Northern California’s Best Hotels: Sonoma and Napa Lead the Way
When it comes to luxury stays in Northern California, Sonoma and Napa hotels set the standard for excellence.
Condé Nast Traveler recently announced the results of its 2024 Readers’ Choice awards. Sonoma County and Napa Valley hotels dominated the awards list of top 20 hotels in Northern California. The Sonoma Coast’s The Lodge at Bodega Bay emerging not only as the No. 1 hotel in Northern California, but also the No. 1 hotel in the world.
According to Condé Nast Traveler, more than 575,000 readers across the United States weighed in on this year’s survey. Ratings were submitted online during the sweepstakes period of April 1 through June 30, 2024. You can read more about how the results were tabulated here.
The Lodge at Bodega Bay. (Caitlin Atkinson/The Lodge at Bodega Bay)
No. 1: The Lodge at Bodega Bay
Snagging the highest ranking on the top 20 hotels in Northern California list, the coastal retreat places above the likes of Big Sur’s Post Ranch Inn and Sausalito’s Cavallo Point.
The Lodge at Bodega Bay is one of four Woodside Collection properties to make the top 20 list. Other Woodside hotels that made the list include Napa Valley Lodge, coming in at No. 6; St. Helena’s Harvest Inn at No. 16; and Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa at No. 14.
The Lodge at Bodega Bay, 103 Coast Highway One, Bodega Bay, 707-875-3525, lodgeatbodegabay.com
Farmhouse Inn in Forestville. (Courtesy of Farmhouse Inn)
No. 3: Farmhouse Inn
Set on 10 acres in the Russian River Valley, Farmhouse Inn has collected a long list of awards and accolades in its more than 20-year history.
Siblings Catherine and Joe Bartolomei co-own the hotel, along with Sonoma Valley vintner Bill Foley, and it’s one of two Foley Entertainment Group hotels in Sonoma County on the top 20 list. Fresh off a multi-year renovation, Sonoma’s MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa came in at No. 10.
Farmhouse Inn, 7871 River Road, Forestville, 707-887-3300, farmhouseinn.com
No. 7: Vintage House at The Estate Yountville
Set within walking distance of just about everything in Yountville, Vintage House is one of two hotel properties on Washington Street at The Estate Yountville.
Its sister property, Hotel Villagio, took No. 12 on Conde Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards list of top 20 hotels in Northern California.
Vintage House at Estate Yountville, 6481 Washington St., Yountville, 707-927-2188, theestateyountville.com/stay/vintage-house
Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford. (Courtesy Auberge du Soleil)
No. 8: Auberge du Soleil, Auberge Resorts Collection
Inspired by the south of France, the restaurant at this Rutherford property has been awarded a Michelin Star for 17 consecutive years. Auberge du Soleil, Auberge Resorts Collection, also holds the Michelin guide’s most prestigious “Three Key” distinction along with just 16 other hotels in the country.
180 Rutherford Hill Road, Rutherford, 707-963-1211, aubergeresorts.com/aubergedusoleil
No. 15: Archer Hotel
Smack dab in the heart of downtown Napa and an easy walk to the city’s ever-growing list of wine tasting rooms, restaurants and shops, the Archer also boasts a cool rooftop pool.
1230 First St., Napa, 707-690-9800, archerhotel.com/napa
Many guest rooms at The Sea Ranch Lodge offer cozy window seats that encourage guests to take in coastal views. (Adam Potts)
No. 17: The Sea Ranch Lodge
No two of the 17 recently redesigned guest rooms are the same. However, the notion of “living lightly on the land” is consistent throughout each accommodation at The Sea Ranch Lodge.
60 Sea Walk Drive, Sea Ranch, 707-579-9777, thesearanchlodge.com
No. 18: Dawn Ranch
With sought-after access to the Russian River, accommodations at Dawn Ranch come in a variety of configurations. Lodging options range from luxe glamping tents and one-room cabins to two-bedroom bungalows with a full kitchen.
16467 Highway 116, Guerneville, 707-869-0656, dawnranch.com
Full article at Sonoma Magazine.