14 Unique Places to Stay in Sonoma Wine Country

Looking for tranquil? Then head to the forests and redwoods in a luxury airstream. Hoping to get a little wild? A Sonoma Serengeti-inspired getaway might be in your future. Or, are you craving some time to pause and reflect? Book a room at a mindful retreat center.

Here are 14 one-of-a-kind Wine Country hotels and accommodations. 

Safari West, Santa Rosa

Dreaming of an African safari, minus the long-haul flight, airfare and additional costs? Spend a night at Safari West for an adventurous experience closer to home. This 400-acre wildlife reserve houses giraffes, cheetahs, lemurs, zebras, and more. But one of the most unique things about Safari West is that you can stay there! Nestled right next to the animals sit 30 luxury tent cabins imported from Botswana. The tents come with queen beds, en-suite bathrooms, polished hardwood floors and private viewing decks.

Beltane Ranch B&B, Glen Ellen

Tucked on a hillside overlooking the Sonoma Valley, this historical 1892 ranch house and its cottages offer a virtual Eden on 105 acres. Walking trails lead past grazing horses and cattle, winding through the ranch’s estate, olive orchards, vineyards, and gardens. 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 also a private tennis court and a produce garden that supplies the kitchen for each morning’s breakfast. 

AutoCamp Russian River, Guerneville

Found under soaring redwoods in a gorgeous modern “compound” is AutoCamp. During your time here you can choose to slumber sweetly in an Airstream or luxury tent. No matter your choice, you’ll be able to sit back, listen to the sound of the swaying redwoods, and enjoy a glass of Sonoma Coast pinot from the camp’s wine cabinet. They also have individual fire pits, and s’mores kits to enjoy — yum! 

Discover more places to go glamping in Sonoma County.

Shanti Occidental, Occidental

If you’ve ever longed to stay on a peaceful Wine Country homestead, you’ll love the Shanti Permaculture Farm just outside the enchanted hamlet of Occidental. A magical place for all travelers, Shanti boasts an abundance of ways to provide the “extra” in an extraordinary vacation. Snooze in a private yurt or cottage, feed the resident livestock, meet the chickens, or harvest your own fresh produce from the gardens. 

Metro Hotel, Petaluma

“A little trip to Paris in Sonoma County” is what the Metro Hotel & Cafe website promises, and it sure does deliver! This may be a hotel by name, but it’s certainly not conventional: think Amélie from Montmartre’s influence on a brightly colored European-style hostel. The rooms are decorated with a nod to The City of Light as well as quirky details like porcelain ducks and tiger drawer knobs. A few Airstreams and pink plastic flamingos have taken up residence in the garden where the cafe serves French crepes to guests every morning. 

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 is a modern, adults-only boutique lodging in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. The hotel offers a unique array of accommodations, including 14 guest rooms, three canvas glamping tents, and a “lovebug” camper. 

Insider Tip: While you’re there, head down the street to boon eat + drink in downtown Guerneville. Try the Brussels sprouts — you won’t regret it.

Timber Cove Resort, Jenner

Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by majestic redwoods sits Timber Cove Resort. This mid-century gem is donned in warm hues and sturdy wooden accents, accentuated by its iconic architecture. The resort’s proximity to both the ocean and redwoods forests allow visitors to explore and create a deep connection with many of Sonoma County’s most beloved natural wonders. While at Timber Cove, we recommend taking some time to experience 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. Situated on 120 acres of ancient redwoods, Ratna Ling offers cozy cottages paired with organic farm-to-table meals as well as meditation and yoga classes to help foster inner strength and peace amongst all their guests. Trust us — you’ll want to Namastay here forever!

The Astro Motel, Santa Rosa

Nestled in the heart of downtown Santa Rosa, the Astro Motel is one of Sonoma County’s trendiest properties. Built in 1963 in the heyday of the American motor lodge, this redesigned retro-style motel is owned by the founders of Spinster Sisters, one of the most popular eateries in the city. A haven for cycling enthusiasts, the Astro Motel is just a short bike ride from most wineries, breweries, and other things to do in Santa Rosa. 

Explore more unique hotels in Santa Rosa.

Inn at Occidental

From the Safari room with its large giraffe mural to the Cirque du Sonoma room, complete with a colorful “big top” draped over the bed and an antique poster of the Flying Valenti Brothers, choose the room that fits your vibe at the Inn at Occidental. With 16 guest rooms and a two-bedroom cottage, all thoughtfully decorated with different themes, this graceful clapboard mansion is larger than a typical bed-and-breakfast, but just as cozy. Antiques, replicas, and wonderful pieces of original artwork can be found in every room. 

Rose Garden Charmer, Petaluma

Why settle for a bunch of roses when you could disappear with your dearest into an entire field of them? Dubbed the Rose Garden Charmer, this Petaluma cut-rose farm and nursery rents out a little cottage with a queen-size canopy bed and clawfoot tub that provides excellent cover for couples who want romantic privacy in a lush, storybook setting. After the nursery has closed for the day, overnight visitors have the gardens all to themselves.Book on Airbnb.

Spring Lake Regional Park, Santa Rosa

For some classic family vacationing, set up camp in your own backyard in Santa Rosa’s Spring Lake Regional Park. This family-friendly park has plenty to offer — hikes, dirt trails for bike rides in neighboring Trione-Annadel State Park; kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards to rent for an excursion on the lake; and kid activities like carousel and train rides in nearby Howarth Park. In addition to regular campsites, the park also has three sleeping cabins available.

Sonoma Treehouse Adventures, Occidental

Let all of your childhood dreams come true at this treehouse village in Occidental. Each reservation includes two zipline rides, a guided hike, and an overnight stay in a treehouse surrounded by a wooden deck and connected with the rest of the village by lightly swaying suspension bridges. The interior of each treehouse is cozy and surprisingly large, making it a good size for a couple, a small group of friends, or a family with children. 

Gingerbread House, Geyserville

Hansel and Gretel would advise against taking a bite out of this sweet fairytale house, but rest assured, there are no wicked witches around. In fact, this house and its accompanying hobbit hut are part of the Isis Oasis Sanctuary, founded in 1978 by the late Loreon Vigné and dedicated to the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis, who, bears a close resemblance with the American concept of Mother Earth. Visitors are invited to partake in “daily noon rites” in the sanctuary’s temple and are encouraged to meditate by its many shrines and altars. It seems like such spiritual practices would help keep cannibalistic witches at bay.Book on Airbnb.

Looking for more quirky and trendy places to stay in Sonoma County? Check out this list of 13 Unique Inns & Bed and Breakfasts in Sonoma Wine Country.

Written by Sonoma Insider Mariah Harkey.