A Stay at the Newly Renovated MacArthur Place, Sonoma

Wondering where to stay during your visit to Sonoma? Check out my review of our excellent experiences at Sonoma's newly renovated MacArthur Place.

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MacArthur Place, Sonoma

Even the birds have snazzy housing here at MacArthur Place

We were fortunate enough to stay twice at MacArthur Place, in the heart of downtown Sonoma, both before and after its 2019 renovation. During our stay, the renovation was not quite finished, though the main building and many of the guesthouses are completed.

Overall, MacArthur Place is an absolute gem and this renovation has been a huge success. In particular, it features stunning rooms and grounds, in addition to a number of special touches, including a nightly happy hour with local wine and cheese, free of charge to guests, and hosted in the newly spruced-up lobby.

MacArthur Place's renovated lobby

Should you make MacArthur Place your home base during a trip to Sonoma wine country? Let's discuss!

MacArthur Place's Location: In the Heart of Sonoma

I should start by saying that MacArthur Place really does have the most phenomenal location. Easy strolling distance from Downtown Sonoma, the walk is through quaint homes, shops, small offices, and dentist offices, and even past the original Williams Sonoma.

Sonoma's town square, the largest in the U.S., is home to nearly 30 tasting rooms of the surrounding wineries, along with high-end restaurants, such as The Girl and the Fig, where we had lunch on our first day. No matter what your plans for your visit to Sonoma, you really can't select a better location than MacArthur's. In addition to our time downtown, we also drove to several wineries that are just outside of town - Gloria Ferrer is about a 10-minute drive. And, of course, Napa is only about half an hour away (though, if I have to choose, I'd highly recommend picking Sonoma over Napa for your wine country adventure).

​For a guide to exploring Sonoma, check out the full post!

MacArthur Place's Grounds: A Tranquil Retreat

MacArthur Place's grounds are perhaps its strongest attribute, after the location. The hotel is a compilation of two-story guest houses and buildings supporting the hotel, such as the check-in and restaurant, all of which are connected by well-maintained pathways, sporting some gorgeous flowers.

 I find MacArthur Place to be one of the most relaxing places we've stayed that wasn't on an ocean. A world away from the hustle and bustle of a fairly busy tourist trip to wine country, full of trotting in an out of bachelorette-filled wineries, being able to take a quick stroll around the grounds really is relaxing.

Walking paths and guest houses at MacArthur Place, Sonoma

Throughout the grounds are various seating areas, perfect for sipping a bottle of wine you brought home from the day's vineyards, often accompanied by small works of art.

With quite a few guest houses dotting the property, it's easy enough to take a quick jaunt, or have a couple of coffee outside (though don't expect to get your daily exercise in entirely on property).

During the day, the grounds are practically deserted, with guests off enjoying all Sonoma has to offer. ​

Guest houses at MacArthur Place, Sonoma

MacArthur Place's Amenities: Spa, Hot Tub, and Pool

MacArthur Place boasts a spa, small gym, and nice pool and hot tub, all of which are currently open, though, we were informed, the spa will undergo its renovations in the 2019-20 down season. The building that houses the spa is also home to the gift shop, which sells a few fun Sonoma-themed trinkets (I bought a mug that says 750 mL is my happy place).

MacArthur Place pool

​The pool has been upgraded with new chairs and umbrellas. Some Adirondack chairs are also available in the surrounding grass. A hot tub is available, if you have more conducive weather than we did!

Exploring MacArthur Place Sonoma's
Renovated Guest Rooms

Our guest house!

Definitely for the better, the guestrooms at MacArthur place are unrecognizable after their recent revamp. Formerly featuring a very heavy horse/ranch vibe, the rooms have been thoroughly modernized, with crisp, textiled walls, and patterned ceilings, all in muted oatmeal, black, white, and gray.

Newly renovated guestroom

The rooms are quite large - we opted for the smallest room size, a standard Guestroom, and found it to be plenty of size for the two of us, even though we did spend a fair amount of time at the resort. We had two of the lounge chairs (to the left, below), in addition to a small seating area with two chairs and a table large enough to work at or share a small meal.

​Lighting throughout the room and bathroom was able to be changed from a cool network of control boxes, and arranged to suit the mood - relaxed, full lighting, low lighting, etc. Motion sensors were also triggered upon entrance into the bathroom - a nice feature!

Looking from the bedroom into the bathroom (bed is to the right)

Thankfully, the room is fully stocked with both coffee and tea facilities for morning, and wine-uncorcking supplies for evening. Interestingly, rather than a traditional coffee maker, they supplied a kettle and instant coffee in the form of tea bags.

​I found this not only tasty, but also a bit more hygienic than whatever a much-used and abused hotel coffee maker can usually churn out. The Husband wasn't a fan - but, never fear, there's a coffee shop on site. Turndown service was some of the most thorough I've seen lately - especially with the variety of beverage options being used!

Like the bedroom, the bathrooms have had a complete overhaul, and the installation of a number of intriguing features, including my personal absolute favorite: heated floors in the shower.

Layla, the new restaurant at MacArthur Place, Sonoma

The most highly-anticipated change for us, and likely most guests, was the new restaurant and bar at MacArthur Place, Layla. The restaurant underwent a complete overhaul of both the physical space and, of course, the menu. The footprint of the restaurant in the building has changed - removing a small hallway and opening up the windows. The decor is light and barn-like, featuring oversized basket-esque lighting, light-colored furnishings, and pottery-based serving dishes and plates. Gorgeous outdoor seating is available toward the back, spreading onto a patio.

Replacing the former, much-loved and heavily horse-themed Saddles, Layla features a Mediterranean-centered menu, with hummus and delicious tzatziki (we tried both!) as the main starters, followed by a selection of seafood and steaks. The menu is small and the dishes are all well-done, with just the right mix of Mediterranean flavor infusion, when accompanied by the selection of local wines (a full bar is also available). I opted for the salmon which was excellent, accompanied by a flavorful bed of couscous. 

Layla, MacArthur Place, Sonoma

The bar area, too, has been completely changed. A delicious and considerately-priced bar menu is available (try the hamburger - it's absolutely phenomenal. We're still talking about it!!) and the dinner menu is available as well.

Seating area in the bar

MacArthur Place bar

Wine waiting in the wings

Full view of the bar

Should you stay at MacArthur Place, Sonoma?

The renovations to MacArthur Place are a triumph. Combined with the phenomenal location, friendly atmosphere, and incredible scenery, you can't go wrong making MacArthur Place your home base on your next trip to Sonoma County! Check out rates from Booking.com.

For more on exploring Sonoma, check out Why You Should Visit Sonoma. And dont' forget to sign up for the newsletter!

Excellent wine drinking patio

Just a few of MacArthur Place's gorgeous flowers

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