Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

Address: 100 Boyes Blvd, Sonoma, CA 95476, United States

Phone:+1 707-938-9000

http://www.fairmont.com/sonoma/

Beautiful fountain by the hotel entrance

My Rating: 91%

Price Rating: $$$$

Summary of Stay: I have stayed at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn five times before and every time I am impressed with it’s consistency. They have a talent of making a trip or getaway into an unforgettable memory. The resort is an oasis for relaxation.

This historic hotel was originally built in the late 1800s but burnt down in 1923. This hotel was built on the site of the Boyes Hot Springs. A larger hotel was rebuilt in 1927 in the Spanish mission style. Sadly, the hotel fell into receivership during the Great Depression and remained closed until 1933. Since then it has undergone numerous renovations to revive the hotel back to it’s former bright pink glory. The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn is also a member of the Historic Hotels of America.

On our latest stay, as we drove up the keyhole driveway to the valet, we could not help but notice the line-up of Teslas in the drive. The hotel offers free parking to hybrid vehicles as part of it’s Green Partnership Program. As we walked to the lobby and past their lawns, I noticed signs that said “Brown is the New Green” and that they were watering their grass less because of the California drought. The hotel is clearly dedicated to the environment and it was nice to see.

Check in was quick and easy and the front desk attendant was fun and welcoming. Because we were staying at the hotel over a holiday they suggested that we speak with the concierge team to make dining reservations. The concierges did a great job of coordinating everything for us for our stay.

I had booked a Wine Country Junior Suite and had a beautiful patio that looked out over the gardens. The suite was spacious, comfortable and in pristine condition. It had everything I would want in a suite: generous seating area, jacuzzi tub, spa shower, mini bar, big flat screen television and fireplace. I have also stayed in the Mission Suite, which is nice, but I much prefer the Junior Suites for the layout.

Dining at the hotel is a bit of a treat. My friends raved daily about the room service (Lemon pancakes are to die for). North 38 is a relaxed atmosphere for a casual dinner or just a glass of wine. The hotel offers a complimentary wine hour with local wines alongside a variety of cheese pairings at a cost. The cheeses were exceptional and worth every penny. Sante is the formal dining option at the hotel and has won both AAA 4 Diamond and Michelin star designations.

Highlight of the Hotel: The Spa is an exceptional destination on its own. It has regularly been ranked one of the top 10 spas in America and rightfully so. The 40,000 sq foot spa facility sits atop the Boyes thermal springs which is said to have healing properties. The mineral water has lead to their unique bathing ritual that includes several thermal soaks, a eucalyptus steam and cool plunge showers. I’ve had 6 massages at the spa over the years and they have been excellent except one. The spa also offers watsu massage—an in-water massage that takes place in one of the thermal pools. Other signature experiences include the Sonoma Lavender Facial, the Wine-Country Recovery and the Chardonnay Olive Oil Body Scrub. If you are planning to visit, be sure to check out their monthly special and remember that Fairmont Presidents club members get a discount on spa services.

Highlight of the Stay: The hotel does everything it can do to help its’ guests relax. The spa is wonderful and I make it my main priority during each stay. There is a welcome bottle of wine in your room to help you unwind. There is a gentle hint of woodsmoke in the air from the multiple fire-pits throughout the property. Every twenty steps or so you can hear the gentle streaming of water from one of the numerous water features around the property. Even the signature apricot toiletries (which they discontinued using but if you request it, they will supply) have a marvelous relaxing perfume. Furthermore, if you want to go into town, just ask the valet for a drive so you don’t have to worry about driving or getting a taxi. One less thing to worry about.

Drawbacks: If you are staying in one of the suites, they are sprinkled around the resort and finding them is often like working through a maze. Especially if you’ve had a glass or wine of two. Beyond that, the outdoor heated pool was sadly too cold for us to use in the winter months.