10 Unique Places to Stay in Sonoma County

Whether it be the art, the dining, the people, or the lodging, there's something around every corner that makes Sonoma County unique. With all of the different climates, you can choose to stay in all types of places, moving on to a spot with a completely different vibe than the previous one.

Looking for tranquil? Then head to the forests and redwoods in a luxury airstream.

Hoping for downright unique? A Sonoma Serengeti might be in your future. Here are 10 truly unique places to stay in Sonoma County: 

Safari West, Santa Rosa

I bet you'd never guess there's a hidden "Sonoma Serengeti" just minutes outside the city of Santa Rosa. This 400-acre wildlife reserve is home to giraffes, cheetahs, lemurs, zebras...you name it. But one of the most unique things about Safari West is that you can stay there! Nestled right next to the giraffes, you can enjoy a stay in a safari "glamping" tent imported from Africa (seriously), that includes your own deck overlooking the Sonoma Serengeti.

Beltane Ranch B&B, Glen Ellen

Tucked on a hillside overlooking the Sonoma Valley, this historic 1892 ranch house and cottages offer a virtual Eden of gardens, vineyards, and orchards on 105 acres. Choose from five bedrooms in the main house or a cozy cottage, all with private outdoor entrances, bathrooms, and patios. Everything is decorated with family antiques and original local artwork. There's a private tennis court, and sustainably farmed produce gardens supply the kitchen for each morning's breakfast. Walking trails lead past grazing horses and cattle, winding through the ranch's estate, olive orchards, and gardens.

AutoCamp Russian River, Guerneville 

Found under soaring redwoods in a gorgeous modern 'compound' is Autocamp. During your time there you can either stay in an airstream or luxury tent, when you can sit back, listen to the sound of the swaying redwoods and enjoy a glass of Sonoma Coast pinot from their wine cabinet. They also have individual firepits, and s'mores kits to enjoy. Yum! 

Shanti Occidental

If you’ve ever dreamed of staying on a beautiful Sonoma County farm, you’ll love the Shanti Permaculture Farm just outside the enchanted hamlet of Occidental. Here, you’ll vacation in a private yurt or cottage, feed the resident livestock, meet the chickens, and harvest your own fresh produce from the gardens, as the vacation event of a lifetime.

Metro Hotel, Petaluma

Spend a night in what you'd think was France at the Metro Hotel in Petaluma, a European-styled boutique hotel that incorporates French charm around every corner. Doubling as a cute café,  the hotel has 3 airstreams to choose from as well as French-inspired hotel rooms. Bonjour Paris! 

boon hotel + spa, Guerneville 

When a hotel is named after the resident hotel dog, you know it's going to be a good one. Boon hotel + spa in Guerneville offers modern luxury accommodations and glamping tent options, with a pool and spa on site. Insider Tip: While you're there, head down the street and visit boon eat + drink, their restaurant in downtown Guerneville. Try the brussels sprouts — you won't regret it.

Timber Cove Resort, Jenner

This recently renovated resort not only boasts some of the best coastal views in Jenner, but also has balconies for you to connect with the outdoors, without actually having to leave your room. This mid-century modern gem is architecturally stunning, and is a perfect addition to your Instagram feed! While you're visiting, be sure to see the gorgeous views from Goat Rock Beach. 

Ratna Ling Retreat Center, Cazadero

If you're looking to escape your busy life and fade away into a yoga-filled paradise, this peaceful retreat center is a great place to start. It offers cottages tucked away in the redwoods, paired with organic farm-to-table meals and meditation/yoga classes as inspiration for finding your peaceful center. Namastay-here forever.

The Astro Motel, Santa Rosa

The Astro Motel is one of Sonoma County's newest unique properties found on this list, and is actually a re-designed retro style motel owned by the same owners of the Spinster Sisters. Built in 1963 in the heyday of the American motor lodge, The Astro was remodeled into a 34-room urban motel in 2017, with original mid-century modern furnishings and even an edible garden.

Inn at Occidental, Occidental

Choose the room theme that fits you best, from the Safari room with its giraffe mural to the Cirque du Sonoma room with a colorful "big top" draped over the bed and an antique poster of the Flying Valenti Brothers. With 16 guest rooms and a two-bedroom cottage, each thoughtfully decorated with a different theme, this graceful clapboard mansion is larger than a typical B&B, but just as cozy. Antiques, replicas, and wonderful pieces of original artwork can be found in every room. 

If you like this article, check out these Happy Hours Worth your Buck in Sonoma County.

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Written by Sonoma Insider Mariah Harkey.