#361 -Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza, in California

Inn on the Plaza

Recently we spent 2 nights in Healdsburg, a charming town in northern Sonoma County.

Don and I first visited Healdsburg nearly a decade ago. We noticed the hotel sitting on the south side of the Plaza.

We finally got to stay, last May!

Historic Kruse Building

I found this vintage photo that shows the building at the turn of the century. 

The building hasn't changed all that much in 126 years. However, the use of the building has. When it opened in 1901, there were 4 businesses on the second floor, each with a bay window. The first floor held a Healdsburg Shoe House, and a few other shops.

Fresh and New

The lobby looked bright and modern when we arrived on a Tuesday afternoon.

The modern decor was lovely, but I was happy to see some of the original features, like the staircase.

Originally there was no other building on the other side of the exposed brick wall. Today the there's an ice cream shop sharing that wall. 

Finding Our Room

Our host at the desk was very welcoming and walked us to our room in the Carriage House. 

We could opt to walk through the hotel, or use a key to open a gate near the sidewalk. The gate opened to a passage between buildings and I loved peeking at some of the old brick. Evidently much of the exterior brick was damaged in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

Upstairs to #12

Our room was upstairs in what had once been the old Carriage House. 

We had to climb a few stairs. I caught a glimpse of the rear of the hotel from the top of the stairs.

We stepped onto the balcony before entering. We made good use of that later.

The room with king bed and fireplace was very comfy. Although I did whack  my shin on the corner of the bed frame. A month later, my scar is reminding me, that I need to invent a cushy corner cover that I can pack for travels! 

We made good use of the fireplace when temps dropped later!

Our balcony view was pretty and private, with lush spring growth.

Our balcony also had a view of the restaurant next door and a parking lot, but no need for pictures of that.

We made good use of our private balcony with coffee in the morning.

Later, we ate deli sandwiches at the table. Hmm? Who took the photos of the relaxing couple on the balcony? Gotta love a camera timer.

Sitting Area

There was a bonus room, sitting area, between our bedroom and bathroom.

Besides 2 nice comfy chairs, we had a coffeemaker and fridge, a wardrobe and another TV.

​The bathroom area was divided into 2 rooms. There was lots of counter and shelf space in the room with double sinks. 

I always appreciate a good tub for soaking!

Exploring the Hotel

There are only 12 guest rooms in the hotel, so I didn't expect to find too much when I went exploring. But I always love to peek around.

The trip up the beautiful staircase was a start. 

The building became an inn over twenty years ago and I'm not sure how many changes were made. It's possible this staircase was actually moved.

A skylight at the top of the stairs offered lots of light.

There was a tiny hall with 2 doors at jaunty angles. I picture a slapstick moment when 2 guests decide to exit their rooms at the same time. 

Wine and Breakfast

Just past the hall with the comical doors, there were a few steps leading to a room filled with skylights, tables and windows. This space was actually right above the neighboring ice cream shop. 

The first evening we attended the complimentary wine and cheese hour. Besides sipping and nibbling a bit, we ended up having a great conversation with Mary Anne and Joel who were celebrating an anniversary. What a wonderful hour we spent gabbing about everything from diaries to bagels.

In the mornings we returned to the upstairs room and enjoyed the view of The Plaza while we ate a complimentary breakfast.

The food options were a little different on both days.

We met the cook, who did a wonderful job! The Mexican egg dish and potatoes were outstanding.

Lobby Chats

Both mornings, we headed down the stairs and chatted with our host. 

We had lots of questions and she filled us in on a few things, but mostly we pondered the same questions.
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​I noticed a framed photo near the lobby desk that got me wondering.

I could see that the old Kruse Building stood alone in the photo. I wondered about the lovely nearby courthouse, which is no longer in Healdburg. I was told the grand building did not survive the 2006 earthquake.

Stepping Out

Both mornings were lovely for walking after breakfast.

The trees in front of the ice cream shop sort of hid the 6 windows on the second floor. The building where we'd eaten breakfast was obviously added after  1906.

The Plaza 

The Plaza in front of the hotel had a bandstand and a rather modest fountain.

To me the star features of The Plaza, were the amazing trees. The towering redwoods and palms seemed to be competing for a height prize. Funny how small the trees looked in the vintage photo.

Location

Being near The Plaza itself was a plus, but it was the restaurants and shops around square that made our location ideal.

The restaurants we tried were fabulous. There are actually 5 Michelin recognized restaurants in Healdsburg. And Healdsburg is small!

What's Notable?

Don and I spend a lot of time jumping from 1 hotel to the next. It was a treat to have 2 days and 2 nights to enjoy our stay at Healdsburg Inn.

Our stay involved an historic building. The Kruse building was beautifully refurbished and decorated and that wasn't really a surprise. We were staying in the heart of the wine country, an area that lures finicky travelers. The room wasn't cheap. But we were sort of surprised to find ourselves so comfortable with the host and other guests. Our stay felt homey and classy at the same time. We much enjoyed the comp wine and breakfast! The inn's location was beyond ideal and our isolated room was a treat, with its lovely balcony. Next time I might go for a room in the old building. One of the 4 rooms, with a bay window facing The Plaza. That would be perfect!
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