Back in the day, the city of Petaluma was a country community known for their chickens and eggs. Now, Petaluma is chalk full of breweries and restaurants. Whether you’ve come to Sonoma Wine Country for business or pleasure you might want to stay awhile.
We landed at Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country in Petaluma as we were attending a wedding in nearby Tomales, California. The Marriott Bonvoy hotel is centrally located in Petaluma and only 25 miles from the Sonoma Airport. It’s 50 miles from Oakland International Airport and near Sonoma State University, as well. I mention miles to the surrounding airports, as many fly into to visit this part of Sonoma and Napa Wine Country.
Built in 2002, the Petaluma hotel was renovated in 2012. I think the Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country will be undergoing a renovation again as it could use a refresh. Our marina facing room with 2 queen beds was clean and comfortable, however, the hall carpets were stained.
On the flip side, we were staying on the first floor of the multi-story hotel and guests were clearly enjoying the easy access to walking trails by the train tracks. I liked that our hotel room looked out to the marina and boats.
The Marriott Bonvoy website noted an indoor swimming pool, nightly turndown service and daily housekeeping, all inaccurate statements. To be fair, we visited in summer of 2022, so housekeeping wasn’t available until the third night and turndown service was a pre-COVID thing. I did visit the swimming pool and it was definitely located outside of the hotel.
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Marriott Bonvoy hotel amenities
As Marriott Bonvoy members we received 2 complimentary bottled waters in our hotel room. We were also entitled to complimentary WiFi. Our first-floor room included cable tv, a work desk, mini fridge and coffee maker.
The coffee pot, hidden in the entertainment center, featured Starbucks Pike Place roast coffee, enough for 2 cups. I appreciated that this Sheraton hotel offered Tazo tea, in room, as well as in the snack center. The snack bar, next to lobby check-in, offered Starbucks coffee for purchase, as well as tea, soda, bottled water, chips and cereal.
There was also a mini-fridge in room, again, tucked behind a door in the entertainment center. Thankfully, it was empty so we could actually put a couple of beers, cheese and yogurt into the refrigerator. I really don’t like the in-room mini bars, filled with over-priced items that leave no room for guest’s items.
Things to do in Petaluma
If you decide to stay on property, there is an outdoor swimming pool, open 10 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. There’s also a cabana for the shade seekers in the group.
If you like working out during vacation, this Sheraton hotel features a fitness center. There are 3 treadmills, recumbent bikes, dumbbells sets and balance balls. The fitness center is open 24/7.
The 184-room Marriott Bonvoy hotel offers king and queen rooms, in addition to a few suites. Our room rented for $256 per night, not including occupancy tax, Sonoma County Tourism tax and Petaluma Tourism Assessment. Rates depend on time of year, as well as Bonvoy member special pricing. Feel free to compare rates at Booking.com or Expedia.
The Petaluma hotel is pet-friendly and charged $75 per stay. For those traveling by electric car, there are several electric car charging stations on property. On our visit, Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country charged $13 for outdoor, overnight parking.
Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown spent two nights at Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country. This was not a hosted stay. As always, all opinions are her own. All photos by Nancy Brown.
