With a lovely central plaza lined with antique and kitchen shops, restaurants, and inns, Healdsburg is one of the most charming towns in the Sonoma Valley. And with numerous tasting rooms on or near the plaza — including Kendall-Jackson, Todd Hollow, La Crema, and Souverain — you can taste dozens of wines here without ever moving the car.
Most Healdsburg hotels are within walking distance of the plaza, which has concerts, and farmers’ markets in summer, and tree-lightings and holiday markets in winter. A building boom in the 1870s produced many charming Victorian mansions, and several have been turned into world-class inns.
Healdsburg hotels on or near the plaza.
The only true luxury hotel in Healdsburg, Les Mars Hotel was opened in 2005 by a family of European hoteliers. As a member of the Relais & Chateaux group, service is extremely professional. When you enter the lobby with its Flemish tapestries, Louis XIV furniture, and wrought-iron balustrade, you may think you stepped into a French chateau. The 16 guest rooms and public areas are furnished with 18th- and 19th-century antiques, four poster beds, and white marble bathrooms. Many of the rooms have fireplaces and double showers or jetted soaking tubs. Third-floor rooms have 20-foot beamed ceilings and are between 425 and 550 square feet. The swimming pool is a welcome feature on warm August days. And the on-site Cyrus restaurant has won numerous awards, including two Michelin stars. Les Mars is one of the most expensive Sonoma Valley hotels.
The most modern hotel in town, the Hotel Healdsburg is a block off the plaza. Rooms are nicely equipped, in a modern, minimalist style — a pleasant break from the usual wine-country decor. Nice touches like in-room fridges, flat-screen HDTVs, and CD/MP3 players make guests feel right at home. Most rooms and suites have a balcony reached through French doors. And there’s a heated pool, a full-service spa, a fitness center, and computers with Internet access throughout the hotel. Renown chef Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen is one of the best restaurants in town. After dinner, you can cozy up next to the fireplace in the lobby with a glass of grappa from the bar. Travelers who demand up-to-the-minute services and amenities will enjoy the Hotel Healdsburg.
One of the Four Sisters Inns group, Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza is a nice choice for those who want the convenience of staying on the plaza. One of the best things about their inns is the quality of food and how often they feed you. From gourmet breakfasts in the mornings, to afternoon wine and hors d‘oeuvres, to evening sherry and cookies, eating well is part of the Four Sisters experience and it makes their properties a good value too. The inn was built in 1901, and its twelve beautifully restored rooms have high ceilings, fireplaces, bay windows, and other charming architectural touches.
Not far from the plaza, The Honor Mansion is in a restored Italianate Victorian that dates from 1883. Each of the rooms is unique, but all are beautifully decorated with nice fabrics and antiques. Thoughtful amenities like bathrobes, featherbeds, and imported toiletries make guests feel, pampered. There are five rooms in the mansion, several luxurious suites, and a private cottage. Many of the suites have decks, some with spa tubs. Guests can enjoy the lap pool, sun decks, and gardens. A gourmet breakfast in included each morning and sherry and biscuits are laid out in the evening. The Honor Mansion is a AAA Four Diamond Award winner.
Healdsburg hotels outside of town.
Also located in an old Victorian mansion, Madrona Manor is surrounded by eight acres of landscaped grounds, gardens, and woods. Because of the lovely setting, it’s a very popular wedding venue. And the excellent restaurant makes the most of the produce from the organic gardens. It’s about a mile from downtown Healdsburg. A variety of accommodations is available — 26 rooms with fireplaces or balconies, and five suites with separate bedrooms and living rooms. The swimming pool is heated during the season. Madrona Manor has won every award imaginable, and the restaurant has a Michelin star. Madrona Manor is one of the most popular hotels in Healdsburg.
The Sonoma Valley countryside is truly beautiful, and the Belle de Jour Inn offers the best of both worlds — a quiet countryside setting with easy access to town. A Victorian farmhouse, and five guest cottages from the 1870s are spread out over six acres that overlook the surrounding vineyards. Some rooms have fireplaces, decks, four-poster beds, or whirlpool tubs. All have wood floors, high ceilings, and luxurious bathrooms. The second-story caretaker’s room is especially nice. A full breakfast is included. Belle de Jour is a great choice for those who like peace and quiet.
Find Yountville hotel recommendations here. Or find Calistoga hotels here.