Fodor's Expert Review MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa

Guests at this 7-acre boutique property five blocks south of Sonoma Plaza bask in ritzy seclusion in plush accommodations set amid landscaped gardens. On land once part of a ranch established in the 19th century, the hotel takes its architectural cues from a circa-1850s Victorian home that now holds 10 guest rooms. Newer buildings contain 54 more accommodations, among them two cottages and several garden suites. The rooms, many with gas fireplaces, have the same beige, light brown, soft white, and black color scheme that predominates in the public areas. Layla, for Mediterranean cuisine, is the main restaurant.