Wine country hotels don’t always have to mean vineyard views and a hefty nightly rate. In Santa Rosa, The Sandman, Ascend Hotel Collection, takes a different approach, turning a former roadside motel into a playful, design-forward place to stay that feels more Palm Springs than traditional Sonoma.
The 135-room hotel completed updates to its guest rooms and facilities in 2024, continuing its evolution from a basic motel into a colorful, casual retreat that’s perfectly located for all your wine country adventures. You’ll still find a bit of the old-school motel character, but the overall experience is decidedly contemporary, with a relaxed aesthetic that encourages guests to spend time outside their rooms.
Visit Santa Rosa/The Sandman
One of the biggest draws is the hotel’s collection of spaces designed for hanging out. The refreshed backyard gathering area has fire tables and bocce ball, giving guests a place to linger over a drink or challenge friends to a game.
The Pool House & Bar was the favorite spot when I visited with my kids. The space combines a pool, hot tub, cocktails, and lounge areas, creating a laid-back spot to unwind after a day exploring Sonoma County. Rather than having to head back out for the evening, guests can grab a drink and settle in at the hotel (especially helpful when you’re traveling with kids!).
For those who want a little more wellness with their wine tasting, The Sandman has added a Wellness Dome with seasonal yoga and meditation programming. There’s also a fitness center for guests who want to squeeze in a workout.
Visit Santa Rosa/The Sandman
Accommodations at The Sandman
The rooms are designed to match the hotel’s playful personality while keeping things practical. I stayed in a family suite with my three kids, and there was a twin-over-full bunkbed, along with a king-size bed and living room area, providing plenty of room for everyone. They have pet-friendly rooms for when you’re traveling with your dog, and rooms with kitchenettes as well.
Location
The Sandman sits right off highway 101 in Santa Rosa, putting guests within easy reach of the restaurants, tasting rooms, and other Sonoma County attractions. Getting to the area has also become easier, with Southwest launching nonstop service between Las Vegas and Santa Rosa, while Delta is set to add nonstop flights between Salt Lake City and Santa Rosa in October 2026.
Visit Santa Rosa/The Sandman
Things to Do in Santa Rosa
Fall is one of the best times to visit Sonoma County, when harvest season brings a full calendar of food, wine, music, and community events. Pair your Sandman stay with these upcoming events:
- Bites, Blues & Bubbles — The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa’s summer music series continues into September with live music, outdoor firepits, food, wine, and craft beer.
- Sonoma County Harvest Fair (October) — One of the county’s signature fall events, the Harvest Fair celebrates the region’s agriculture and winemaking traditions.
- Wine & Food Affair (November) — More than 50 wineries along the Wine Road participate in this annual event, offering special wine-and-food pairings during the two-day celebration.
- Winter Lights Tree Lighting Celebration (November) — Taking place the day after Thanksgiving, this popular event brings hundreds of people downtown for an evening of live entertainment, family activities, and visits with Santa.
Traveling Soon? These useful links will help you prepare for your trip.- Buy Travel Insurance
- Likely to sell out: #1 Sonoma Walking Food, Wine Tasting & History Tour
- Get a Car Rental
- Buy Travel Insurance
- Likely to sell out: #1 Sonoma Walking Food, Wine Tasting & History Tour
- Get a Car Rental
Final Thoughts
For a laid-back Sonoma wine country getaway, The Sandman offers a fun alternative to the area’s more traditional luxury hotels. With newly renovated rooms, a pool and hot tub, Pool House & Bar, bocce court, and Wellness Dome, the property gives guests plenty of reasons to enjoy the hotel between Santa Rosa adventures.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer Kate Loweth. My stay was paid for by the property, but all the opinions are my own.
