30's couple visiting Sonoma/Napa.

Hello,

We are visiting for 4 days, early March. I know this may be all over the map, but I am interested in staying in/around Healdsburg, St Helena, or Rutherford. I was trying to determine where a midpoint would be to enjoy wine from Russian River Valley, as well as, several of the wineries lining rte 29. In my extensive and overwhelming research, I have found that the hotels we would like to stay at are way too expensive and the quant BB%26#39;s and Inns are a bit too country/traditional for our taste. We prefer a more classic contemporary decor and would like all the amneties of a large hotel. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks.

30's couple visiting Sonoma/Napa.

I would suggest staying in Healdsburg since it will be very close to the Russian River Valley wineries (as well as those throughout the Dry Creek, Alexander Valley and Chalk Hill appellations). You will also be able to take a day trip out to the very scenic Sonoma Coast and make a stop at Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve on the way. From Healdsburg it%26#39;s a little over an hour, perhaps a bit less depending upon traffic, to the St. Helena/Rutherford areas in Napa Valley--so very doable as a day trip, altho%26#39; you will need to drive thru the mountains on a winding road. Just take it easy and enjoy the views along the way. From the description of what you want in lodging facilities, Hotel Healdsburg (www.hotelhealdsburg) immediately sprang to mind. It%26#39;s a very attractive, modern property loc%26#39;d right in the heart of town across from the Plaza; has spa services and the excellent Dry Creek Kitchen restaurant. It will place you within a very short walking distance from numerous restaurants, tasting rooms, art galleries and upscale shops.

30's couple visiting Sonoma/Napa.

The Hotel Healdsburg as Forestvillian mentioned sounds perfect for you. We had a very nice stay there in a King/Balcony room complete with a 6%26#39; soaking tub. The decor is very contemporary, hardwood floors in the rooms, down comforters, robes, there is a very good restaurant there, Dry Creek Kitchen. The HH also has a very good breakfast buffet set up in the morning. They have a lovely pool area and a jacuzzi on the property and also a small spa if you would a massage, facial, etc.

We are looking forward to our time in Healdsburg next month. Try to get into Cyrus for dinner, one of the best restaurants in the wine country. Enjoy your travels and your planning! :)

Hello, Thank you for your quick responses. And I would agree the Hotel Healdsburg would be perfect, unfortunately, I have waited too long to make reservations and there%26#39;s no availability. I have noticed this with most of the hotels that I%26#39;m interested in staying at. One option is to break up the trip and stay 2 days at each hotel, opening up my chances of securing a reservation. So with all that said, would you recommend any other hotels? Again, thank you for taking the time to respond.

Have you looked into the Honor Mansion in Healdsburg? It is a Bed and Breakfast with many nice amenities including a swimming pool on the grounds. Check out their rooms at www.honormansion.com, they look pretty contemporary for a B%26amp;B, the Wisteria room especially looks pretty.

Hope this helps and keep us posted on your plans! :)

You might need to split your lodging or relax your requirements. Here are other possibilities to check on: Within easy walking distance of the Plaza is 410 Matheson (www.410matheson.com), a beautiful luxury mansion with spacious, modern decor rooms and a large swimming pool. Right on the Plaza is the very attractive and reasonably-priced Healdsburg Inn (www.healdsburginn.com). On the outskirts of town is Madrona Manor (www.madronamanor.com), a gorgeous Victorian with choices of different types of rooms and cottages and a fantastic restaurant, too.