Property
Yes, it’s a Best Western, but there is a lot to love about this quiet, friendly downtown Sonoma hotel.  Continental breakfast is included (and delivered to your room every morning).   There is coffee and iced tea available in the lobby all day.   The pool area has a huge covered jacuzzi, and lots of teak tables and chairs for picnic lunches and dinners.  Rooms have fridges and coffeemakers, and some have balconies overlooking the pool. Pets are welcome.

Location
Two short blocks from the fantastic shops and restaurants in Sonoma Plaza. Right across the street from a shopping center with a Whole Foods, a bookstore, an ice cream shop, a toy store, a pizza place, and a drugstore.

Sleeps
2-4. Connecting rooms available.

Highlights
We loved the “where are you from?” stickpin maps in the lobby (one for the U.S., one for the world), the jacuzzi, the poolside fire pit, and the perfect location.  The front desk staff were very friendly too.

Good to know
There is no restaurant on site, but I honestly don’t think anyone would eat in it even if there were. This is Sonoma after all, and you’re spoiled for choice.

Contact
http://www.bestwesterncalifornia.com/hotels/best-western-sonoma-valley-inn/

Written by Jamie Pearson

Property
The perfect Sonoma accommodations for families (and a great hotel alternative)! This sweet, well-maintained cottage has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a bright and spacious fully equipped kitchen, a securely fenced backyard, redwood deck, barbecue, and a jacuzzi. The decorations and furnishings are luxurious, but unfussy. The owners have thoughtfully provided a Pack N’ Play, travel stroller, booster seat, and futon for families.

Location
Two short blocks from the fun and historic Sonoma Plaza, with its world class dining and shopping (and, for families, a duck pond, two playgrounds, and lots of shaded lawns). Walking distance to vineyards, bike paths, and grocery stores. Nearby wineries that welcome families include Roche, Cline, Jacuzzi, Arrowood, and Benziger. Bring the kids. No, really.

Sleeps
2-5 (or 6, if one is a baby in a crib).

Highlights
A complimentary wine tasting card good at 25 local wineries (free wine tasting is slowly going extinct, so this is a big benefit). Huge jacuzzi. Very comfortable beds. Starbucks coffee in the freezer (thank God, since I mistakenly grabbed decaf when packing). Resident hummingbirds.  Wonderful owners.

Good to know
Both bathrooms have showers (no tubs). Book ahead because this place is very popular.

Contact
http://www.cottagesonoma.com

Cottage Sonoma from TravelSavvyMom on Vimeo.

Written by Jamie Pearson

Property
The Captain’s House is a comfortable Civil War era 4-bedroom house set on the pretty 70-acre Larson Family Winery in Sonoma.  It’s so lovely and laid back, you’ll never want to leave!  Families will especially appreciate the gas barbecue, laundry facilities, wood burning fireplace, and deck.  We were here during the crush (mid-September), and the place was a hive of activity: the air was redolent of wine, and the 3 winery dogs were cavorting in the vineyards (and getting muddy in the adjacent creek, it must be said).  Best of all, a friendly on-site tasting room means no one has to jump on the designated driver grenade!

Location
45 minutes from San Francisco, 10 minutes from the Sonoma Plaza, and 20 minutes from Napa.

Sleeps
2-7 (downstairs bathroom is accessible only through the twin-bedded room though, so families will need to carefully consider who sleeps where).

Highlights
Bocce ball courts.  Miniature donkeys and goats for feeding and petting.  Horseback riding through the vineyards.

Good to know
2-night minimum (3-night minimum for holidays), though the Larsons have been known to be flexible. Pet friendly.

Contact
www.larsonfamilywinery.com

Written by Jamie Pearson