floors, leather furniture, and, in some rooms, brown wooden doors recall Sonoma’s 19th-century origins, but with the white walls and mostly pastel shades a mildly New Age sensibility prevails. Room types range from a spacious suite with a full kitchen to a small but not cramped courtyard room that's a bargain in high season.