Hotel Review: The Lodge at Sonoma Resort, Autograph Collection

The Lodge at Sonoma Resort, Autograph Collection is a boutique luxury resort perfectly located near downtown Sonoma and walking distance to quaint shops and world-class restaurants at Sonoma Plaza.

The hotel is located in the world-famous wine region of Northern California in Sonoma Valley.  Napa may be more well-known, but the Sonoma Valley offers great wineries, restaurants and hotels as well.

Cradled between two mountain ranges and located only 45 minutes north of San Francisco, Sonoma Valley is an appealing vacation destination for travelers and the birthplace of the famed California wine industry.  

Sonoma Valley combines everything desired in a memorable travel experience – the finest wines, dining, lodging, and spas, a flourishing arts community, remarkable history and more than 13,000 acres of state and regional parkland. The valley also offers visitors beautiful scenery and a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere.

The 17-mile long “Valley of the Moon” is lined with hundreds of acres of vineyard lands where many of the state’s world-class wines are created. Sonoma Valley is blessed with exactly the right combination of soil, sun, seasonal moisture and geography for growing wine grapes of exceptional quality. As a result, this small valley today ranks as one of the finest wine producing regions in the world and has been designated as its own appellation.

Hotel Overview:

The Lodge at Sonoma Resort is new to the Marriott Autograph Collection as of last June 2021, formerly being a Marriott Renaissance Hotel, and fits the new brand perfectly.  Autograph Collection hotels are best described as "Exactly Like Nothing Else" and are a global collection of distinctive independent hotels carefully crafted to leave a lasting imprint.

The main building features a nicely decorated lobby and updated guestrooms and suites, along with a Benicia's Kitchen, where breakfast is served daily. 

Head through the back doors and you'll be greeted by a nice outdoor patio area that leads to the heated pool area.  Here you'll also find daily wine tasting and space to hang out and relax.  

Past the heated pool and pool deck is where this hotel really shines in my opinion, and where you can elevate your Sonoma experience in the newly updated cottages, featuring spacious sitting areas with private fireplaces and outdoor patios.  

 

On-site dining here includes:

• Benicia's Kitchen: Open for breakfast
• High Horse: Converted horse trailer turned poolside cocktail bar and is open Friday & Saturday, 3-7 PM
• Wit & Wisdom: Chef Michael Mina’s first venture into wine country dining and is open Wednesday to Sunday, 5-9 PM

Other hotel amenities here include a fitness center, Raindance Spa and heated outdoor pool and whirlpool.

It is also worth noting that there is a daily $45 resort fee here, which includes the following:

• Nightly wine reception
• Fitness classes
• Bottled water daily
• Self parking
• Shuttle service to Sonoma Plaza
• Use of resort bicycles

Accommodations:

All of the hotel's 182 guest rooms take a cue from their wine-country location with yellow and purple decor, while balconies and fireplaces (available in most rooms) set the scene for a relaxing and romantic getaway.

For our recent stay here, we were in a Cottage Suite Double, which features 2 Double beds, sofa bed, fireplace and outdoor patio with a fireplace as well.

The cottages are perfect for families to relax in and for those looking for a little more privacy and space to enjoy. 

Overall Impression:

Overall, I would recommend a stay here if you're looking to vacation in Sonoma Valley.  From the various room options available, onsite amenities and location near Sonoma Plaza (and across from Train Town for kids), this hotel checks all of the boxes you'd expect and will provide a great base for exploring Sonoma and Sonoma Valley.