I’ve driven by it hundreds of times on the way to my in-law’s place in Sonoma. That pink neon spire that looms above a grouping of low-lying buildings. Neon letters spell out F-L-A-M-I-N-G-O and at the top, the eponymous bird rotates in a circle. A touch of Vegas or Hollywood glitz in Santa Rosa. I’ve long been intrigued.
Well this year, I thought I’d satisfy my curiosity. I booked rooms at the Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa for Easter weekend. The in-law’s house is getting tight with all the kids and relatives. Plus, it has a huge pool, an enormous draw for the kids who don’t think holiday dinners especially fun.
I love the retro 1950s glamour of the place, with five buildings circling the huge L-shaped pool. There is the Terrace Restaurant as well as a lounge for live music and dancing, Jayne Mansfield is clearly the poster girl, with black and white photos of her lounging by the pool during her stay here.
While the kids played tennis, I explored the fitness center, owned by the Montecito Heights Health Club. It is fabulous. I was glad I mustered the energy to get up on a rainy Easter Sunday morning to workout. When I had checked in, I asked about it and was told it would cost $15 but the front desk person decided to give me free passes. I guess it pays to show your disappointment when hit with a fee.
The rooms are spacious and comfortable and had been newly renovated, with all the amenities. Since we were having dinner with the family and we had chocolate eggs to hunt, we didn’t check out the restaurant. Next time!
If you plan to spend time in Northern California wine country, you might find this post helpful on Things to See and Do in Healdbsurg, California. For additional insider tips follow Northern California Travel Writer @Nancydbrown on Twitter and @flamingoresort.
Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa
2777 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa, California
(707) 545-8530
Hotel review and photos contributed by Lisa Crovo Dion.