Victorian Garden Inn Sonoma
316 E. Napa St., Sonoma, California, 95476, United States
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Amenities
72%
of people enjoy staying here
22 Opinions
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- 10
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- 4
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- 3
- Terrible
- 3
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Forum Posts
Napa or Sonoma?
by oceansobe
Hi everyone!!!
I am trying to figure out where is a better location to stay, Napa or Sonoma downtown area.
I want to visit the wineries during the day, and I am not sure which of the two will offer beter and more things to do after.
Will wait for your reply to make my hotel reservation.
Thanks!
Re: Napa or Sonoma?
by acprincess
The city of Napa is a slight distance from the nice part of the Napa Valley. It's OK, and has some nice bits, but it's a small city. Yountville and Calistoga and St Helena are way nicer and more suitable for tourism.
That said, the Napa Valley in general is more chichi than Sonoma. Not that Sonoma isn't chichi, just not as much. I like it better - it's a cute town. You can walk around, and it's got some music at night. If you're really rich and want to be pampered unmercifully and buy lots of expensive doodads, go to the Napa Valley, otherwise, Sonoma might be more fun.
Keep in mind that they aren't far from each other. You can easily see both valleys.
Re: Napa or Sonoma?
by GracesTrips
I love Napa. And, Sonoma is close enough that you it onlys takes 30 minutes to drive over. The wineries are a little more hidden in Sonoma but you can find some great ones there. However, Napa, the wineries are more organized, easy to find plus it's absolutely beautiful. All my Sonoma and Napa tips are posted on my Napa travel page. The hotels will be less expensive in Sonoma.
Re: Napa or Sonoma?
by oceansobe
Hello...
Can you suggest a place to stay in Napa. The thing is that I had reserved a room at the Napa River Inn (down town), but found out there is construction going on at the hotel which will not be finished until next year, there is also a lot of constructions going on in town. Now I am a bit lost because I am going there to relax and have a good time, not to hear a lot of noise.
Thanks for your input.
Regards
Re: Napa or Sonoma?
by Roadquill
Check out the Hotel St. Helena, right in town, and smaller, older place with character.
Re: Napa or Sonoma?
by Roadquill
We like the Bel Abri in Napa, but you need to get out of town to hit the wineries.
Re: Napa or Sonoma?
by orcoastgirl
We like Yountville, it is close to the wineries and great restaurants. The Villagio or the Yountville Inn are both wonderful places to stay in Yountville. In St. Helena, we like the Harvest Inn there. Sonoma is also a very cool place, the Sonoma Mission Inn is our favorite place for lodging in this area. Any questions feel free to ask! :)
Travel Tips for Sonoma
Wine Tasting in Sonoma Valley
by sue_stone
Sonoma Valley is filled with wineries which are mostly open to the public for wine tasting and sales. For some of the wineries you do need to book ahead, but there are plenty that you can just arrive at and taste (and purchase) their latest vintages.
Most of the wine tasting I had done prior to my visit to California was in Australia, and over there you pretty much just turn up and taste for free. But in the Sonoma Valley it seems most wineries charge for a tasting - you pay a set price for a set number of small tastes.
I actually didn't mind the fee for tasting as I felt this helped to alleviate the feeling that you should buy something after tasting for free. And better still, some of the wineries will waive the tasting fee if you buy a bottle or two. For the wine novice, some of the wineries offer tours. These will get you out in the vineyards and also teach you about the wine making process, finishing in the cellar for a peek at the final product.
Some of the wineries have picnic areas, so after your tasting you can sample one of your purchases, enjoyed with perhaps some cheese and biscuits, also purchased from the winery, or other food you have bought with you.
Bring A Camera!
by suzy816
I'd have to say my favorite thing about Sonoma is the wide variety of food and drinks to sample. You can pack the perfect picnic and dine among the vineyards or really go all out and find a world-class restaurant. I'll be moving to Los Angeles with my husband next summer. :(
What I'll miss the most is the way the Valley smells like wine in the fall during the Crush.
Tasting room etiquette
by jakelorenzo
When you are in a tasting room, it is poor form to ridicule, or criticize the wine in your glass while you are in the actual tasting room. Save your critique for after you have left the room.
Be patient with the servers, especially if they are jammed up with customers. Most wineries have a list of what they are pouring, check that out before you start making requests of the servers.
By the way, cold rainy days are the best days to visit wineries. The weather keeps the crowds down, and the servers have time to talk to you. Remember that servers are usually not winemakers, and while they will answer all of your questions, you might not be getting the best information.
THE CHOCOLATE COW MOOO'S
by travelgourmet
The call of gelato, ice cream, handmade chocolates brings the herd of people to "The Chocolate Cow". Locals and tourists alike, come to Stephen Ponds parlor to cool down or satisfy a chocolate urge. If the weather is hot, get to the end of the line. Banana Splits are the tummy, yummy treat. Located at 452First St. East, in the Sonoma Square.
Sunblock and Layers
by Rixie
Don't forget your sunglasses and sunscreen if you're visiting Sonoma in June, July, or August, . The heat here is dry, and midsummer temperatures can range from 80 to 100 degrees F (26-37 C).
On the other hand, Sonoma is only an hour from both San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, so the weather can also turn foggy and cool, even in the summer. Pack a sweater just in case.
Questions and Answers
Q: best way to get to the airport "My fiance and I will be meeting friends in San Francisco on June 22 and driving to Napa for 2 days and then to Sonoma for another..."
A: "The best way is to have your friends rent a vehicle for 24 hours. Taxi fare is $180.00 one way from Sonoma to SFO. As for shuttles, to catch an 8am flight on a Sunday,..."
Read 3 Replies ยป
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