Best Value Hotels in Sonoma

Picture of Jeanne Cooper

Jeanne Cooper

After two decades of visiting Hawaii as a travel writer and wife of a triathlete, Jeanne now shares news and views of the islands from her home base on the Kohala Coast.

Although slightly less expensive than Napa Valley, Sonoma’s Wine Country also doesn’t offer a lot of bargains when it comes to lodgings. You’ll find lower prices in winter and early spring, due to the cooler, sometimes rainy weather and lack of fruit or foliage on the grapevines, but weekends and holidays anytime of the year will command high prices. Still, some hotels with moderate or at least less exorbitant prices can offer good value for the money, thanks to a combination of location, charm and/or amenities. Here are five of our favorite places to find a relative deal, listed from Sonoma in the south to Healdsburg in the north.

A cozy bedroom in one of the best value hotels Sonoma offers, featuring a neatly made double bed, wooden headboard, and white bedding. A nightstand with a lamp sits beside the bed. The room has white walls and large windows with French doors leading to a balcony, where a cushioned chair awaits.
Photo: Courtesy of Beltane Ranch

Beltane Ranch

Home to vineyards since 1879, this 105-acre “regeneratively farmed” ranch in rural Glen Ellen also includes olive and heirloom fruit orchards, produce gardens, chickens, sheep, donkeys, bee hives and a five-room inn. The light-filled guest rooms with queen beds combine Victorian and modern furnishings; some also offer a twin daybed. All have private entrances and outdoor porch seating for enjoying the complimentary, ranch-sourced breakfast.

Highlights: 

  • French doors provide sweeping valley and vineyard views, while air conditioning and in-room wine cellars help guests and their wine finds stay cool on long, sunny days.
  • Guests can also find a tennis court, horseshoe pit, fire pit, lounges and hammocks for R&R amid the spacious grounds, with treats provided for feeding the animals.
A person relaxes on a colorful striped inflatable float in a swimming pool during their wine country getaway. The individual is wearing sunglasses and a white swimsuit, lying back with one arm resting on the float and the other hand touching the clear, sparkling water as sunlight dances across the surface.
Photo: Courtesy of Flamingo Resort

Flamingo Resort

Centrally located in Sonoma’s most populated city, Santa Rosa, the historic Flamingo Resort has been a beloved landmark for decades thanks to the iconic 65-foot twirling flamingo in front. A favorite destination for the swanky Hollywood set in the ’60s, and a popular conference center in recent years, the entire 10-acre property has had a major renovation to bring it back to its well-deserved glory. Shaped like a wheel, the property has 156 guest rooms, 14 suites, two on-site eateries, and a centrally-located expansive heated pool. 

Highlights:

  • Access to a 20,000 square-foot full-service health club and spa right next to the property
  • Aim for a midweek getaways for the best prices.
A cozy bedroom with a large bed, white linens, and a cushioned headboard. The room features a fireplace with a marble surround, perfect for those seeking the ambiance found in the best romantic hotels Sonoma offers. A mounted TV, small seating area with patterned chairs, desk, and windows with beige blinds complement the light yellow walls.
Photo: Courtesy of Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza

Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza

The name reveals its enviable location, right on the main square of trendy Healdsburg, but doesn’t convey the charm of its 1901 building. High ceilings and tall windows create a sense of spaciousness in the 12 guest rooms, some with balconies, exposed brick walls and/or period details like claw-foot tubs and crown moldings. As a member of the Four Sisters Inns collection, rates include a chef-made breakfast for two, delivered to your room, as well as a “mini-picnic” bag of wine, cheese and homemade cookies.

Highlights:

  • Parking in Healdsburg can be tight, but hotel staff can take your bags and offer pointers on where to park when you arrive.
  • Concierge services are also complimentary and can help focus forays into Healdsburg and the Russian River Valley’s rich trove of wineries and restaurants; check out a free loaner bicycle for two-wheel touring around town.
A cozy bedroom in one of the Best Romantic Hotels Sonoma, featuring a large bed adorned with white linens and striped pillows. A tray with glasses and snacks is on the bed. The room boasts a fireplace, a TV above it, and a door leading to a balcony with outdoor seating. Light streams through the windows.
Photo: Courtesy of Inn at Sonoma

Inn at Sonoma

Just a block off the town of Sonoma’s historic plaza, this member of the Four Sisters Inns boutique hotel brand offers gas fireplaces in its 27 rooms, with 19 in the modern main building and eight in the neighboring, renovated Vintners Cottage. While amenities like private patios and jetted tubs and the palette vary among the rooms with a queen, king or two queen beds, all benefit from the daily hot breakfast and wine and cheese “mini picnic” in a brown bag, with fresh-made cookies also tucked inside.

