Glen Ellen Sonoma, California
Renovated
2005
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Heritage WellnessOutside the door
The house
Four Sisters InnsVictorian ryokan inn
The 1890 Queen Anne residence runs on Japanese ryokan rituals, matching wraparound verandas with rock gardens and evening sake beside the creek.
“Asian-influenced rooms have unique layouts, as well as "huge Japanese-style granite soaking tubs that can fit three people."”
What it’s good at
Notable
Ryokan-inspired suites with shoji screens, bamboo accents, and private Japanese rock gardens.
Notable
An 1890 Queen Anne Victorian landmark with wraparound porches along Calabazas Creek.
Notable
Deep granite Japanese soaking tubs with hinoki ladles and creekside massage cabanas.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
inside, though, it’s simple, minimalist, not just vaguely Zen but really quite identifiably Japanese in style.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Arnold Drive threads through quiet Glen Ellen, placing Sonoma Valley tasting rooms and Jack London State Historic Park minutes away.
The rooms
Zen Suites open onto private rock gardens, each fitted with a deep granite soaking tub and hinoki wood ladle.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The 40-foot heated pool is set into brick decking under shady trees, steps from an outdoor hot tub.
The spa
Massages take place indoors beside an open fireplace. Outside, a timber meditation deck holds a treatment table and bronze gong.
How it began
Local butcher Albert Ebenezer Gaige built the Queen Anne house in 1890 to hold his shop downstairs and family quarters above.
Sonoma
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.