There is something enchanting about the wine country, where rolling vineyards and golden sunsets seem to slow down time. When my husband, Steve, and I decided to visit Healdsburg, California, we were seeking not just a destination but an experience—a blend of luxury, charm, and indulgence. Hotel Les Mars, a Relais & Châteaux property, promised exactly that, and it delivered in ways we could not have imagined.
First Impressions: Old-World Elegance
From the moment we stepped into Hotel Les Mars, we were transported to another era. The hotel exudes the kind of old-world elegance that is rare to find these days, with its French-inspired architecture, exquisite woodwork, and crystal chandeliers that cast a soft and welcoming glow in the lobby.
The staff greeted us with warm smiles as they checked us in. The atmosphere was intimate and serene, a world apart from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It felt like a boutique chateau tucked away in the French countryside rather than a hotel in the heart of Healdsburg.
Our room was nothing short of spectacular. Designed with European sophistication in mind, it featured antique furniture, a canopy bed draped in the finest linens, and an elegant marble fireplace that offered warmth from the chill outside. The bathroom was equally luxurious, with Italian marble, a hydrotherapy deep soaking tub, and plush robes.
Exploring Healdsburg: A Wine Lover’s Paradise
After settling in, we ventured out to explore Healdsburg, a picturesque town known for its world-class wineries and farm-to-table dining. Hotel Les Mars is ideally situated just steps away from the town’s central plaza, where boutique shops, art galleries, and tasting rooms abound.
Our first stop was the Spirit Bar, located inside the Hotel Healdsburg’s lobby just around the corner from Hotel Les Mars. Steve ordered his standard old-fashioned, and I sipped on a slightly sweet lemon drop martini. After the tasty cocktails, we walked out of the hotel and over to Dry Creek Kitchen for a delicious multi-course dinner.
A Quiet Evening After a Delicious Dinner
Back at Hotel Les Mars, we donned our robes and sat by the fire, appreciating the tiny details that made our stay feel so special. The turn-down service included handmade chocolates and a card with the next day’s weather forecast, which I found delightfully quaint.
A Morning to Savor
One of my favorite parts of staying at Hotel Les Mars was the leisurely mornings. Breakfast, delivered to our room, arrived on a silver tray, complete with freshly baked croissants, seasonal fruit, and French-pressed coffee. We sat wrapped in our robes, bathing in the warmth of the fire while we took our time enjoying the simple yet luxurious spread.
Feeling rejuvenated, we got dressed and ready for the day and then left to indulge in more of Sonoma County’s incredible wine. We spent two hours in the cave at Roth Estate sipping on wines made from grapes originating from the Russian River and Alexander Valleys.
Why Hotel Les Mars Stands Out
What sets Hotel Les Mars apart is not just its opulence—it is the attention to detail and the sense of intimacy that makes you feel like a treasured guest rather than just another visitor. Every interaction with the staff was warm and genuine, from the valet parking attendant to the receptionist at the front desk.
For Steve and me, Hotel Les Mars was not just a place to stay; it was a retreat that captured the essence of Healdsburg itself. I am an avid fan of Relais & Châteaux properties, and I have stayed at over a dozen. I love the corporate ethos, which is to share the local terroir—its bounty, history, spirit, and people. Each hotel and venue highlights the best of what is local, and Hotel Les Mars was no different. Every moment at Hotel Les Mars felt like a celebration of Healdsburg’s finer things.
On our second night, we dined at another fabulous place located on the Healdsburg Plaza, Goodnight’s Prime Steak and Spirits. Dining at any of the restaurants on the plaza makes for an effortless evening. We enjoyed cocktails and more decadent Sonoma County wine along with our steak dinner and then joyfully walked back to our room.
As we packed up to leave, I found myself already planning our next visit. Hotel Les Mars is not just a destination—it is an experience, one that lingers in your heart long after you have left. For anyone seeking a blend of romance, luxury, and the unparalleled beauty of Sonoma County wine country, Hotel Les Mars makes the perfect luxurious base camp to experience the area.
