Inn at Occidental, Occidental, Sonoma, California - Explore & Book
"Sonoma County is one of our favourite places in California. We love it for its laid-back gourmet lifestyle and bucolic environs. But we had not explored Occidental before. An atmospheric autumnal journey through fog-wreathed redwoods brought us along the aptly-named Bohemian Highway into this quaint town of clapboard-cute buildings. Occidental was founded during the logging boom of the 1870s and the Inn at Occidental dates from the town's earliest years. First a family home then a bottling company and shopfront, it is now a welcoming old-fashioned inn styled with vintage games, heirlooms and folk art. Local photographs and paintings hang throughout. The colourful living room has a big fireplace and 1870s parquet flooring; the original cellar is now the kitchen and breakfast room, which has an adjacent patio for delicious alfresco breakfasts. Read the paper on the wraparound front veranda with morning coffee; relax with a book in the English courtyard garden complete with fountain and 22 species of roses. With 16 playfully themed rooms and suites, plus a 2-bedroomed self-catering cottage, you'll find accommodation to suit, whether for a private romantic getaway or with the whole family. Tempting though it is to curl up in front of your fireplace or soak in your spa bath, there's so much to do on the doorstep: Matt, Vicky and their team are eager to share their insider knowledge on the delights of Wine Country. Highs We loved the cosy, convivial feel: there's a help-yourself tea and coffee station, plus plenty of books and games, and complimentary wine on offer from time to time A great location: off the beaten track, yet within 15 minutes' drive of the coast, wineries, gourmet restaurants, spas - plus canoeing, hiking, riding and ballooning Luxurious rooms boast Frette linens, Aveda toiletries, romantic fireplaces; all but 4 have spa baths complete with rubber duckies We appreciated the extra decorative touches: handmade quilts, colourful artwork and quirky memorabilia, from vintage pinball machines to Humpty Dumpty dolls Helpful, friendly staff led by owners Matt and Vicky, who can point you in any direction you need Lows Only breakfast is served, but there are several restaurants within walking distance and a wider choice within a 10-minute drive Not for lovers of contemporary muted minimalism; the Inn is a cornucopia of objets and whimsy Rooms are being given small facelifts as the owners (new in 2024) work their way through them: some photos may differ slightly from the reality Bear in mind that there is no pool or gym" - Nadine Mellor
