MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa

Just a few minutes from downtown Sonoma, MacArthur Place is the latest incarnation of a 19th century farmstead that until a few years ago had been a Western-themed hotel. Leaving all traces of kitsch behind, MacArthur Place is now a contemporary and masculine retreat that resembles a small village, with beautiful gardens and a great restaurant and bar that attract a well-heeled local crowd. 

• The farmhouse-chic cottages, each named after native California trees, which house the hotel's rooms and suites
• The sense of seclusion amongst the gardens, scattered with fire pits and multiple seating areas
• The excellent location for exploring downtown Sonoma by bike or foot

In a charming residential neighborhood of Sonoma, MacArthur Place is a former 19th-century farmstead turned boutique hotel spread across five tree-shaded and lush, manicured acres. The hotel’s 64 rooms are housed in 16 two-story cottages named after California trees. Some rooms take up the whole cottage, some have private patios or terraces. The design is farmhouse-chic, but the emphasis is on chic, with only gentle nods to the farm, such as barn-doors to the bathroom (which has heated tile floors). Everything’s in soothing neutral tones, and no two rooms are exactly alike in layout. 

The hotel has three dining venues. The Porch, conveniently located on guests’ way out as they leave for a day of exploring, is a subway-tiled coffee bar with surprisingly delicious grab-and-go options, including pastries, panini and yogurt parfaits. (During my stay, I actually overheard multiple guests talking about the chicken salad sandwich, served in a buttery croissant.) In the back of the main building, Layla is MacArthur Place’s signature restaurant, drawing a mix of guests and reliably stylish locals. It serves excellent Mediterranean-meets-California cuisine with farm-fresh produce from Sonoma County. The dining room—with white-clapboard walls and warm lighting—is beautiful, as is the outdoor patio and terrace seating, spread out in a beautiful garden. There is also the handsome Bar at MacArthur, between Layla and the reception area, with craft cocktails and small bites.

A day’s activities could include taking a spin around bike-friendly Sonoma on one of MacArthur Place’s e-cruisers, or venturing to any of the dozens of nearby wineries. On property, a serene pool area with sleek loungers spaced apart and shaded by yellow umbrellas is adjacent to the spa and fitness center (equipped with Peletons, TRX systems and other equipment). 

Anyone who wants a walkable in-town experience in California Wine Country will be happy here, as will couples or families with mature children seeking a soothing (and pet-friendly) stay with an emphasis on privacy.