With more than 425 wineries, Sonoma County wine country is known around the world. But there’s so much more to this stretch of scenic Northern California than just vineyards, and all it takes is one trip to The Lodge at Bodega Bay, set on the rugged Sonoma Coast, to understand and appreciate the diversity of the region.
The Lodge at Bodega Bay (formerly known as Bodega Bay Lodge) features 83 rooms spread throughout four stunning acres. All accommodations boast water views.
On the day of my arrival, I received a text that enabled me to take advantage of contactless check-in. The process was easy and took just a few minutes. I still had to stop by the front desk when I arrived, but instead of having to sign paperwork and hand over a credit card, I simply showed my identification, picked up keycards, and was on my way.
I stayed in a recently renovated Ocean Club Suite. Though the room shared walls with other single-story suites, it felt more like a polished seaside cottage than a traditional hotel room. Light and airy, I couldn’t resist immediately dropping my bags once inside so I could quickly make my way to the room’s bay front patio. The views of the Pacific Ocean and Bodega Bay were striking.
The king-sized bed was plush, and a joy to sink into at the end of the day, but it didn’t dominate the spacious suite thanks in part to a generous living space with a wood-burning fireplace, queen sofa bed, cushy chair and coffee table. Nautical-inspired artwork add fun pops of color and pay tribute to the lodge’s backyard.
The bathroom was equally generous with space and included one of my favorite hotel amenities — heated floors. Along with a double sink vanity, there was a square walk-in shower, soaking tub big enough for two, and toilet.
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Other notable amenities in the room include a Nespresso coffee machine, small refrigerator, sleep machine, and two televisions.
The Lodge at Bodega Bay is a property worthy of setting aside time in your travel schedule to simply enjoy. The beautifully landscaped grounds are fun to wander. Not far from the Bocce ball court, the property’s apiary is always buzzing.
The heated pool, infinity hot tub and fitness center, offer commanding views of the coast. Steps away, there’s also a sauna and small spa. Wooden chairs and fire pits scattered throughout the grounds make it easy to sit and stay awhile.
The property’s Drakes Sonoma Coast is open for breakfast and dinner. Expect options like French toast, Bodega Bay Dungeness Crab Benedict, a local cheese plate, and bone-in pork chop with fontina cheese polenta. The adjoining Fireside Lounge offers a similar menu in a slightly more casual setting.
The property is located a 10-minute or so walk from Doran Regional Park. The sheltered stretch of sand is a favorite beach among locals for strolling, surfing, and birdwatching. If you aren’t in the mood to walk to the beach, The Lodge at Bodega Bay has a fleet of complimentary cruiser bikes. You can also drive to Doran Beach; ask the front desk for a pass to avoid the parking fee.
Bodega Bay is about a 45-minute drive from popular Sonoma County wine country hotspot, Healdsburg. Less than 30 miles away, Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport is the closest airport. Plan on a minimum of 90 minutes to reach San Francisco International Airport.
Rates for Ocean Club Suites start at $799. Wi-fi and parking included. Electric car chargers are available for an additional fee. You can compare rates and book your stay at Booking.com, Hotels.com, or directly at the hotel website.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by The Lodge at Bodega Bay, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
