When the COVID-19 pandemic put travel on pause, a number of hotels in Northern California’s wine country took advantage the best way they knew how — by forging forward with newbuilds and hotel renovations.
The result? Northern California wine country might be better than ever, and new and repeat visitors are reaping the benefits.
Here are a few of the new options to keep on your radar.
New Hotel Properties in Northern California Wine Country
After four years of renovations, The George, a nine-room luxury boutique hotel, opened in March 2021. Originally built in 1891 as the residence of George Goodman Jr. (the son of a prominent Napa Valley businessman) the Queen Ann Victorian is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Original features including braided inlay hardwood floors, chandeliers and woodworking on the grand staircase were preserved. The property’s nine rooms offer modern touches such as smart televisions and heated bathroom floors alongside original wavy lead glass windows and high ceilings wrapped with crown molding. Located in downtown Napa, the historic inn is walking distance from Oxbow Public Market, the river, restaurants, shops and tasting rooms.
Originally built as a residence in 1891, The George is now a nine-room boutique luxury hotel.
Credit: 2021 Visit Napa ValleyNapa and Sonoma may be best known for wine, but luxury resorts have become a huge draw in recent years. Arguably the swankiest hotel in Sonoma County, the Montage Healdsburg features 130 bungalow-style guestrooms, a zero-edge pool overlooking the resort’s vineyards (tended to by internationally renowned winemaker Jesse Katz), as well as a family pool and an 11,500-square-foot spa. The Healdsburg property is Montage Hotels & Resorts’ first resort in Northern California. The Montage Healdsburg offers a variety of on-site dining options; signature restaurant Hazel Hill serves a locally sourced, seasonally driven menu.
The Montage Healdsburg is the first hotel in Northern California from Montage Hotels & Resorts.
Credit: 2021 The Montage HealdsburgA working farm and ranch, this eco-friendly resort offers clients the chance to schedule WimHof breathing experiences that culminate with ice baths — or lakeside sound therapy utilizing Tibetan song bowls — in between visits to Healdsburg, a popular wine-tasting spot. The Ranch Estate features four bedrooms and a bonus platform glamping tent (where a six-night minimum stay is required.) Meanwhile, the two-bedroom, two-bathroom, solar-powered Barn provides an immersive farm experience for guests staying a minimum of 30 nights. The 123-acre biodynamic retreat also offers farm classes on composting and permaculture, plant-based cooking classes, tea-making and flower-arranging sessions.
Guests at NewTree ranch can book WimHof breathing experiences that culminate in ice baths.
Credit: 2021 NewTree RanchRenovated Hotel Properties in Napa Valley Wine Country
Set on 3 acres overlooking the Napa River, Milliken Creek Inn received a head-to-toe redesign in spring 2021. No two of the inn’s 11 rooms are exactly alike. Many enjoy river views, balconies or patios, and four now boast private fire pits. All feature king-size beds, Bluetooth Tivoli speakers, Apple TV, Nespresso machines and s’mores kits. Quite possibly the only thing that hasn’t changed? Milliken Inn’s delicious complimentary breakfast, delivered to your doorstep.
Some guestrooms at Milliken Creek Inn now include private fire pits.
Credit: 2021 Four Sisters CollectionFounded in 1952 by John “Doc” Wilkinson and his wife, Edy, the iconic Calistoga, resort just emerged from a multimillion-dollar renovation that updated its 50 rooms (including one room with its own Peloton bike), remodeled the spa and added a new restaurant with oodles of outdoor space. Colorful new murals give guests even more reason to smile while soaking in the resort’s outdoor geothermal mineral pools.
One guestroom comes equipped with a Peloton bike.
Credit: 2021 Codi Ann BackmanRenovated Hotel Properties in Sonoma County Wine Country
Built in 1957, the mid-century hotel in Santa Rosa has been lovingly modernized, but the ‘50s charm remains. The multimillion-dollar renovation added fun nostalgic touches to the Flamingo’s 170 guestrooms and suites, such as mint-green Trimline telephones and a new poolside restaurant, Lazeaway Club. Spread across 10 acres, the resort also features a full-service health club and spa, cycling studio, five tennis courts and two pools.
The lobby at Flamingo Resort
Credit: 2021 Flamingo ResortAfter a $17 million, property-wide remodel, The Lodge at Sonoma joined Marriott International’s Autograph Collection. All 182 guestrooms, suites and cottage accommodations have been redesigned; some now offer private outdoor patios with soaking tubs and fireplaces. From the massive tapestry depicting nearby Sonoma Plaza to photos of Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, the founder of the city of Sonoma, tributes to the hotel’s backyard can be found throughout its public spaces. The property is also home to Chef Michael Mina’s first wine country restaurant, Wit & Wisdom.
The Lodge at Sonoma underwent a property-wide remodel.
Credit: 2021 The Lodge at Sonoma, Autograph CollectionFormerly known as the Applewood Inn, The Stavrand dates back to the 1920s. Located in the Russian River Valley, the nearly 6-acre property has just 21 guestrooms set among towering redwoods and fruit orchards that boast a variety of trees including fig, quince, apricot, pear and apple. (Most of the apple trees were planted a century ago by the property’s original owner, Ralph “Rooster” Belden.) When not out and about exploring wine country, guests can enjoy the pool, or hop in complimentary kayaks and inner tubes and go for a float in the nearby Russian River. (Editor’s note: The Stavrand is now set to open at the end of August.)
