8 Earth (Day)-Friendly Hotels in Sonoma County

Earth Day in April is an especially good time to appreciate this great green planet we call home, and there is no better place to enjoy nature’s bounty than scenic Sonoma County, California.

The following Sonoma County hotels are not only lovely and comfortable, but are also eco-friendly stewards.

The Astro Motel, Santa Rosa

Built in 1963 in the heyday of the American motor lodge, The Astro is a remodeled 34-room urban motel, with mid-century modern furnishings, reclaimed materials, and an edible garden. Set across the street from the Luther Burbank Home & Gardens, this is a popular base for enjoying beautiful bike trails in Sonoma County.

The Astro has an inspiring history of stepping up to help the community in times of need and is an avid supporter of local artisans and area food producers. The Astro serves a delicious continental breakfast each day.

Around the corner, discover partner restaurant The Spinster Sisters, where you can enjoy New American cuisine made with fresh Sonoma County ingredients.

AutoCamp Russian River, Guerneville

Tucked into a grove of 100-year-old redwood trees a stone’s throw from the Russian River, this high-end camping site is home to 24 classic Airstream trailers and canvas tents, all lavishly equipped. Founders Ryan Miller and Neil Dipaola are designers and environmentalists who use recycled materials, such as those found in the central clubhouse, spa, and other buildings, which were fabricated to minimize waste. 

Helping people connect with nature, AutoCamp’s landscaping features native California species like redwood trees and red-bark manzanita that support local wildlife. This is a unique way to experience the scenic environment and become inspired to cherish and protect the gift that is nature.

Dawn Ranch Resort, Guerneville

Discover destination lodging and renovated cottages that blend with the 15 acres of redwoods, bamboo, vintage apple orchards, and meadows with private river access to the Russian River. This dog-friendly resort is a favorite for weddings and reunions with a farm-to-table restaurant featuring organic produce from the garden and a welcoming bar that includes local wine from the Russian River Valley AVA. 

The century-old Dawn Ranch Resort includes two rare Dawn Redwood trees, thought to have been extinct for 15 million years, but reintroduced and now impressively mature on the grounds of this scenic spot.

Farmhouse Inn, Forestville

Going green can go hand in hand with luxury, like at this Four-Diamond inn set on 10 wooded acres. Originally built in 1876, the Farmhouse Inn is a stunning 25-room property with a Michelin-starred farm-to-table restaurant, a full-service spa, and a commitment to sustainability. 

The Farmhouse Inn is owned by siblings Catherine and Joe Bartolomei, 5th-generation members of a Sonoma County winemaking family who source seasonal produce from their own farms, which include a flock of egg-laying hens. The inn has its own water filtration system and eco-friendly and energy-efficient fixtures that contribute to both a luxurious and “light footprint” stay. 

Flamingo Resort, Santa Rosa

Originally built in 1957, the 10-acre Flamingo Resort underwent extensive renovations to preserve its mid-century modern roots with an eco-friendly twist. Certified by the California Green Lodging Program, today the Flamingo includes reclaimed materials, low-flow fixtures, hydration stations, and energy efficiency.

The onsite bar/restaurant serves Cal-Pacific comfort fare with locally sourced organic ingredients and both vegetarian and vegan options. Star attractions include the heated onsite pool and adjacent fitness center and spa, which offers yoga, meditation, and sound-bath healing for a truly relaxing stay. 

Mine + Farm, Guerneville

Updated from a 1906 farmhouse, Mine + Farm is set on 2.5 redwood-forested acres not far from downtown Guerneville. This adult-focused bed and breakfast offers nine guest rooms (some dog-friendly) with private bathrooms and organic daily breakfasts with house-made juices. It’s a 15-minute walk to Korbel Cellars, and a five-minute stroll to the Russian River.

Mine + Farm’s husband-and-wife owners, Bryce Skolfield and Suzanne Szostak, ensure a low impact on the pristine surroundings with their impressive solar arrays that power electricity. Onsite amenities include an outdoor hot tub, 24-hour kitchen access, and a market selling locally crafted wares.

The Sea Ranch Lodge, The Sea Ranch 

Set on 53 acres of spectacular Pacific Ocean coastline, this lodge is at the heart of the Sea Ranch community, which consists of 2,200 private homes across 10 miles of coastal shelf marked by cypress hedgerows, sprawling meadows, redwood and Douglas fir forests, nature trails, and plenty of ocean views.

Designed in 1964 in harmony with its natural surroundings, The Sea Ranch Lodge has sustainably spruced its restaurant, solarium, bar, lounge, café, general store, and post office. Enviro-friendly commitments here are many and include employing sheep to control invasive plants, natural composting, and recycling for biodiesel.

Vinarosa Resort & Spa, Santa Rosa

This intimate, four-diamond, 78-room luxury resort holds the highest certification from the California Green Lodging Program (the Environmentalist Level) for superior practices in energy efficiency, land conservation, and adhering to environmental policies, to name a few.

The lushly landscaped and sustainably managed grounds of this 92-acre property rim courtyards and fountains, and a working vineyard with paths. Treatments at the Vi La Vita Spa feature organic products. On site, you’ll discover John Ash, which was the first Sonoma County restaurant to introduce the concept of cooking seasonally with fresh, local foods and produce.