Often referred to as the queerest part of Northern California, Guerneville and Forestville in Russian River Valley in Sonoma County have historically been hubs for the LGBTQ+ community since the 1970s, cultivating and empowering individuals, promoting gay businesses and events, and creating a space for everyone to be their truest selves! It is in these two towns that a collective of unique and notable hotels now known as Russian River Boutique Hotels call home. Composed of six properties, Farmhouse Inn, Dawn Ranch, The Stavrand Hotel Russian River, boon hotel + spa, Mine+Farm and AutoCamp Russian River were all either founded, restored and/or reimagined by multi-generational descendants of the region or by transplants who have become advocates of the area's local beauty and community creators. Designed to be luxurious yet intimate havens where guests can fully customize their experiences -- whether they are craving the adventure of glamping in a vintage "lovebug" camper or prefer a spa day and a wonderful meal -- Russian River Boutique Hotels showcase the best offerings available in one of the country's most LGBTQ-friendly destinations!
Spread over 10 gorgeous acres, Farmhouse Inn is a charming, luxury boutique retreat, re-conceptualized by Joe and Catherine Bartolomei, two siblings belonging to a family of fifth-generation Sonoma winemakers who are still deeply ingrained in creating an experience that feels like home. Created in celebration of the Russian River Valley community, from the brilliant local artists whose pieces adorn the walls to local cheesemakers and farmers who provide its restaurant with only the best ingredients, this iconic property has been a notable pioneer in putting West Sonoma County on the map. Whether guests choose to indulge in a premium holistic treatment at the Wellness Barn, swim in the Inn's gorgeous lounging pool, or relax in the courtyard with a game of croquet, Farmhouse is a luxury Sonoma haven that should not be missed.
Opened in May 2023 as a completely reimagined property that was once a lively gay resort known as Fife's, Dawn Ranch was designed as a new love letter to Northern California’s native beauty. Set on a sprawling 22 acres right outside of downtown Guerneville, the new-age luxury property is home to rolling meadows, vintage apple trees, and two rare Dawn Redwood trees. The riverfront retreat features accommodations that mix rustic and contemporary sensibilities to create a luxurious stay with serene surroundings that harken back to summer camp days. Ranch guests are encouraged to reconnect with nature through experiences with lodge offerings that include a brand new on-site spa, a saltwater pool, and incredible cuisine from famed restauranteur Chef Fernando Trocca. The resort also offers a curated selection of creative programming ranging from digital music lessons through a partnership with Fender Guitars to Swarovski Optiks rentals for the best wildlife watching anywhere in Sonoma County!
The Stavrand Hotel Russian River opened in 2021 featuring 21 completely renovated luxury guest rooms within three beautiful historic buildings, including the landmark Belden House. Just a 10-minute stroll from Russian River and the charming town of Guerneville, the 6.5-acre property is nestled on a hill amongst towering redwoods, immersing guests in nature. Whether guests are looking to unwind in The Stavrand's stunning swimming pool or if they would prefer the once-in-a-lifetime experience of making a wish on the hotel's magical Redwood "fairy ring" atop the Bower, the property's hands-on team can customize one of the most upscale stays available in this serene valley, while still remaining personalized and unstuffy.
A vintage gay resort reimagined, boon hotel + spa is a hip boutique hotel nestled among the old-growth redwoods of Russian River Valley. Providing an affordable yet modern stay with a come-as-you-are vibe, boon is home to a range of accommodation options from glamorous glamping tents to traditional hotel rooms. Guests can lounge by the solar-heated pool, play a lawn game in the sunshine while sipping on a glass of local wine from the honor bar, unwind with a massage at the on-site spa, or simply listen to vintage vinyl on one of the in-room turntables! While breakfast is hand-delivered daily, visitors can also taste some of the best cuisine Guerneville has to offer at local restaurants, courtesy of the hotel's visionary LGBTQ+ founder and Chef Crista Luedtke.
A stylish and intimate reimagined take on the bed and breakfast experience, Mine+Farm beautifully utilizes a thoughtful weave of design, technology, and nature to ensure guests feel comfortable and expected before they even check in. Established over a century ago and known then as the Ridenhour Ranch, the property, set on 2.5 acres along the Russian River, is designed to be as unique as the guests it hosts. Family owned by a couple of “makers”, Suzanne Szostak and Bryce Skolfield, Mine+Farm is a laidback respite for creatives looking to collaborate, disconnect and seek personal inspiration in this region’s serene natural surroundings.
AutoCamp Russian River offers modern-day campers the premier experience available in the heart of West Sonoma County, providing adventurers and explorers with updated Airstream suites, spacious canvas tents, and roomy accessible suites that rely on ingenious, compact designs. Guests are provided with solid iron skillets and access to the resort's communal clubhouse and outdoor kitchen where they can connect with other California Wine Country travelers and cook meals using the region's premium seasonal bounty, seasoned with fresh herbs from the property's "Sweet and Savory" garden!
