Best Pool Hotels in Sonoma

Perched on the southern fringe of Sonoma, California, The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa impresses visitors with extremely spacious accommodations. The property's 182 guest rooms take a cue from their wine-country location with yellow and purple decor, while balconies and fireplaces (available in most rooms) set the scene for a romantic getaway. Still, not all visitors were impressed: Some travelers say that the room furnishings are starting to show signs of age, and others complain that the layout of the bathrooms makes them prone to post-shower flooding. However, this Renaissance resort earns an A-plus for customer service. Visitors are quick to compliment the hotel employees on their friendly demeanors. And if you're not loving your room, you can spend your days lounging by the outdoor pool, relaxing in the spa or eating Mediterranean-influenced California cuisine at Carneros Bistro. Because of its family ties, The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa participates in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program.

Set in Forestville, California among the Sonoma vineyards and surrounded by gardens, the Farmhouse Inn is a quaint retreat. The inn's 25 rooms and suites feature varied amenities, but most include feather beds, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi access and bathrooms with jetted tubs and steam showers. The property is also home to a spa with treatments that use ingredients harvested on-site, as well as a seasonal outdoor pool and a hot tub. The Michelin-starred restaurant at Farmhouse Inn is lauded for its tasty cuisine and excellent wine program. Many said dinner at the restaurant was the highlight of their stay (though note, you should book reservations several weeks in advance). And those with a sweet tooth can cap off their night with s'mores around the fire pit. While most enjoyed their stays, several noted that a vacation here will cost a pretty penny. As a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Farmhouse Inn is part of the iPrefer rewards program, meaning members can earn points and redeem perks here.

Located in downtown Sonoma, the MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa wins praise from previous guests for its intimate atmosphere. Although it doesn't have the grandeur of other big-name luxury properties, travelers find this hotel's 64 rooms to be comfortable and homey with their cozy furnishings, LED televisions, custom Grape Seed bath products and minifridges. Meanwhile, the on-site spa offers a long list of massages, skin treatments and specialty services that will lull stressed-out visitors into a relaxed haze. And though MacArthur Place's central locale puts it within easy reach of a number of Sonoma eateries, previous guests highly recommend sitting down to dine at Saddles Steakhouse: the in-house restaurant pairs award-winning cuts of meat with an extensive wine list composed of local Sonoma and Napa Valley vinos. Just beware of the daily $25 resort fee when booking your accommodations here. 

Just 3 miles north of downtown Sonoma, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa offers exceptional service befitting the beautiful property. Guests note how ready and eager the concierge, bell men and valet are to help them. Because the Fairmont inhabits an older building, be prepared for smaller-than-expected rooms. However, visitors were generally pleased with the in-room technology and amenities in the rooms (though some note that accommodations are starting to feel dated). Many travelers also say that a stay here is relaxing, thanks to amenities like the spa, the pool and the free shuttle to Sonoma Golf Club. Because this is an AccorHotels property, members of the Le Club AccorHotels program can receive a few complimentary perks here.

Hotel Healdsburg brings modern elegance to its namesake town located in Sonoma County, about 70 miles north of San Francisco. In fact, one of the hotel's key perks is its location: Visitors are delighted to stay within walking distance of Healdsburg's boutique shops and cute restaurants. However, you won't have to go far to find a good meal – previous diners raved about the farm-to-table cuisine served in Dry Creek Kitchen (alongside bottles of local wine, of course). After a day of exploring the town or the surrounding wine country, guests can retreat to their spacious rooms, which come equipped with feather beds, walk-in showers and private balconies. Should you need a little extra pampering before calling it a night, the hotel's full-service spa offers a variety of massages and skin treatments, while the secluded garden pool provides a peaceful place to unwind. But be warned: According to previous visitors, you can expect to pay a pretty penny to take advantage of all Hotel Healdsburg has to offer.

Exuding Asian-inspired serenity in the already peaceful Sonoma Valley, the Gaige House is a small slice of paradise. Separated from Napa Valley by Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, the hotel's locale is within easy reach of some of the area's top vineyards. Following in the footsteps of Four Sisters Inn's 13 other California properties, the Gaige House creates a relaxing setting. Its guest rooms have Japanese accents and sleek furniture, which visitors describe as both eye-catching and comfortable. Guests say that it is the perfect place for a romantic getaway, partially due to its spa. Guests can receive massages in the Zen Suites – accommodations that face Calabaza Creek or the inn's scenic gardens – or in one of the inn's private outdoor cabanas. One downside to staying here is that the Gaige House does not feature its own restaurant. However, the property does provide complimentary breakfast and hosts an evening wine and cheese reception.

Originally built in 1881, Madrona Manor was renovated in 1981 and, in 1987, earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located in the hills of Sonoma County, California, overlooking Dry Creek Valley, just 16 miles north of Santa Rosa. Rooms are appointed with Lather toiletries, antique furniture, pillow-top mattresses and terry cloth robes. Some rooms and suites feature fireplaces and large balconies or decks. There is also a complimentary buffet breakfast every morning and free Wi-Fi access, though in order to spark romance, the property has no televisions. A big draw for guests is the Michelin-starred restaurant, which recent guests said lives up to its superb reputation. Engaged couples should also take note of this property, as its 8 acres of landscaped gardens make it a popular destination for weddings.