Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

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My dh is taking me to the Sonoma Mission & Spa for my birthday. I was wondering if anyone had stayed there (using points or not), and what it is like.

I went to their website and it sounds like a very nice place. My dh booked us a junior suite with our DVC points. He's even agreed to take part in a couples massage.

We leave tomorrow. After we go I'll write up a mini-review.

 

[Orlanr]

I stayed there about 5 years ago, It is such a beautiful hotel. Sonoma is a cool little town to walk around in. The staff was very helpful and the golf course next door is very nice. Have fun.

 

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Thought I'd give you all an update:

The resort is beautiful! We checked in and were taken to our junior suite by our resort guide, Craig. He gave us the low down on the resort and even called to schedule some spa treatments for us. The grounds are quite spread out making Craig's job of showing us around important. There is a main family pool and two separate pools in the spa area where you have to be 18 years or older. Since we did not have our son, we skipped the family pool and spent all our time at the spa pools.

The resort supplies all guests with a robe and sandals making it quite common to see people walking around very casually in their robes. The locker rooms at the spa area have every ammenity a person would want, including more robes. There is also a bath house in the spa area which is very relaxing. They provide guests with instructions on where to start, how long to stay at each "station," and what to do; ex, start at the first set of showers, exfoliate for 5 minutes, then go to the warm mineral pool for 10 minutes, dip in the hot mineral pool 5 minutes, etc... Of course all of the times are only recommendations, you can choose to do whatever you want in whatever order you want.

We did partake in a couple's massage. I had Richard and my dh had Arlyne. It was my dh's first ever massage and now he's hooked. Arlyne and Richard were a good team. My hubby and I both felt like limp noodles when they were finished with us.

There is a lot more to the SMI, but I just wanted to give the spa information for now. If anyone has questions, feel free to post.

I know the whole argument regarding points and the value (or lack thereof). That's not the purpose of this message. I just wanted to get the word out on the SMI for interested parties.

Oh, and as far as whether we were treated like 2nd class citizens. FAR FROM IT We were treated like a royal couple the entire time we were on the property. I wondered if they knew we were DVC people, but had my question answered when we were checking out and the clerk said to my husband "Everything's fine, Disney Vacation Club has taken care of everything."

 

[MinnieFan4ever]

Wow!!! Sounds like a wonderful resort. Sounds like you two had a very relaxing time.

 

[winjos]

I grew up in Santa Rosa and went to the Sonoma Mission Inn for dinner before a HS dance (OK, so I'm talking many moons ago). The food was great and the Inn was beautiful!! Sonoma is a great little town! Did you get a chance to go to the Sonoma Jack cheese factory?? Everytime we visit the area (I moved to So. Cal a couple years after HS), we get a sandwich at the deli there at the factory and picnic in the park!! Yummy!!

Eating the FANTASTIC Sourdough bread, the yummy cheese, and visiting the wineries makes for one fantastic day!!

If you ever feel adventurous, visit Dr. Wilkerson's in St. Helena's. Order the works: MUD bath (square "tub" filled with mud), whirlpool bath, steam bath, blanket wrap and 1/2 hour massage!! It is a wonderful experience!!

 

[Forever a Princess]

Hi there!

Thanks for your post. We are thinking of staying here (using points). Your review really helped.

Glad you had such a great stay.