Madrona Hotel: A Romantic B&B in Healdsburg

After bicycling all day in Sonoma’s wine country, all we wanted to do was cool off with a dip in the Madrona Hotel’s pool in the rose garden.

Refreshed, we were then ready to dine out at one of hip Healdsburg’s notable restaurants.

Madrona Hotel, Healdsburg

Perhaps the best B&B in northern Sonoma, the Madrona Hotel is nestled in the hills on the outskirts of the town of Healdsburg.

The romantic Victorian estate is made up of several guest buildings; the main mansion dates back to 1881.

The big mahogany buffet and piano in the reception area even came with the original house.

Madrona Hotel guestrooms

All 22 guestrooms are Victorian in décor, complete with wallpaper, crystal chandeliers, original antiques and creaky floorboards.

But even though the inn retains its historic charm, every modern comfort has been thought of too.

Claw foot tubs have rain showers, and bathrooms have make-up mirrors and Aveda rosemary-and-mint products.

Air conditioning is individually controlled.

King size beds boast great mattresses and silky sheets.

And in a homey touch, fresh-baked chocolate cookies are placed in your room daily.

The best guestrooms are the two Schoolhouse Suites.

Converted from an outlying 1920s schoolhouse at the edge of the property, these have spacious sitting rooms and double Jacuzzis with views of the bedroom fireplaces.

Each also has a large private deck overlooking wooded glades.

Gardens and restaurant

The restaurant unfortunately wasn’t open during our visit (it is only open Wednesday through Sunday).

But we can tell you that it’s received a Michelin star each year since 2008.

Candlelight dinners are four or five-courses, or from tasting menus, perhaps finishing with ice-cream churned tableside.

On warm evenings, you can sit outside on a veranda overlooking the flowers.

Madrona Hotel review: Bottom line?

It all adds up to a wonderfully atmospheric stay at the Madrona. It’s one of the best hotels in Healdsburg.

You smell grapes in the air during the day, and at night, a cicada symphony lulls you into a sweet sleep.

Madrona Hotel, Healdsburg: Check rates and availability

---

Photo credits: 1, 2, 6 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase | Remaining images courtesy Madrona Hotel

---