Six of the best: hot, new hotels coming to California’s Sonoma County
The members’ club’s arrival is part of a broader wave of developments across the county, located just an hour north of San Francisco, with global brands like Hyatt and Caesars, alongside boutique brands and independents, preparing to welcome guests to wine country.
This investment cements Sonoma County’s reputation as a destination for those in-the-know who enjoy the varied landscapes – from coast to redwoods to vines – and its tangible roots as a community of farmers, winemakers, creatives and artisans.
“Sonoma County has always attracted people who are drawn to its sense of place, independent spirit and creative energy, and this new generation of hotels reflects that appeal in exciting ways,” said Sonoma County Tourism Director, Birgitt Vaughan.
“From Soho Ranch House Sonoma’s arrival in Kenwood to boutique retreats in Occidental and culinary-led hospitality in Petaluma, these openings are bringing fresh perspectives and experiences to communities that already have a strong identity of their own.
“It’s an exciting moment for Sonoma County as we welcome new investment and global attention while continuing to celebrate the farmers, winemakers, chefs, makers and artists who make this place so distinctive,” she said.
Spread across 350 acres at the base of Hood Mountain, Soho Ranch House Sonoma will feature 50 cottages and villas when it opens next year.
Guests can expect a social, wellness-centric atmosphere centered around farm-to-table dining venues, a signature Soho Health Club featuring two outdoor pools and immersive wellness programming, and an on-property vineyard.
Located near the small town of Kenwood, just 20 minutes from Santa Rosa and the Charles M. Schulz International Airport, the spotlight will fall on this small town known for its natural beauty and proximity to world-class wineries in the so-called Valley of the Moon.
Guests are just minutes from the historic, French-inspired grounds of Chateau St. Jean, the eclectic art gallery at Imagery Estate Winery and the hiking trails of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, home to the Robert Ferguson Observatory which hosts regular solar and stargazing events.
In the surrounding Kenwood-Glen Ellen corridor there’s a stream of notable restaurants including the two Michelin-starred Enclos, The Girl and The Fig and Glen Ellen Star, reflecting Sonoma’s longstanding reputation as a culinary hub.
Set in the heart of Occidental, The Little Bohemian will feature 13 stylish guest rooms, along with four hillside ÖÖD houses.
A standout feature, the ÖÖD houses are Nordic-designed, high-end mirrored cabins designed for privacy while reflecting the surrounding hillside. Inside, guests will find a cosy retreat with panoramic views, designed for immersive, nature-forward stays.
Outside there will be a pool, jacuzzi, saunas and evening firepit area. The property is being envisioned as a retreat where guests can enjoy both village charm and a sense of secluded escape near the slower rhythm of West Sonoma County.
Graton Resort and Casino, located in Rohnert Park between Santa Rosa and Petaluma, officially unveiled the second phase of its massive US$1 billion expansion on 4th May.
This introduced 144,000 square feet of new gaming space, including an exclusive poker room and sports bar. Significant investment has been made into a new restaurant concept – AYA – which is headed up by MICHELIN-starred chef Roy Ellamar and his wife Jennifer Murphy-Ellamar.
The restaurant is accessed through a US$1 million wine library tunnel and the menu features Coastal California cuisine with Asian influences. Other new dining options include SoCo Dough Co., an artisan donut shop styled like a modern diner.
The final phases of the expansion will include a sleek second hotel tower with an additional 200 luxury rooms and an adults-only pool (2027), and a state-of-the-art 3,500-seat entertainment venue (2028). In the meantime, the venue continues to host artists with John Legend, Third Eye Blind and Ludacris due to perform.
Caesars Republic Sonoma County is a joint project between Dry Creek Rancheria and Caesars Entertainment to transform the River Rock Casino into an integrated resort.
Sitting above the vineyards of the Alexander Valley, the resort is set to feature 100 design-led guest rooms, a luxury spa and multiple upscale dining venues including a steakhouse, an Asian concept and an elevated quick-service option.
The resort will also feature a dedicated wine bar with outdoor seating offering views across the valley.
With a modern gaming floor and the world-renowned Caesars Rewards program, the property will provide a unique bridge between high-stakes excitement and the sophisticated charm of Sonoma Wine Country.
Following the opening of Appellation Healdsburg in September 2025, Appellation Petaluma will be the second property in Sonoma County from this ‘culinary-first’ brand founded by Chef Charlie Palmer and entrepreneur Christopher Hunsberger.
Designed to sit naturally within its historic riverside location, the project offers a thoughtful convergence of past and present – a boutique experience that feels more like a local landmark than a traditional hotel with a signature dining destination dedicated to the region’s agricultural bounty.
The property’s defining feature will be its expansive rooftop, which will provide rare, panoramic views across the river to the rolling hills beyond.
Projected to open in 2028, the four-storey, 56-room boutique hotel will celebrate Petaluma’s “egg basket” heritage – in the early 20th century Petaluma became the nation’s leading egg supplier – blending world-class gastronomy with the authentic historic spirit of the city.
A contemporary anchor for Rohnert Park, the Hyatt Place Sonoma Wine Country (not to be confused with the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country) is being designed as a tech-led hub, offering a base for those balancing the destination’s leisure experiences with its growing cultural and commercial centres.
Suiting an array of travellers, the property will feature 165 rooms designed to provide distinct zones for sleep, work and relaxation, and will include suites overlooking the Sonoma hills as well as interconnecting rooms that are ideal for families.
United’s brilliant Polaris Business Class cabin
Wayfarer recommends flying to San Francisco on United Airlines, which offers direct flights to the city from across America and around the world.
Book a ticket in United’s Polaris Business Class cabin, which features flatbed seats, pyjamas (on flights over 12 hours), Saks Fifth Avenue bedding and onboard amenities from Therabody – including a kit that features an eye serum, face spray, hand cream and cleansing towelette exclusive to United customers – alongside fantastic inflight food and drinks (including a new, brilliant wine menu), premium noise-reducing headphones and fantastic inflight hospitality.