Review: The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa
Hotel Overview:
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is located in the heart of California's Sonoma Valley Wine Country and is one of a few hotels in the United States to feature natural hot-springs mineral water flowing directly beneath it, filling its pools and spa.
The main draw of this resort is its location in Wine Country, an 18-hole championship golf course available for hotel guests and members only, as well as it's famous Willow Stream Spa. The spa features mineral baths, a sauna, a steam room, watsu pool and also offers massage and salon services.
The main swimming pool is available for guests year-round and features a seasonal outdoor cafe that serves drinks and snack items.
Many of the guestrooms offer a fireplace and a balcony, but some of the rooms may feel smaller than you'd typically expect due to the older Spanish Mission style buildings the property is on. However, there are lots of choices for selecting a particular guest room including suites and other remodeled rooms. For my most recent stay here, I was in a regular King Room and felt the room was nicely decorated and paid homage to the Fairmont brand and the era in which the hotel traces its roots to.
Lastly, valet parking will run you $35, but self parking is also available complimentary if you prefer that option.
On-Site Dining Options:
There are lots of great dining options in and around Sonoma, but if your prefer to stay on-site, there are three restaurants available to choose from which include a seasonal outdoor cafe and also a lounge just off of the main lobby area. Room service is also available if you prefer that option.
Sante Restaurant is the hotel's premier dining experience and has earned a national reputation for its outstanding food and is a recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award and also carries a Michelin designation. It is amongst the top-rated restaurants in the greater San Francisco Bay Area and is only open for dinner.
The Big 3 Restaurant is located on the North corner of the property and features American cuisine in a casual bistro atmosphere. The Big 3 is open for breakfast and lunch and if there is certain menu item you love, it is good to know that all recipes are available upon request if you want to try to recreate it yourself at home.
38º North is a lounge located in the main lobby area of the hotel and offers a great selection of wine by the glass from local and international wineries and also has a nice selection of appetizers.
The Water Tower is a seasonal outdoor cafe located poolside offering drinks and light meals and snacks
And lastly, if you've enjoyed your day playing golf, there is the Sonoma Golf Club Grill featuring Wine Country cuisine located in the golf clubhouse about a mile down from the hotel along Boyes Blvd.
My Experience:
Based on my experience here, the Fairmont Sonoma is a perfect place for a couples getaway, a wine country visit if you're interested in visiting area wineries or a great place to relax and enjoy the spa facilities and get a round of golf in.
For our weekend getway here, we booked an Ensemble Travel Package (available through an affiliated Ensemble Travel Advisor), which featured a full American breakfast at Big 3, a $100 spa credit, free Wi-Fi and a welcome amenity for the same price available online at the Fairmont website and at other Online Travel Agencies (OTA), such as Expedia and Priceline.
Since the hotel is located just a short five minute drive from downtown Sonoma, it is a great place to stay at while you explore the surrounding Sonoma Wine Country area and attractions.
Historic Sonoma Square has lots of shops, restaurants, activities and other year-round events to enjoy. You can also hop on the Sonoma Wine Trolley or enjoy kid-friendly Sonoma TrainTown, a very short drive away from downtown Sonoma.
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is located in the heart of California's Sonoma Valley Wine Country and is one of a few hotels in the United States to feature natural hot-springs mineral water flowing directly beneath it, filling its pools and spa.
The main draw of this resort is its location in Wine Country, an 18-hole championship golf course available for hotel guests and members only, as well as it's famous Willow Stream Spa. The spa features mineral baths, a sauna, a steam room, watsu pool and also offers massage and salon services.
The hotel grounds are immaculately manicured and feature a nice pool, fire pits to enjoy for chilly nights and tranquil water fountains throughout the property.
The main swimming pool is available for guests year-round and features a seasonal outdoor cafe that serves drinks and snack items.
Many of the guestrooms offer a fireplace and a balcony, but some of the rooms may feel smaller than you'd typically expect due to the older Spanish Mission style buildings the property is on. However, there are lots of choices for selecting a particular guest room including suites and other remodeled rooms. For my most recent stay here, I was in a regular King Room and felt the room was nicely decorated and paid homage to the Fairmont brand and the era in which the hotel traces its roots to.
Guests also have access to complimentary perks and other amenities such as complimentary wine tasting in the living room style lobby and hikes or fitness classes.
Other nice features include a complimentary bottle of wine available in each room and if you are a member of the Fairmont President's Club (the Fairmont's hotel loyalty program) you have the option of having workout clothes and shoes delivered to your room for use while staying at the property. This great benefit is courtesy of the Fairmont's relationship with Reebok and their 'Fairmont Fit Program'.
Lastly, valet parking will run you $35, but self parking is also available complimentary if you prefer that option.
On-Site Dining Options:
There are lots of great dining options in and around Sonoma, but if your prefer to stay on-site, there are three restaurants available to choose from which include a seasonal outdoor cafe and also a lounge just off of the main lobby area. Room service is also available if you prefer that option.
Sante Restaurant is the hotel's premier dining experience and has earned a national reputation for its outstanding food and is a recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award and also carries a Michelin designation. It is amongst the top-rated restaurants in the greater San Francisco Bay Area and is only open for dinner.
The Big 3 Restaurant is located on the North corner of the property and features American cuisine in a casual bistro atmosphere. The Big 3 is open for breakfast and lunch and if there is certain menu item you love, it is good to know that all recipes are available upon request if you want to try to recreate it yourself at home.
38º North is a lounge located in the main lobby area of the hotel and offers a great selection of wine by the glass from local and international wineries and also has a nice selection of appetizers.
The Water Tower is a seasonal outdoor cafe located poolside offering drinks and light meals and snacks
And lastly, if you've enjoyed your day playing golf, there is the Sonoma Golf Club Grill featuring Wine Country cuisine located in the golf clubhouse about a mile down from the hotel along Boyes Blvd.
My Experience:
Based on my experience here, the Fairmont Sonoma is a perfect place for a couples getaway, a wine country visit if you're interested in visiting area wineries or a great place to relax and enjoy the spa facilities and get a round of golf in.
For our weekend getway here, we booked an Ensemble Travel Package (available through an affiliated Ensemble Travel Advisor), which featured a full American breakfast at Big 3, a $100 spa credit, free Wi-Fi and a welcome amenity for the same price available online at the Fairmont website and at other Online Travel Agencies (OTA), such as Expedia and Priceline.
Historic Sonoma Square has lots of shops, restaurants, activities and other year-round events to enjoy. You can also hop on the Sonoma Wine Trolley or enjoy kid-friendly Sonoma TrainTown, a very short drive away from downtown Sonoma.
I plan on writing about some of the great area attractions you can enjoy year-round in a upcoming post on the website.
