Pints, Pounds, & Pâté
  • Welcome & About
  • Lifestyle
  • U.S. & Canada
  • England & Scotland
  • Continental Europe
  • Travel Tips
  • Europe Travel Essentials
  • Shop
  • Privacy Policy & Contact

A Stay at the Newly Renovated MacArthur Place, Sonoma

8/6/2019

0 Comments

 
Wondering where to stay during your visit to Sonoma? Check out my review of our excellent experiences at Sonoma's newly renovated MacArthur Place.
MacArthur Place, Sonoma, California
Disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links. If you purchase a linked item, I will make a commission, at no extra charge to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

MacArthur Place, Sonoma

MacArthur Place, Sonoma, California
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, Sonoma, California 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.
MacArthur Place, Sonoma
 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.
Ground of MacArthur Place, Sonoma
Walking paths and guest houses at MacArthur Place, Sonoma
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. ​
MacArthur Place, Sonoma California
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, Sonoma
MacArthur Place Sonoma, Pool
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

MacArthur Place, Sonoma
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.
Guest room, MacArthur Place, Sonoma
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!
Guest rooms renovated at MacArthur Place, Sonoma
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!
Coffee and tea in rooms at MacArthur Place, Sonoma
MacArthur Place, Sonoma
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.
Bathroom, guestroom, MacArthur Place, Sonoma
Guest room bathroom, MacArthur Place, Sonoma

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
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.
The bar at MacArthur Place, Sonoma
Seating area in the bar
The bar at MacArthur Place, Sonoma
MacArthur Place bar
Wine on display at MacArthur Place, Sonoma
Wine waiting in the wings
MacArthur Place Sonoma Bar
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!
MacArthur Place, Sonoma
Excellent wine drinking patio
MacArthur Place, Sonoma
Just a few of MacArthur Place's gorgeous flowers

Love it? Pin it!

MacArthur Place, Sonoma
MacArthur Place, Sonoma California
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    October 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    March 2021
    January 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019

    Categories

    All
    Arizona
    Boca Grande
    Boston
    California
    California Wine Country
    Canada
    Charleston
    Chicago
    Colonial Williamsburg
    Disney World
    Florida
    Glen Arbor
    Harry Potter
    Indianapolis
    Michigan
    Midwest
    New England
    San Francisco
    Sedona
    Virginia

    RSS Feed

    This website uses marketing and tracking technologies. Opting out of this will opt you out of all cookies, except for those needed to run the website. Note that some products may not work as well without tracking cookies.

    Opt Out of Cookies
©2022 Pints, Pounds, & Pate, LLC. All rights reserved.
This website provides my reflections on travel. Always independently verify information to fit your trip and ensure accuracy. Pints, Pounds, & Pate, LLC is not liable for errors or for your experience. Any information regarding our business successes and travel experiences cannot be understood as guaranteeing your similar successes. This website is not legal advice.
  • Welcome & About
  • Lifestyle
  • U.S. & Canada
  • England & Scotland
  • Continental Europe
  • Travel Tips
  • Europe Travel Essentials
  • Shop
  • Privacy Policy & Contact