Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country Petaluma
I was off to wine country in California for a few days and even though it was offseason, a lot of hotels were exceptionally pricey. I managed to find one listed as wine country, and it kinda is close enough to count, well-placed for Sonoma and Russian River, even Napa for a little bit of a drive, was the Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country Petaluma. Yes, that name is quite a mouthful, isn't it?Arrival
I had flown in to San Francisco International, which is a bit south for sure. Getting a rental car was an absolute disaster in transit from terminal to rental facility then back for my bags. I don't even want to talk about that, but, you will need to have a car for this.I then drove north, and through San Fran proper as the highway ends before it connects to the Golden Gate Bridge. I also got a Fastpass to deal with the tolls, as the "convenience fee" charged by rental places for paying it for you is egregious, and after it's paid by them you have no recourse.
Well, anyways through Sausalito and via various highways north of the bay to the hotel, which is directly off the road. That was great, even if it was an 1am arrival.
The Room
When I checked in, I had been upgraded. I inquired about suites, but they weren't available or in service or something. I did get this nice corner room with a balcony overlooking the marina by the hotel. It was super nice in the morning, with the light fog and little chill, stepping out with a coffee and watching the boats being prepped and heading out to the bay and maybe even the Pacific.
3D interactive room tour, use your mouse or fingers to move around and see other rooms.
The Floorplan for direct room click access.
Dining
Onsite they have Tolay, which is a full service restaurant and a bar in the evening. There are a few places to eat around the area, but get a reservation in advance. The waits are crazy.Amenities
Fully decked out, with a good-sized pool and heated whirlpool. Workable gym. A little market for things you forgot or need at 2am.Sheraton Club
Ahhh, yes! A Sheraton Club! It was open on the weekends too. Good layout of breakfast, quite flavorful and just easy to deal with.
Kinda hard to see, on the left side with the balcony off to the left of it
The main entrance to the restaurant, Tolay
Great bar, good drinks
The bar menu for your price and diversity browsing
It was well prepared and the taste was good
Tolay's breakfast menu. Standardish American fare
Cardio heavy but has all the basics from Pilates to strength
Heated for those cool North California evenings
A well-stocked mini convenience store
The Club!
Breakfast! Biscuits and gravy is so satisfying
Ok, the coffee wasn't super top notch, but it was drinkable
Otherwise sugar drinks abound
Lots of seating and an outdoor spot over the marina
Summary
It's not directly in wine country but it is good for wine country. It did not add much time to my drive to some places in Napa, and saved me time in the western wine regions.An open Sheraton Club on the weekends is a stellar perk. The rooms were a bit worn, but it was a nice, comfortable, and clean room. The balcony was a great spot for evening unwind or morning invigoration.
Quality spot, that I will probably use again when I go back to the area.