Dear Polite Traveler,
How does a hotel visit become a long-lasting memory? Well, for me, it’s one where a guest feels the
hotel has exceeded all expectations and is comfortable at home minus the chores.
Cambria
Hotel Sonoma Wine
Country is that and more. Attention to detail in all aspects and the warm, welcoming staff make a visit like an
exciting cross between Independence Day and Christmas. And I’m ready to give it a go again.
Spacious, Welcoming, and Bright, The Lobby is Where It’s At
Driving
up, I found the hotel to be a contemporary beauty. The choice of paint colors and design is
delightful, calming, and extremely attractive.
My first thought is that I want this for a home. Like now, please. What I found slightly odd, though, is that
much of the parking lot is also a street—not a busy street, but still...
Odd.
Upon
stepping into the lobby is a definite ‘wow’ moment. Yes, I have seen more magnificent lobbies,
but this one feels exactly right. It’s
spacious but comfy. Seating is artfully placed in logical sections with a large,
curved bar in one corner and the breakfast area in another.
Belly Up to the Bar
Okay,
I must admit I’m still a tad anxious about being too close to others since the
pandemic remains. Still, the spacing at
this bar
is ample; there’s great air circulation, and there is plenty of seating near
the bar as well. The major plus is Johnnie,
the bartender. We had quite pleasant
conversations with him. It made all the
difference in the feel of the place.
Polite
Traveler Tip
Create
the moment! Smile. Use your perception skills to notice positive
things about others around you.
Compliment others about those things you notice. Of course, feel the room. Sometimes people don’t want to be
bothered.
Step Out and Breathe the Fresh Air
Typically,
a hotel has some sort of outdoor seating, especially important during the major
Covid days. But this hotel maxed out
their space with cozy seating sections spaced tastefully in front and behind
the hotel.
A
plus with this location is basically that it is in the middle of Sonoma
County. This means we are located near
key wine and cheese areas. Wineries are
sprinkled all through Sonoma County and Point Reyes—home to beloved cheese
houses like Cowgirl
Creamery—is
a short drive away.
Not Too Big; Not Too Small...Just Right
Our
home for a few days is a tad larger compared to some regular hotel rooms and so
much more contemporary. Storage is
integrated into the décor, like the large shelves in the bathroom.
Much
of what I value in a space is at my fingertips.
The bathroom is sleek, no-nonsense with a floating vanity, large
shelves, a mirror that is tricked out with a Bluetooth receptor—connects to your
cellphone—and there is a short bar embedded into the corner of the shower to
use as a step. I especially appreciated
the large windows which lit up the room with warm sunlight.
Every
convenience is included except a microwave but can be requested. This leads me
to my only negative. And it’s one of my
biggest bugaboos. There weren’t enough
outlets! I suppose there’s a logical reason,
but I like to sit at the desk when working on my computer. I mean really...why have one if not to use it
as a desk? And this leads back to the
microwave. The one outlet—which is in a
lamp—is the only one that can be used for the microwave. I made it work, so it’s a small issue. But still...why do hotel
contractors/designers do this??
Grrr...
Will We Return?
Of
course, we will. It’s a lovely hotel
filled with lovely staff. Granted, it’s
not the fanciest or the most luxurious, but it’s nearly everything I want in a hotel. It’s the feel of the place. It feels like home, only more relaxing. Plus, it’s in one of my favorite California
regions: Sonoma!
Please
share your experiences!
More
by The Polite Traveler
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more than excellent coffee at Black Oak Coffee Roasters
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