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If you are into wine, you are into Santa Rosa. The largest city in California’s fabled Wine Country, the town is well-known to the world’s enophiles, and and any trip to the Golden State’s vineyards will probably involve a swing through town. But be in a swing, a turn, a jaunt, or even a sojourn, why not get the best digs?
Located on the historic greenery of Railroad Square, the four-story, stone-hewn Hotel La Rose may trend demure on the outside, but is pure turn-of-the-(20th)-century luxury on the inside. More, the property is intimately tied with a good tipple; a prominent local citizen was nearly tarred and feathered for daring to attempt shutting down the hotel’s bar during Prohibition (California’s wine-pride going back to at least 1683; it is not a train want to get in front of).
But stay in any of the 47 rooms, and you’ll come to see the boutique La Rose can raise more than just a glass. Built in 1907, the guestrooms feature all the amenities of the Gilded Age, including marble and brass baths — some with whirlpool tubs — and plus a few modern ones like dataports and high-speed Internet access. Rooms of the adjunct Carriage House look out onto a rose garden, fountain, and koi pond.
Ironically enough, it was gold, not wine, that got the La Rose, and Santa Rosa, going, but today, it is clear where the loyalty lies. Cozy up to the concierge and you find tours of some of the best wineries in the world. Budding wine-lovers take note: a tour does a good job of winnowing the bestest from best; 300-some properties in 13 different regions dapple the California countryside. Hitting every one, while being a noble quest indeed, would take time…and about five spare livers.
And provided you are not completely snockered into next year after said-tour, it wouldn’t hurt to check out some of the other highlights; Santa Rosa is far from being a one-note town. For the nature-lovers, mighty stands of redwoods and the scenic Russian River Valley are both within easy reach. For more urbane pursuits, Santa Rosa cultural gems include the Charles Schultz Museum (of Charlie Brown fame) and block after tree-lined block of bistros, coffee houses, and, because man cannot live on wine alone, brewpubs.
Did I mention the La Rose is haunted? Moving right along…
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