Traveling En Masse: Sonoma's Best Kid Friendly Lodging

I am so incredibly lucky. Not only do I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, I also have some of the greatest wineries right around the corner. But once in a while, I think, what would it be like if I didn’t live here and wanted to bring my family to visit Sonoma?

While most hotels certainly seem to cater to the wine loving crowd above the age of 21, there are a few hotels in Sonoma that are great for kids.

I've asked this question of myself when we've had friends from out of town, or done remodeling work, or just needed a stay-cation somewhere close. 

But what is the best place to take the kids without disturbing those who have decided to vacation without their kids?

My family and I had the opportunity to enjoy MacArthur Place for a night, last week. Nestled behind busy Broadway street, you will find yourself feeling a world away from all the normal requirements of everyday Sonoma life. It’s one of those places where it’s OK to feel spoiled and escape that day to day craziness.

Here's our staycation experience.

Rooms

They have 64 rooms and 29 of them are suites. Our room was a little over 600-square-feet, with a king-size bed and a twin day bed. My kids had to flip a coin to see who camped in their sleeping bag on the floor (the one downside to the room), but they were happy to oblige when they found out the room's TV had Nickelodeon!

We loved the outdoor patio area attached to our room, with a rocking bench and plenty of chairs to sit on. The bathroom was gorgeous and had a large jacuzzi tub. The room was also equipped with an ipod dock, small refrigerator, extra sink, large television, dvd player and free wi-fi.

Activities

We enjoyed the pool and hot tub for the afternoon and then went to the complimentary wine and cheese hour. My kids loved the checkers and chess tables that were set up and enjoyed lots of grapes and cheese. Jessup Cellars was sampling their lovely wine for my husband and I. We were the only couple with our kids there but most people didn’t seem to mind. They also have small selection of DVDs that you can check out for the night and we found a few family friendly titles to take back to our room. Of course, you can bring your own DVDs too.

The grounds are very large and we found a life size chess set, swing and large grass area for the kids to run around on. Of course, the heated pool is the highlight but right next to it, is a ping pong table that my son loved.

Dinner

On the property is Saddles restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. They also have happy hour every night from 4pm-6pm. Delicious homemade rolls made everyday. But we decided to walk two blocks up Broadway to Hopmonk Tavern for some salads and burgers. Of course, the Sonoma square is also very close and has several highly acclaimed restuarant choices.

What’s for breakfast?

Each morning they have a great breakfast buffet that is complimentary. The toaster machine alone is worth it. My son would not stop sending bread along the conveyor belt. They also have a great fruit selection, local organic hard boiled eggs, yogurt, several different cereal selections and a great juice bar with fresh squeezed juice.

Overall, MacArthur Place is a great family hotel. Staying in a hotel in your own home town is also something I highly recommend. You really feel as though you can actually enjoy the property and all it has to offer. It is so lovely and laid back, you will actually never want to leave. You can call it a staycation or just a nice break to feel like a tourist in your own town. Now, back to reality!

MacArthur Place isn't the only family friendly Sonoma spot. Here's some other hotels that come highly recommended by other Sonoma families.

El Pueblo Inn:

Great pool and jacuzzi area, complimentary breakfast and free wi-fi.

Best Western Sonoma Valley Inn:

Great location right across from Whole Foods, heated pool, fitness room, and complimentary breakfast.

Cottage Sonoma:

A two bedroom beautifully decorated house with two bathrooms, backyard, large jacuzzi and full kitchen and a washer and dryer if you need it. Walking distance to the square. They even have pack-n-plays and a highchair if you need it.