MacArthur Place is the most charming place to stay in the town of Sonoma, a boutique hotel on a historic estate just a few blocks south of the Sonoma Plaza. The property spreads across several acres of gardens — sweeping lawns, rose beds, sculpture, heritage trees and shaded paths — and its accommodation is scattered among a restored nineteenth-century farmhouse, newer cottage-style buildings and suites, so it feels more like a country estate than a hotel. Rooms are designed in a fresh, contemporary farmhouse style, many with porches, fireplaces or soaking tubs, and the larger suites and cottages suit families or friends traveling together. The outdoor pool, surrounded by loungers and garden, is a lovely place to spend a warm afternoon, and the spa offers massages and treatments inspired by the region. The hotel's restaurant and bar serve seasonal food and a deep list of Sonoma wines, and are popular with locals as well as guests. The location is the real advantage: you can walk to the plaza in about ten minutes for tasting rooms, the mission, bakeries, cafes and dinner, then come back to a quiet garden for the night, and wineries in the Valley of the Moon and Carneros are a short drive away. Prices are in the upper-middle range for wine country — usually below Napa's luxury resorts — and the atmosphere is relaxed and gracious rather than formal. The trade-offs: no vineyard views, and the walk to the plaza is along a residential street rather than through town. For a romantic Sonoma stay where you can walk to dinner, it is our pick.
Why Sonoma town. Sonoma is the most walkable wine town in the region, built around California's largest plaza and full of history, from Mission San Francisco Solano to the Bear Flag Monument. Staying here lets you taste on foot at dozens of plaza tasting rooms and keep the car parked, and the slower pace is a welcome change from Highway 29. MacArthur Place, just off Broadway south of the plaza, puts you within easy reach of all of it.
Making the most of it. Start the morning with a garden walk and breakfast on site, stroll to the plaza for the mission and a few tastings, and return for an afternoon by the pool or a spa treatment. In the evening, dine at the hotel or walk back to the plaza. For days out, Jack London State Historic Park is about fifteen minutes north, Domaine Carneros twenty minutes east and the Sonoma Coast about an hour west.
Who should stay. Couples, small groups and families who want a gracious, garden-filled base in walking distance of the plaza, and travelers who prefer Sonoma's relaxed character to Napa's polish. If you want a big resort with golf or hot springs pools, look at alternatives in the Sonoma Valley or Calistoga. Confirm current room types, dining hours, resort fees and pet policies with the hotel when booking.
Why stay here
- ✓Acres of landscaped gardens
- ✓Outdoor pool
- ✓Full-service spa
- ✓On-site restaurant and bar
- ✓Cottages and suites
- ✓Rooms with porches or fireplaces
- ✓Walk to the Sonoma Plaza
- ✓Sonoma-focused wine list
Good questions
How far is MacArthur Place from the Sonoma Plaza?+
A few blocks south, about a ten-minute walk, so you can walk to plaza tasting rooms, the mission and dinner.
Does MacArthur Place have a pool and spa?+
Yes. There is an outdoor pool set in the gardens and a spa offering massages and treatments.
Is it good for families?+
Yes, especially in the larger suites and cottages, though the overall mood is relaxed and romantic. Confirm room configurations when booking.
