Hilton Sonoma Wine Country

We chose this hotel mainly for its access to wine tasting, and there was even a tasting in the lobby when we arrived, which made for a nice welcome. The rooms are large and comfortable, and breakfast at the restaurant was a good start to the day. The property feels dated, with thin doors and walls. We could hear the neighbors upstairs, though we were still comfortable. I’d likely stay here again on another visit.

The staff were great, the food was good, and the pool was warm even in midwinter. The hot tub was also nice, big, and clean. Those positives are why I’m still giving four stars. Housekeeping needs serious attention, though. The bath tubs were moldy and the caulking needs replacing. Single-ply toilet paper also feels cheap for a Hilton. When a guest asked for extra towels and shampoo, the maid huffed as if it were her own shampoo. The housekeeping department needs to be addressed from the top down, and soon.

The exercise room was in a separate building by the outdoor pool and had decent equipment. Staff throughout the hotel were courteous. The hotel was comfortable, and the beds were good, but it felt dated for a Hilton. I was disappointed to find the shampoo had already been used by a previous guest, even though it had been replaced. There were also visible dirt marks on the tile floor.

The gym is decent, the pool is okay, and the restaurant was good with no issues. I’ve stayed here four or five times this year, in 2016, but the rooms and buildings feel badly in need of an update. The carpet is old, stained, and dirty in both the hallways and rooms. There’s a damp, moldy smell when you enter each of the hotel’s several buildings. The bathrooms and decor, including the drapes and furniture, show their age, and the beds are much too soft. Expect an old-fashioned, outdated place.