Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Off-season rates plummet. Reserve ahead. Ask about parking; some historic inns have no
lots. Also consider Glen Ellen and, if counting pennies, Santa Rosa.
Sonoma Chalet
B&B
shared bath $140, r $160-180, cottages $195-225; )
A historic farmstead surrounded by rolling hills, Sonoma Chalet has rooms in a Swiss
chalet-style house adorned with little balconies and country-style bric-a-brac. We love the
free-standing cottages; Laura's has a wood-burning fireplace. All rooms come with break-
fast, which is served on a deck overlooking a nature preserve. No air-con in rooms with
shared bath. No phones, no internet.
Sonoma Hotel
HISTORIC HOTEL
incl breakfast $170-200, ste $250; )
Long on charm, this good-value, vintage-1880s hotel, decorated with country-style
willow-wood furnishings, sits right on the plaza. Double-pane glass blocks the noise, but
there's no elevator or parking lot.
Swiss Hotel
HISTORIC HOTEL
fast Mon-Fri $150-170, Sat & Sun $200-240; )
It opened in 1905, so you'll forgive the wavy floors. The floral prints are likewise dated,
but rooms are large, good value, and share a plaza-view balcony. Downstairs there's a
raucous bar and restaurant. No parking lot or elevator.
Windhaven Cottage
COTTAGE
Ave; cottage $155-165; )
Great-bargain Windhaven has two units: a hideaway cottage with vaulted wooden ceilings
and a fireplace, and a handsome 800-sq-ft studio. We prefer the romantic cottage. Both
have hot tubs. Tennis facilities, bicycles and barbecues sweeten the deal.