One of the prettiest and most popular towns to visit while exploring Sonoma Valley is Healdsburg. Just 45 miles north of San Francisco, the historic small town is nestled along the Russian River and Dry Creek wine country. The social hub is a small square town plaza surrounded by independent shops, galleries, restaurants and the boutique Hotel Healdsburg.
Built in 2001, the modern concrete and glass Hotel Healdsburg recently renovated and refreshed their 55 guest rooms and oversized bathrooms.
The three level hotel offers spacious double queen and king beds fitted with soft Egyptian cotton bedding. The soft pale blue throw blanket and decorative pillows, plus muted cloud paintings by Wade Hoefer offer a pop of decorative colors. There is a convenient bedside lighting system to shut the lights off while in bed, and a Bluetooth audio system to play your favorite tunes.
Rooms are enhanced with custom headboards, dressers and bedframes crafted of wood salvaged from ancient bay laurel trees. Stylish shutters open to a balcony or patio overlooking the historic town plaza, hotel gardens, courtyard or bucolic Sonoma countryside.
Besides coffee service, there are an array of complimentary local snacks for guests to enjoy and beverages in the small refrigerator.
All guest rooms feature oversized bathrooms lined with marble and Bisazza glass tile. Some have a large soaking tub with bath salts, and a spacious walk-in shower. Frette bathrobes and slippers can be discovered in the wardrobe cabinet.
Culinary Delights
Guests start the morning with an elegant display of light breakfast items that include fresh fruit and juice, baked goods, yogurt and granola, plus cups of Taylor Made coffee and Mighty Leaf hot tea. There is also the option to order hot breakfast items at an additional charge.
Those staying Thursday through Saturday are invited to a complimentary wine tasting in the lobby and lounge from 3 to 5 p.m.
A gathering spot at sundown is the Fireplace Lounge offering wines by the glass or craft cocktail with light fare. Those choosing to dine at the hotel can enjoy elevated wine country fare at the award-winning Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen. Guests can select from a three-course prix fixe dinner or five-course tasting menu paired with well-curated wines in an intimate and celebratory atmosphere.
Pizzando is located at the corner of the hotel overlooking the town plaza. There is a small interior dining area and outdoor tables at this lively, casual Italian restaurant. Menu items include pizzas emerging from the wood-fired oven, vegetable dishes, hearty seasonal antipasti, American Wagyu burgers, and hand-crafted pastas made with local organic eggs. Beverages include local beer, local wines and creative bottled cocktails.
The vineyards and hills surrounding Healdsburg can be enjoyed while pedaling on smooth paved bike paths and roads. The hotel has an array of signature bikes for guests to take for a casual ride among light traffic for picturesque views of farm animals and rows of serene vineyards throughout Sonoma Valley.
Be sure to put Hotel Healdburg on your 2023 Bucket List
Image Source: Kiwi Collection
