Gaige House + Ryokan

Built at the end of the 19th century by one Albert Ebenezer Gaige, the inn is tucked quietly into the oak trees surrounding a bubbling creek. The first floor originally served as a butcher shop, but has since been converted into a small reception area and a living room-like lounge with a fireplace, big leather chairs, and exotic furnishings with African pedigrees. Relaxed dining rooms spill out onto a wide patio in back, and a newer building housing the large suites exudes Japanese style with zen-like rock gardens. It's a terrific choice for a quiet, romantic getaway, and almost all guests are couples; the inn discourages bringing children, though they are allowed (families will have more limited room choices, as only a few rooms can fit three or four guests). 

The inn is located along Calabazas creek in Glen Ellen, a sleepy town in the heart of Sonoma Valley. It's a desirable spot for touring vineyards in the area, a 15-minute drive to downtown Sonoma, and a 30-minute drive to Napa. The inn is within walking distance of Glen Ellen's own little destinations such as the Jack London Lodge and Saloon, along with a few restaurants, cafes, and a grocery store. The Jack London State Historic Park is a four-minute drive away. Expect an hour-and 30-minute drive to either Oakland International Airport or San Francisco International Airport.

There are 23 rooms located in either the main house and the garden addition. All are decorated with a contemporary style accented with Asian touches, such as shoji doors, bamboo furniture, and Far Eastern artwork. Some rooms overlook the creek, while others open to their own patios. Larger rooms have sitting areas with gas fireplaces and all have flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and Keurig coffeemakers. The large bathrooms (many converted from the original house's enormous closets) have walk-in showers, jetted tubs, or both, while the Zen Suites -- named for their private garden patios -- have deep soaking tubs carved from granite. Though Wi-Fi is free, the signal is strongest in the main house and those in the Zen Suites may experience a spotty signal. There is one pet-friendly room available for an extra fee. 

Mornings at the Gaige House begin with an included breakfast buffet laid out with muffins, scones, and fruit, along with rotating hot options such as artichoke quiche and blueberry pancakes. Also included is an early evening wine and cheese reception that takes place in the living room each day. A classy breakfast dining room opens to a patio with covered seating overlooking the woodsy yard. Note that during our visit hours for the outdoor deck were 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., so as not to disturb guests with rooms nearby, so those looking to sip wine outside later at night might want to splurge for a room with a private garden. Wine and cheese are offered free in the early evening, and a free glass of port can be enjoyed in the Club Room. Water, coffee, and cookies are available all day. There's a small spa room offering a range of massages and other body treatments, which can also be taken in-room or outside in a cabana. In the backyard, a cobbled brick sundeck surrounds a heated outdoor pool and hot tub. The yard ends at the creek, with a wide wooden deck that has a hammock and a picnic table under the boughs of a large oak tree. Note that the hotel is not staffed overnight, and guests can't arrive after 8 p.m. to check in.