In between all those long, stunning stretches of vineyards, Northern California wine country can be a busy place. After a day of touring, sipping, and swirling, Kenwood Inn & Spa offers guests a quiet retreat in the heart of picturesque Sonoma Valley.
Set on more than two-and-a-half acres, Kenwood Inn has the look and feel of a Mediterranean villa; 31 rooms and suites surround three photogenic courtyards filled with blooming gardens and gurgling fountains.
Accommodations have a modern Italian feel that’s light and clean. Each room has a private entrance from the outdoors, a fireplace, silent small refrigerator, Tivoli Bluetooth audio player, Illy espresso machine, and easy to access USB ports. Many rooms also offer a terrace or balcony.
I stayed in the Grand View Exterior King room, located directly above the lobby. Along with a king bed, there was a dining room table with seating for six, sofa, and pair of cushy chairs strategically placed near the gas fireplace.
The bathroom was bigger than the typical city hotel room; along with a double vanity, there was a large, freestanding soaking tub, and two-person shower stocked with L’Occitane shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel, in large, refillable bottles.
Two, fresh baked cookies will be waiting in your room when you check in. Know in advance you won’t want to share.
It’s easy to lose track of time relaxing in your room, but be sure to set aside time to explore the grounds. In addition to several fountains and an array of blooming plants, there’s an assortment of fruit trees, and a small area planted to grapevines.
There is no restaurant at the property, but a buffet breakfast is included with every stay. Hot offerings might include waffles or a vegetable frittata; yogurt, granola, assorted breads, pastries, and fresh fruit are served buffet-style along with coffee, tea, and juice. Even on a chilly morning, it’s nice to sit outside in the main courtyard near one of the fireplaces.
A small menu with options like panini sandwiches, and cheese and charcuterie plates, is available from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. A complimentary wine and cheese tasting is offered every evening from 5pm to 6pm. Wineries from throughout Sonoma County pour on a rotating basis, making it a great way for guests to discover a new favorite bottle of vino.
In addition to a heated pool and hot tub, Kenwood Inn features what’s referred to as the warming pool. Located alongside a small stretch of vineyards, it’s essentially an oversize hot tub with waterfall, that’s large enough to swim in. It’s by no means a secret, but I had it all to myself a couple times during my stay.
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The main pool and smaller hot tub are located on the other end of the property, steps away from the Kenwood Inn Spa. With just three treatment rooms, it’s a small, intimate space, but it knows how to make a lasting impression. The Spa Terrace boasts an Italian marble tub overlooks the pool and neighboring vineyards.
Kenwood Inn & Spa is just shy of 10 miles from Sonoma Plaza, and 25 miles from downtown Napa. Charles M. Schulz, Sonoma County Airport is typically about a 20-mile drive.
Rates for the Grand View Exterior King room start at $600. The starting rate for a Garden King, the property’s standard equivalent, is $365. Kenwood Inn & Spa charges a $40 daily resort fee that covers an assortment of services including Wi-Fi, breakfast, and self-parking. You can also compare rates and book your stay through an online booking site such as Expedia.
An EV charger is available for an additional fee. Kenwood Inn & Spa is best for adults traveling without children.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by Kenwood Inn & Spa, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
