Set amidst acres of rolling vineyards and towering redwoods, travelers who follow California’s Russian River west towards the breathtaking Sonoma coast through the Valley will arrive in the quaint towns of Guerneville - a logging community turned insider retreat with a growing gastronomic scene - and Forestville - a longtime bohemian hideaway for artists and writers. It is these two towns that a new collective of unique and notable hotels, now known as Russian River Boutique Hotels, call home. Featuring some of the very best in West Sonoma, the properties include:
The Stavrand Hotel Russian River features 21 completely renovated guest rooms within three beautiful historic buildings, including the registered landmark Belden House. Just a 10-minute stroll from Russian River and the charming Main Street of Guerneville, the 6-acre property is nestled on a hill amongst towering redwoods, immersing guests in nature and encouraging them to detach from the everyday grind. Whether looking to unwind in the Stavrand's swimming pool or to make a wish in a magical Redwood "fairy ring", the hands-on team customizes an upscale, yet unstuffy valley experience. By day, guests can hop in a kayak on the river, and by night, find themselves at an apertif hour before slipping into an outdoor soaking tub to watch the stars. www.thestavrand.com
Spread over 10 gorgeous acres, Farmhouse Inn is a charming, luxury boutique retreat, re-conceptualized by Joe and Catherine Bartolomei, two siblings belonging to a family of fifth-generation Sonoma winemakers who are still deeply ingrained in creating an experience that feels like home. Created in celebration of the Russian River Valley community, from the brilliant local artists whose pieces adorn the walls to local cheese makers and farmers who provide its acclaimed restaurant with only the best ingredients, this iconic property has been a notable pioneer in putting West Sonoma County on the map. Whether guests choose to indulge in a premium holistic experience like forest bathing at the Wellness Barn, sip on local wines during a nightly tasting from 25 exclusive partners, or relax in the courtyard with a game of croquet, Farmhouse is a luxury Sonoma haven that should not be missed. www.farmhouseinn.com
An oasis away from the chaos, boon hotel + spa is a hip boutique hotel nestled among the old-growth redwoods of Russian River Valley. Providing an affordable yet modern stay with a come-as-you-are vibe, boon is home to a range of accommodation options from glamping tents and a LoveBug camper to traditional hotel rooms. Guests can lounge by the solar-heated pool, play a lawn game in the sunshine while sipping on a glass of local wine from the honor bar, unwind with a massage at the on-site spa, or simply listen to vintage vinyl on one of the in-room turntables! While breakfast is hand-delivered daily, visitors can also taste some of the best cuisine Guerneville has to offer at local restaurants, courtesy of the hotel's visionary founder and Chef, Crista Luedtke. www.boonhotels.com
The new, reimagined Dawn Ranch was designed as a love letter to Northern California’s native beauty. Set on a sprawling 22 acres in Guerneville, the property is home to rolling meadows, a vintage apple orchard, and two rare Dawn Redwood trees. Guests of this river front retreat can choose from a variety of accommodations and are encouraged to reconnect with nature (and disconnect from TVs and phones) through experiences like Starlit Bathing in Redwood Tubs at the on-site spa, floating along the river, or enjoying garden-to-table cuisine at The Lodge at Dawn Ranch.The resort also offers a curated selection of creative programming and amenities ranging from digital music lessons through a partnership with Fender Guitars to intention-setting ceremonies timed with the moon cycles. www.dawnranch.com
AutoCamp Russian River offers a modern-day camping experience in the heart of West Sonoma County. Surrounded by soaring redwoods, AutoCamp provides adventurers and explorers with a selection of updated Airstream suites and spacious canvas tents that rely on ingenious, compact design. The ultimate Wine Country glamping experience, travelers can cook their own fire-grilled meal seasoned with fresh herbs from the property's "Sweet and Savory" garden, lounge in a wood-fired hot tub or enjoy the company of loved ones while sharing s'mores in the great outdoors. AutoCamp also offers events including pizza pop-ups, live music and wine tastings in its mid-century modern style Clubhouse. www.autocamp-russianriver.com
Housed in the original and historic Ridenhour Ranch, built over 117 years ago, Mine+Farm is an intimate, modern take on the bed and breakfast. Set on 2.5 acres across from the Russian River, in the heart of wine country, this 9-room, boutique property is designed to be as unique as the guests it hosts. Independently owned by a maker and ex-tech executive, Mine+Farm is a laidback respite for creative-driven people looking to collaborate, disconnect and seek comfort in West County's organic surroundings, with experiences ranging from cannabis (cultivated on site) and wine infused dinners to agricultural tours through local farms and flower fields www.mineandfarminn.com
