Geyserville Inn, a Quaint Option in Sonoma, California

Although there may only be an hour in the car between the California wine regions of Napa Valley and Sonoma, they are very different counties. In Napa, you will find hotels - many quite opulent - lining the roads between wineries. In Sonoma, both the accommodations and vineyards are much more spread out, but that doesn't mean there aren't some great finds. The Geyserville Inn is one such place.

When you pull up to the Geyserville Inn and park under one of the car ports, you think you are at just another motel, but it's a lot more than that. The Geyserville Inn is actually a small surprise in the middle of California's Sonoma wine country.

The Christensen family owns and operates the Geyserville Inn, a popular spot for weddings (their wedding planner works to coordinate the ceremony, rooms and catering for up to 250 people) and events with over three acres facing mountains and vineyards in Alexander Valley. Standard rooms include a hair dryer, coffee maker and free high speed internet. They are not very large, but are adequate for two adults. The deluxe rooms have been updated and face the pool or mountains. They also have patios or decks.

Five suites are available at the Geyserville Inn. The Junior Suites have fireplaces to keep warm on the cool Northern California nights and balconies that look over the vast landscape, which is surrounded by wine vineyards on three sides. There are also Executive Apartments that have their own private entrance and parking. These suites have breathtaking views, separate bedrooms, fireplaces, a full kitchen and bathrooms with spa tubs. Most rooms and suites have extra luxurious touches like bathrobes and down comforters. Accessible rooms are available.

The Geyserville Inn offers the Hoffman House Restaurant next door, open for breakfast and lunch all year, and dinner during high season. It's a homestyle dining spot that offers everything from scrambled eggs to crab cakes that you can eat inside or outside. If you are looking for something a little different one night, check out the pizzas that come out of the wood-burning oven at Diavola. It's just down the road in the center of downtown Geyserville, where you will also find a selection of tasting rooms for Sonoma Wineries. The staff at the inn will be happy to fill you in on local area favorites.

Rates at the Geyserville Inn are very reasonable for California Wine Country. There are also specials throughout the year that include breakfast, wine tasting and romance packages. Check their website for current offerings.