On our way up to backpack the Lost Coast Trail (LCT), we made a stop in NorCal wine country for one last buzzed hurrah before hitting the backcountry.
I am embarrassed to admit that this was my first time in “wine country”, but Sonoma, California was as good a place as any to get my feet wet.
As such, we decided to stay at the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country.
Was it a good choice?
Review: Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country (CA)
Location & Parking
The Hyatt Regency Sonoma is actually located in the town of Santa Rosa, CA, near (and walking distance to) the downtown area, which was just East of the Freeway.
Across the street to the North, there were several bars and restaurants; while to the South there was a park and biking trails that ran along Santa Rosa Creek. Most of the wineries we explored were located to the West.
We found the location to be ideal for exploring the town and surrounding wineries, while also being just secluded enough to get a quiet night’s sleep.
Parking was easy and plentiful (and free), but required a room key to get in and out of the parking lot.
The parking lot
The entrance
Lobby
Although the exterior of the hotel was a little corporate and dates, the interior of the lobby was quite the surprise.
It was large, warm, and welcoming. The lobby’s decor instantly made us feel like we were now in “wine country”.
If they were trying to nail the “Sonoma vibe”, they did it.
Image: hyatt.com
The front desk is visible on the right
The Sonoma Cafe is visible on the right
World Of Hyatt Redemption
The nightly rate during our stay started at $404.20 USD for a “2 Queen Beds” room.
However, because the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country was a World of Hyatt Category 4 property (15,000 points), I booked the room using a Chase Category 1-4 Promotion Award Night.
This was a very good redemption value of 2.69 CPP.
Check-In & Welcome Package
I was warmly greeted and thanked for my loyalty before being quickly checked-in and handed a room key and a welcome package consisting of a guest letter and a menu for the Sonoma Cafe.
I was also informed that, as a Globalist, I’d been given an “upgrade” to a higher floor.
The Walk To The Room
Elevator Area
Hallway
Room Entrance
The room was clean, comfortable, and what I would call “standard Hyatt Regency”.
It did come with one notable feature – a solid candidate for the world’s smallest balcony (see below).
Bedroom
Living Area
Room Amenities
Closet
Bathroom
The bathroom was well-lit and clean, and came with a separate water closet.
View From The Room
As promised…the “world’s smallest balcony”!
Walking The Property
Like the rooms, the property for the most part appeared well-kept, clean, and comfortable.
Only the swimming pool area looked like it could use a little TLC.
Image: hyatt.com
Image: hyatt.com
Breakfast At Sonoma Cafe
As a Globalist, our party received complimentary breakfast at the Sonoma Cafe.
While the food [served “grab and go” style] was excellent, it took a very, very long time. The morning line was huge and the women working the front desk at the cafe were woefully understaffed and had to keep making runs to the kitchen to re-supply for coffee supplies. It was to the point where I genuinely felt sorry for them.
It took me about 45 minutes just to get my coffee. But, I chalked it up to a typical “pandemic re-opening” where the staff was in short supply.
We went with the Croissant Sandwich and the Breakfast Quiche.
You’ll need one of these if you want free breakfast
Sonoma Cafe. Image: hyatt.com
The Swimming Pool
The swimming pool. Image: hyatt.com
Actual
FHOP Tip: What’s Nearby
We chose to have dinner at the nearby Walter Hansel Wine & Bistro, which turned out to be the highlight of our trip to Sonoma. The setting was a small outdoor area covered by a tent surrounded by vineyards – exactly like what I envisioned for Sonoma. The food was extraordinary and the wine was delicious enough to order second and third glasses (and I don’t even like wine!).
Back in Santa Rosa, you don’t want to miss the Russian River Brewing Company in downtown. This brewery is famous (infamous?) for its “Pliney The Elder” double IPA brew which carried the distinction as “America’s Best Beer” for almost a decade.
The Bottom-Line Review: Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country (CA)
While I was not “blown away” by the hotel property or its grounds themselves, we very much enjoyed our stay at the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country.
No knock to the hotel, but (other than the lobby) it was a very “standard” Hyatt Regency hotel. However, it happens to be conveniently placed in the perfect location to explore Sonoma wine country.
Besides, with “standardization” comes consistency, and that’s what you will get at the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country – a consistently good product.
As a World of Hyatt Category 4 hotel, it is one of the [remaining] best options for redeeming Chase award night certificates in California and a very good value at 15,000 points.
Final Rating: 8 out of 10.
