One of the hardest parts of planning a trip to Northern California wine country is deciding where to stay. Sonoma wine country boasts a plethora of accommodations ranging from properties that overlook the Pacific Ocean to serene spa retreats. But if you fancy something hip and contemporary, consider making Harmon Guest House your home away from home.
Located in the thick of seemingly always buzzing downtown Healdsburg, Harmon Guest House is an easy stroll to dozens of wine tasting rooms, shops, and restaurants. And in a 30-minute-or-so-drive you can reach hundreds of wineries.
The hotel boasts 39 rooms, including six suites. I stayed in a Founder’s Suite located on the fourth floor. More like an apartment than a hotel room, the suite was comprised of two rooms.
The living space featured a queen-sized pull-out couch, half-bath, dining area for two, and a wet bar with everything from wine glasses and a Nespresso machine to a refrigerator, electric tea kettle, and a selection of complimentary snacks.
Filled with natural light thanks to an exterior wall made almost entirely of windows (that actually open), colorful pops of blue and yellow from furnishings, fabrics, and a throw rug gave the space both a chic and comfortable feel. Both the living area and bedroom have access to a spacious balcony with seating for two and views of sister property h2hotel’s living roof and nearby mountains.
The bedroom boasts a king-sized bed and striking en suite bathroom with a walk-in shower with two walls of glass. There is a door separating the toilet, but otherwise there’s no wall separating the shower, large soaking tub and vanity from the sleeping area.
If you’re paying attention it’s hard not to notice the hotel’s commitment to sustainability; toiletries are provided in refillable bottles, clothes hangers in the numerous closets are made of cardboard, and still and sparkling water are provided in glass reusable bottles. (Water filling stations are located on every floor.)
But there’s a long list of green features at the LEED Gold certified property you’d likely never realize on your own. Rooms include custom Fireclay tiles made in California from recycled materials, the building’s exterior sun-shading slat system reduces solar heat gain, and a rainwater harvesting system covers the hotel’s irrigation demands. These are just a few examples of a long list of environmentally-friendly features at Harmon Guest House.
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There is an elevator for those that need it, but the hotel treats the stairs as a canvas to highlight the talent of local artists. During my stay I climbed the steps repeatedly so I could get another look at “Blue Harmon” a mural painted by Healdsburg artist Jake Messing. Harmon Guest House regularly features the work of California artists.
There are a plethora of eateries within walking distance, including three-star Michelin restaurant Single Thread, but if you’re in search of a fun, casual spot to grab cocktails and a bite to eat, The Rooftop won’t disappoint. Snag a table by the fire pit and enjoy sunset paired with dishes the likes of tuna tartare, crispy Thai spring rolls, and sliders made with Wagyu beef served alongside truffle fries topped with garlic and parmesan cheese. Save room for the ricotta doughnuts with mango marmalade. You can thank me later.
Continental breakfast is included with every stay, but it is served a couple doors down at the hotel’s sister property h2hotel. (It’s just a minute’s walk.) Options include yogurt, granola, hard boiled eggs, fruit, pastries, coffee and tea. Pancakes, breakfast burritos, bagels, and more are available for an additional fee. A few nights each week, local wineries offer complimentary tastings in the lobby.
Harmon Guest House features a small, solar heated pool and complimentary yoga classes are offered on Sundays. Guests interested in exploring Healdsburg on two wheels have access to a fleet of bikes.
Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport is less than 10-miles away; San Francisco International Airport is about an 80-mile drive.
Rates for a Founder’s Suite start at $589. Parking is included, and complimentary charging is available for folks with electric cars. Dogs are welcome; there is a pet fee of $99 per stay. There is no resort fee at Harmon Guest House. You can try to get a better rate at one of the online booking sites like Hotels.com or Booking.com.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by Harmon Guest House, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
