Photo: Hotel Healdsburg guest room / Courtesy of Hotel Healdsburg
Opened in 2001 by chef and hotelier Charlie Palmer, Hotel Healdsburg quickly set the standard for luxury hotels in Sonoma County, followed by the eco-friendly h2hotel and its newest property, Harmon Guest House.
With its pristine spa, two restaurants, a bar, and a central location in the heart of Healdsburg, this property is ideal for those looking to experience wine country with a taste of luxury.
The Look of Hotel Healdsburg
Minimalist but not sparse. Rooms are decked out in pale blues and greens with cloud paintings by local artists. They're also equipped with custom beds and dressers made from ancient bay laurel trees, as well as cowhide benches, recycled wood bedside tables, and pecan-wood floors. The end result is warm and inviting.
The look carries over to common spaces, too. The lobby is dominated by crescent-shaped sofas, velvet couches and pillows, and reclaimed wood tables. The pool area is surrounded by creeping ivy, cypress and olive trees, and low-slung chairs and loungers.
The Vibe at Hotel Healdsburg
Guests tend to be couples in their 30s (and upwards) who’ve come to experience all that Sonoma has to offer. The energy of the hotel reflects that relaxed state of mind. Grab a craft cocktail at Spirit Bar and, afterward, head to one of the on-site eateries (we love Dry Creek Kitchen, which serves up inventive dishes featuring locally grown and produced ingredients). Here, you’ll rub elbows with as many locals as visitors. Fellow guests are generally wine lovers that are here to relax and indulge.
Who Will Love Hotel Healdsburg
Luxury lovers who appreciate a modern aesthetic will fall for the hotel’s decor, while spa aficionados will love the magnificent spa.
Who Might Not Love Hotel Healdsburg
The minimalist vibe isn’t for everyone, and families or business travelers may feel out of place among the couples and carefree tourists.
Best Amenity at Hotel Healdsburg
The 3,000-square-foot spa offers six treatment rooms, including a couples' suite. There’s also a focus on incorporating locally sourced, natural products into treatments, which the property refers to as "Farm to Spa." Services include the Meyer Lemon Sage Herbal Wrap ($150 for 50 minutes), Lavender Peppermint Restorative Massage $150 for 50 minutes; $300 for 100 minutes), and the Cranberry-Pomegranate Body Polish ($150 for 50 minutes).
What’s Included at Hotel Healdsburg
Your stay includes complimentary valet parking, as well as Tesla and Universal charging stations. There's also high-speed wifi, free bike rentals, and daily breakfast featuring freshly prepared baked goods, fruit, smoked salmon, cereals, made-to-order eggs, juice, coffee, and tea.
Fees and Extra Costs You Should Know About at Hotel Healdsburg
Bring your pup for a one-time fee of $150.
How to Get a Deal at Hotel Healdsburg
For the best rates, plan a stay in the off-season (November through March; excludes holidays). Midweeks stays are generally cheaper, and there is a two-night minimum on many weekends in peak season. The hotel occasionally offers promotions and packages that often include spa and/or dining credits.
In the Neighborhood of Hotel Healdsburg
Hotel Healdsburg is located right off the Healdsburg Plaza, the town’s focal point. Here, you’ll find dozens of tasting rooms, high-end and casual eateries, romantic wine bars, and chic boutiques. Get your caffeine fix at Flying Goat Coffee, sip wine at Hawley Winery or Williamson Wines, explore the Healdsburg Museum or Healdsburg Center for the Arts, or savor classic California cuisine at Valette or Barndiva.
Nearest Airport to Hotel Healdsburg
Sonoma’s regional airport, the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport, is 10 miles from the hotel (about a 15-minute drive by car). San Francisco International Airport or Oakland International Airport is about a two-hour drive (about 80 miles) to the hotel.
Nearest Public Transit to Hotel Healdsburg
You could spend a few days in Healdsburg without a car, but consider renting one if you want to explore outside the small town. Public transport is sparse, though there are a few public buses. The hotel is less than five minutes to the Harmon St & Healdsburg Depot bus stop, where you can hop on bus #56 to Sonoma County Airport.
A luxury hotel for the modern age, Hotel Healdsburg’s minimalist vibes, prime location, and generous amenities make it a worthy splurge for a couples' trip to wine country.