Harmon Guest House
Healdsburg, Napa & Sonoma, United States
Reviewed by
Holly Rubenstein
Harmon Guest House is a design hotel to the core. As the sister property of local institutions Hotel Healdsburg and h2hotel, it lives up to their highly regarded reputations but comes with an added dash of style. As you approach, you are greeted by a striking reclaimed redwood facade, designed by renowned architect David Baker. Step inside into a tranquil, bamboo-filled courtyard and you'll discover a zen-like vibe, with Japanese and Scandinavian influences throughout.
There is a real sense of openness and calm, with wide hallways, light-filled stairways and areas for relaxing. This continues to the 39 rooms, all of which are spacious, comfortable, full of local art and have balconies or patios. The hotel's photogenic aesthetic, alongside its exceptional eco-credentials, attracts a younger, hip crowd, who have made the rooftop bar - the only one in town – the place to see and be seen. But families love it here too, and the swimming pool is popular with kids. Healdsburg is growing as a culinary hotspot, and do we even need to mention the world-famous vineyards all around? Foodies will be in heaven.
There is a real sense of openness and calm, with wide hallways, light-filled stairways and areas for relaxing. This continues to the 39 rooms, all of which are spacious, comfortable, full of local art and have balconies or patios. The hotel's photogenic aesthetic, alongside its exceptional eco-credentials, attracts a younger, hip crowd, who have made the rooftop bar - the only one in town – the place to see and be seen. But families love it here too, and the swimming pool is popular with kids. Healdsburg is growing as a culinary hotspot, and do we even need to mention the world-famous vineyards all around? Foodies will be in heaven.
Highs
- Perfectly located for experiencing Healdsburg and the wider Sonoma valley
- Spacious rooms starting at 395 square feet and all with balconies or patios
- Stylish interiors: Scandinavian minimalism meets Japanese zen, with lots of pieces from local artisans
- Excellent eco-credentials
- Healdsburg’s only rooftop bar and kitchen, which has excellent views
Lows
- Breakfast, whilst included, is not on property and involves a walk to h2hotel
- The pool is small and quite shaded, but you can use the sister hotels’ pools
- The creekside entertainment space is a tad underwhelming and located next to a car park and railway
Best time to go
Sonoma’s vineyards are open year-round. Peak season is June to October when the favourable temperatures bring big crowds and high prices. If you’re happy to sip your wine by a firepit and risk cooler temperatures, November to May is a good option. Keep a lookout for local festivals, too.
Our top tips
Request a room on a higher level so you can maximise your view of the surrounding Sonoma Hills and Fitch Mountain.