10 Getaway Resorts and Lodges in the Russian River Area

Follow the winding roads along Sonoma County's backroads to discover 10 of the best getaway resorts and lodges in the Russian River area. Enjoy the laid-back, delightful blend of cool water, towering trees, dappled sunlight, and unique resort towns.

Whether you want historic charm or modern luxury, or a combination of both, you can find it along the river.

You'll want more than a day to experience this magical region, so it's fortunate that there's a wide variety of lodgings available, from craftsman cabins to Tudor- and farmhouse-style lodges, and more.

Here's a quick list (in alphabetical order) of 10 intriguing and distinctive Russian River getaways:

Applewood Inn and Spa

Sheltered by towering redwoods and surrounded by fruit orchards and gardens, this boutique inn offers adults a romantic getaway — a secluded and peaceful refuge to relax, rejuvenate, and re-connect. The Mission Revival-style main building was built as a private home in 1922, and with the addition of other buildings the inn now offers 19 guest rooms and suites. The luxurious spa suite offers relaxed pampering in a tranquil and romantic setting.  

Boon Hotel + Spa

According to fans, this place feels like a secret: you park in a nondescript gravel parking lot, then when you open the gate you immediately see a beautiful open space with a pool, bar, and hot tub. This eco-friendly resort features understated design and affordable luxury in 14 old miners' cabins tucked against redwoods, plus a vintage "lovebug" camper and three 'glamping' (glamorous camping) tents. The camper and tents have all the luxuries of the regular rooms, including platform beds and organic linens. Relax and enjoy snacks poolside at the saline pool and hot tub, or enjoy a massage in the onsite spa.

Dawn Ranch Resort

This century-old guest ranch sits on 15 acres among towering redwoods on the banks of the Russian River. Its rustic cabins and cottages blend harmoniously into a landscape of ancient apple orchards, bamboo groves, grassy meadows, and a kitchen garden. The property includes two mature rare Dawn Redwood trees (hence the lodge's current name). The resort is dog friendly, and includes private river access, a pool, and free Wi-Fi. The onsite restaurant, Agriculture Public House, truly brings the farm to the table, and the full service bar pours local craft beers, Russian River wines, and specialty cocktails.

Farmhouse Inn

Enjoy sophisticated comfort and classic elegance on six acres of gardens in this boutique farmhouse hotel. It offers 25 gorgeous guest rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant featuring farm-fresh food, and a seasonally inspired, full-service spa, all on a beautiful rural property. Relax by the heated pool or pamper yourself with a massage or a 'body melt' using a warm pillow of muscle-healing herbs, alfalfa hay, lavender, and chamomile.

Fern Grove Cottages

Dating back to the 1920s, these craftsman-style cottages and lodge are nestled among towering redwood trees and beautiful vintage gardens. Ranging from studios to two-bedroom units, each of the 20 cabins has an individual theme. Many have a wood burning fireplace or a gas log stove, and some include a kitchen, a wet bar, or a double-size spa tub. A delicious extended continental breakfast with a seasonal menu is served each morning. Swim in the heated saline water pool, or ride one of the free Fern Cruiser bicycles into town.

Highlands Resort

Welcoming the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) community for more than 30 years, this charming resort offers individual cabins on three acres on a hillside covered with redwood trees-yet it is also only three blocks from the town of Guerneville's shopping and restaurants. The romantic cabins include gas fireplaces, comfortable beds, kitchenettes, and two-person soaking tubs, but the resort also offers tent camping in the summer. Enjoy the complimentary continental breakfast each morning, and then relax at the clothing optional pool. Dogs are welcome.

Inn on the Russian River

On a quiet bend in the Russian River, this quaint resort offers a variety of accommodations. Each of the 11 rooms is different, but each is thoughtfully decorated and thoroughly relaxing. A daily continental breakfast features coffee cakes, breads, muffins, fresh fruit, juice, and freshly brewed coffee. The meticulously manicured grounds glow with the color of flowers and the aroma of herbs. Surrounded by majestic redwoods, the resort backs up to a private, sunny river beach.

Rio Nido Lodge

Tucked into a hillside within a redwood forest along the Russian River, the Tudor-style Rio Nido Lodge is an intimate bed and breakfast where modern meets urban peace-perfect for an adult getaway (guests must be at least 21). Built in 1920 when Rio Nido was a resort wonderland, the lodge offered overnight accommodations for performers playing at the local amphitheater or dance hall, with guests including Bing Crosby, the Dorsey brothers, the Grateful Dead, and Janis Joplin. Closed for many years, the historic lodge was refurbished and reopened in 2013, with 11 modern sleeping rooms plus a cottage. 

Sonoma Orchid Inn

This fully restored, eco-friendly, and exquisitely furnished 1906 farmhouse includes all the modern conveniences, including Wi-Fi, hot tub, fireplaces, and more. The inn offers six guests rooms in the main house and three (each with a private entrance) in a nearby cottage. With its own organically fed chickens, plus fruits, herbs, and vegetables grown in its organic garden, the inn is known for its large and scrumptious breakfasts. Coffee and tea service is available 24/7, and the New York Times is delivered daily.

Village Inn & Restaurant

Sleep under towering redwoods at this historic hotel, built in 1906 as a private summer vacation home. Many of its 11 unique guest rooms include private balconies with panoramic river views, while others overlook peaceful gardens. The main building holds the inn's restaurant and bar, plus four guest rooms, while the lodge building includes six private-entrance guest rooms. The restaurant features locally sourced wine country cuisine, a Sonoma County wine list, and a full bar serving hand-crafted cocktails. In the restaurant, walls of windows and an expansive deck overlook the forest, and white tablecloths dress the tables, creating an elegant yet still casual dining experience.

For an overview of the area, read our Guide to the Russian River Resort Area. For even more ideas about where to stay, check our listings of Sonoma County Hotels and Lodging.

See Sonoma County's safety tips for water activities here.

Written by Sonoma Insider Patricia Lynn Henley.