h2hotel, Healdsburg

h2hotel is set in the heart of Healdsburg’s historic Town Plaza, and is the newer (and more affordable) sister property of the famed Hotel Healdsburg. Entering the property is like walking straight into a Dwell magazine. You walk past the fleet of vintage bicycles, in through an enormous red door (look out for the amazing spoon installation beside the door!), and straight to the large horse-shoe shaped ‘receptobar’ vaguely separating their restaurant, Spoonbar, and the hotel’s lobby. Boundaries are very much intentionally blurred here, where the fluidity of eco-friendly design and function seamlessly integrates with the warmth of the hotel staff, allowing you to feel completely at home and at ease  – welcome to h2hotel!

Rooms are designed to evoke a sense of calm and stillness, where the industrial-chic vibe of the lobby paves way for a more modern and minimalist feel, with subtle hues of pastel green and orange balanced harmoniously with the reclaimed wood furniture. Each room has a small balcony – ours was facing the lush gardens below with a view of the hotel’s lap pool.  If that isn’t enough to put you at ease, the indulgent bathroom will – the junior suite comes equipped with a rain shower and Japanese inspired plunge tub where you can soak in to relax and unwind after a long day out at the wineries. Bathroom amenities are from The Spa at Hotel Healdsburg – think meyer lemon & sage shampoo and bathgel or lavender, jasmine & blood orange hair conditioner – pure bliss! Another nice touch is the water carafes provided in every room which are refillable with sparkling or still located at the waterbars on each level.

Other lifestyle amenities include complimentary yoga classes on Saturdays, bicycle rentals, free WiFi and computer stations, the nearby Spa at HH and their solar heated, creekside pool. And of course, groovy and highly rated Spoonbar, is not to be missed!

Of all the accolades given, I have but highest the praise for the hotel staff. Everyone from the manager, to the wine director and Spoonbar’s wait and kitchen staff put in their best efforts to make us ‘out-of-towners’ feel exceptionally well taken care of.

The only disappointment I had during my stay was the uninspiring continental breakfast (served from 6am-10am). The lackluster spread included a small selection of hard pastries, cereal and fruit, coupled with juice and yogurt. While this may be acceptable to some, I admit I am but a breakfast snob, and this did nothing for me (I had breakfast the second morning at Flying Goat Coffee).

Overall, my stay at h2hotel was a lovely one and I would definitely return on my next visit to Sonoma County. The hotel is within walking distance to a myriad of boutique shops and world class eateries, and minutes away from the famed Dry Creek Valley, making it the perfect base for drinking, eating and shopping your way through the county.

Note: Valet parking is $15/ day but if you visit during the quieter months, there is plenty of free street parking available along Healdsburg Ave itself or across the road.

Note 2: There is a Safeway supermarket located behind the property (5 min walk) and several other food stores.

Also see: Happy in Healdsburg