Located in Guerneville, California, considered the gateway to Armstrong Redwoods, Stavrand Russian River Valley is a treasure in the forest. Wine lovers and nature lovers will appreciate this Mediterranean-style hotel in Sonoma County wine country. Read my Stavrand Russian River Valley hotel review of this intimate Russian River resort.
Stavrand Russian River Valley hotel in California’s Sonoma County
We love this part of Northern California. As food and wine afficionados, we enjoy wine tasting, dining out and even forest bathing in Sonoma County. When we heard that Stavrand Russian River Valley was recently renovated, we couldn’t wait to visit this 21-room boutique inn. Only 90 minutes from San Francisco, this luxury retreat was formerly the Applewood Inn. The new owners have completely updated the four star hotel that sits on 6 forested acres in Guerneville.
Bohemian luxury in Russian River wine country
Guests check-in at the historic Belden House, built in 1922 and celebrating its 100th birthday in 2022. The Mediterranean style buildings feature Mexican Talavera tiles and stucco white exterior walls. Many rooms offer balconies looking out to the colorful courtyard below.
We stayed in the Armstrong House, one of three guestroom buildings. Our pet-friendly room #32 featured a Jacuzzi bathtub and gas fireplace. The comfortable king bed was ideal for breakfast in bed. However, I did manage to dress for breakfast each morning as Stavrand Hall is not to be missed. What better way to start the day than a chef-prepared breakfast by the fireplace?
There were cozy plush cotton robes in our room and Juice Beauty bath and body lotions in our bright and airy bathroom. I created my own little spa experience, however, guests are able to arrange for massage services in-room.
While not suites in the conventional sense, the Stavrand offers a Belden Premier Room that is 450 square feet with seating area, corner windows and deep tub on the third floor atop the Belden House. The Cazadero Premier King is similar in size and has a generous window seat overlooking the courtyard and redwoods. Additionally, it offers a seating area for two at the fireplace and the largest outdoor deck – including a cedar hot tub. Imagine the stargazing possibilities at night!
On our off season visit, rates ranged from $295 – $695 and will increase during high season; June through October. The property offers specials and AAA discounts. On-site parking is complimentary and there are electric car charging stations. Pet fee includes dog bed, bowls and dog treats.
Stavrand Russian River hotel dining
The Stavrand Russian River hotel offers dinner five days a week for hotel guests. Unfortunately, the restaurant was closed in the evenings during our visit. However, we did enjoy our chef-prepared hot breakfast. Hot chocolate lovers will enjoy the heavenly rich drinking chocolate, while coffee connoisseurs will like the coffee bar featuring tea and local Black Oak coffee.
Evenings feature an aperitif hour including local wines, beer, hard liquor and a hot spiced cider for the non-drinkers. Save room for evening s’mores by the fire pits after dinner.
Activities at Stavrand Russian River Valley hotel
While Guerneville is known as a summer and fall destination for relaxing or connecting with nature, winter is one of the best times to re-charge your soul. We could have paddled one of the resorts’ kayaks on the Russian River and we could have ridden bikes into Armstrong Redwood State Nature Reserve. Instead, we walked our Labrador Retriever along the path to town and we hiked Bowers Hill. It was too cold for a dip in the swimming pool, but we did enjoy s’mores by the outdoor fire pits.
Check-in time 3:00 p.m. Check-out time 11:00 a.m
Things to do in Sonoma County, California
If you enjoy eating, drinking and exploring backcountry roads, Sonoma County is the place for you. We stopped at Bohemian Creamery for lovely cheeses, the Barlow an Industrial-chic shopping mall and Wild Flour Bread, a fabulous bakery, all in food-centric Sebastopol. Schedule wine tasting at the dog-friendly Matrix Winery and Bella Wine Caves, both in the Dry Creek Valley area of Healdsburg.
I hope my review of Stavrand Russian River Valley hotel has convinced you to come visit this special place in Sonoma County.
The Stavrand Russian River Valley (707) 869-9093
13555 Highway 116, Guerneville, California 95446
The Stavrand Russian River Valley hotel review, You Tube video and all photography by travel writer Nancy D. Brown. I received a media rate for review purposes, however all opinions are my own.
Loved the video. Enjoy hearing of your travels any time. Might be helpful to know any covid restrictions.
Thank you, Barbara. To your point on including COVID restrictions; guidelines change too frequently to include specific recommendations.