Kenwood: Kenwood Inn & Spa; hotel review

Wine Country

Kenwood Inn & Spa  

10400 Sonoma Hwy. 12, (800) 353-6966, (707) 833-1293.  29 rooms; $$$+.  Unsuitable for children under 18.  All gas fireplaces.  Heated pool; 2 hot tubs; full-service spa.  Full breakfast.  Pets ok. 

grounds of Kenwood Inn & Spa in Kenwood, California

Abutting a hillside covered with olive trees, the sensual, aesthetically pleasing Tuscan-style Kenwood Inn & Spa looks very much like an old Italian villa with fountains and archways galore.  And just like in a Tuscan village, a maze of narrow pathways and steps wind through the property.  Rooms are furnished with a combination of antiques and comfortable newer pieces, and the blissful beds are covered with a feather bed and topped with a lofty down comforter.  

While checking in, guests are offered a flute of sparkling wine.  This lobby common area features beautiful plank floors under a vaulted ceiling with iron chandelier.  Dark Mediterranean furniture invites relaxing for a bit, and refreshment is always available here:  Port and Sherry, both sparkling and still water, coffee, tea, and housemade cookies (cookies also greet guests on their bed).  

Accommodations include 10 rooms around a central courtyard and 17 more rooms in a newer Paladio-style wing.  Each room has its own charm.  Most have a private patio or balcony, and windows were planned to offer lovely views and as well as privacy.  A Tuscan theme blended with early California accents finds guest rooms furnished with large velvet armchairs and ottomans, upholstered headboards or canopied four-posters, armoires, tapestries, and chandeliers.  The only unit that isn’t Tuscan-style is the unique Sonoma Suite, which is decorated in a contemporary beach-cottage style.  Many rooms have jetted soaking tubs.  

jetted bathtub at Kenwood Inn & Spa in Kenwood, California

A complimentary wine and cheese reception occurs daily from 5 to 6 p.m., when a local winery presents tasting selections from their list.  A buffet hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking are complimentary, and turn-down service and passes to a nearby gym are available upon request.  A limited room service menu is offered from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. 

breakfast plate at Kenwood Inn & Spa in Kenwood, California

The inviting main terrace features a pool and hot tub along with sheltering arbors, towering palms, and fire pits.  Pool-side cabanas can be reserved, and a small detached spa features a full menu of services.  

pool and full-service spa at Kenwood Inn & Spa in Kenwood, California

full-service spa at Kenwood Inn & Spa in Kenwood, California

A second, more cloistered courtyard holds another hot tub.  

hot tub at Kenwood Inn & Spa in Kenwood, California

2020 pandemic update:  Kenwood Inn & Spa has been certified Clean + Safe through the California Hotel & Lodging Association's pandemic safety program.  Food changes include that there are no more morning or evening buffets.  Instead, guests reserve a table for breakfast.  Tables are carefully spaced in accordance with new rules, and many are outside in the courtyard areas.  A server goes over the morning menu with the guests and then delivers breakfast directly to the table.  Instead of cheese, fruit, olives, etc., being presented with a wine tasting at 5 p.m., the same items are now put into individual picnic boxes and guests can take one with them for a vineyard picnic, to enjoy on the inn's grounds, or to sample in their rooms or on their private patio.  Because of current statewide regulations, the spa is closed.  However, the pool is open, and there is plenty of space for safe social distancing around it.  Masks are required of guests and staff when walking around the property.

wine-tasting picnic box at Kenwood Inn & Spa in Kenwood, California

More pandemic updates.

More things to do in Kenwood.

More things to do in the Wine Country.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2020 Carole Terwilliger Meyers