Highlights:

  • The two-story, wood-paneled inn is set back from busy Broadway (Highway 12) within an easy walk of tasting rooms, cafes, shops, the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art and the northernmost mission founded by Spanish monks in colonial times.
  • Loaner bikes (first-come, first-serve) make even more of the area’s sights accessible.
A quaint single-story house with green siding and red trim is surrounded by lush greenery and blooming flowers. A small brick pillar supports the porch roof near the front door. In the foreground, a decorative fountain sits amid vibrant garden plants, reminiscent of some of the best value hotels in Sonoma.
Photo: Courtesy of Jack London Lodge

Jack London Lodge

Glen Ellen is a sylvan bend in the road in the heart of Sonoma Valley, which celebrates the legacy of former resident and author Jack London at Jack London State Historic Park and at the vintage Jack London Saloon on the grounds of this quaint, 22-room lodge on Sonoma Creek. Rooms have hardwood floors, carved headboards and antique furnishings; outside a leafy courtyard awaits with pool, spa and views of the hilly Valley of the Moon.

Highlights:

  • Rates include an ample breakfast with eggs, cereal and toast to prep for exploring nearby attractions like Benziger Family Winery or Sonoma Botanical Garden. Afterward, enjoy drinks on the creekside patio or in the saloon, which features an antique oak bar showcasing local wines and craft beer, open till 2 am.
  • The locals’ hangout also serves a mean burger and other comfort food till 9 pm.
A two-story building with a wraparound porch is warmly lit in the evening. It is surrounded by trees, and the exterior is painted in light colors. The building has multiple doors on both levels, each with its own porch light, giving it a welcoming appearance reminiscent of an intercontinental retreat.
Photo: Courtesy of Olea Hotel

Olea Hotel

Set on a striking Glen Ellen hillside, family-owned Olea Hotel offers an idea location for exploring Sonoma Valley, while at the same time offering a number of amenities that make it okay to simply enjoy relaxing and staying put. Hang by the pool, curl up with a book by a firepit, or book a massage.

Highlights:

  • A two-course gourmet breakfast is included with every stay. Think choices like baked eggs in shakshuka, acai bowls and fresh baked scones.
  • Complimentary wine and snacks each evening.
  • Partnerships the hotel has formed with local tour companies and wineries provide guests with access to special offers and discounts.
A modern bedroom in one of the best value hotels Sonoma offers, featuring a white bed with a wooden headboard and patterned pillows. Two bedside tables with lamps flank the bed. The walls display colorful abstract art. A desk with a chair, a small basket, and a stack of books is situated to the right.
Photo: Courtesy of The Astro

The Astro

Originally built in 1963, this once rundown roadside motel in downtown Santa Rosa received a top-to bottom re-do in 2017, restoring its charm and nostalgia. Rooms at The Astro are furnished with fun mid-century modern pieces sourced from across the country by the property’s owners. If you find a piece you can’t imagine living without, you can buy it and take it home.

Highlights:

  • The Astro caters to bike enthusiasts. Shinola Bikes are available to rent. If you bring your own wheels, staff can also assist with basic repairs.
  • Pet-friendly rooms are available.
A cozy hotel room at one of the best value hotels Sonoma offers features a neatly made bed with crisp white linens and a light gray throw. A small white dog sits on the bed. The room also includes a modern table and chair, a wall-mounted light, a television, and simple, light wooden decor.
Photo: Courtesy of The Sandman Hotel

The Sandman Hotel

This quirky, playful modern motel lies just off Highway 101 in urban Santa Rosa, but wineries and tasting rooms are closer than you think. The 135 stark rooms are lightly furnished, brightened by mid-century-modern furniture with navy or peach accents and abstract wall hangings. A large, heated year-round pool and spa beckon guests to linger outside; dog owners can book one of the pet-friendly rooms with convenient access to a grassy area and complimentary doggy bags among other amenities.

Highlights:

  • Adults will appreciate the light fare and libations at the indoor-outdoor Pool House and Bar, while all ages will gravitate to the pool and large lawn with bocce court and fire pit.
  • The Family Suite, which can accommodate up to five guests in three beds, provides a large seating area and comes stocked with games for kids.

Did we miss your favorite hotel?
 Let us know — email us at stay@localgetaways.com or tag us @localgetaways.

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