About Sonoma Grove Suites
A Journey Through Time at the Historic Sonoma Grove Resort
Welcome to Sonoma Grove Suites, where the legacy of the historic Sonoma Grove Resort lives on. Our name honors the legacy to the rich history of this special location, once home to one of Sonoma Valley’s most renowned resorts and restaurants, once a crown jewel of this region’s golden age of tourism.
A new landmark in the historic plaza
The heart of Sonoma takes shape
The Birth of Sonoma Valley Tourism
In the late 19th century, Sonoma Valley was transforming from a quiet agricultural region into a bustling tourist destination. This 1889 photo of Sonoma Plaza captures the simplicity of the era, with the plaza serving as grazing land for sheep and cattle. It was during this time that the valley’s natural hot springs began attracting visitors seeking health and relaxation. The historic Sonoma Grove Resort would soon become a part of this exciting transformation.
The Railroad Arrives
The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s and 1880s marked a turning point for Sonoma Valley tourism,setting the stage for the establishment of resorts like the historic Sonoma Grove. This 1890 photo of the El Verano train station, located just half a mile from our current location, illustrates how the railroad made the valley easily accessible to visitors from San Francisco and beyond. The Southern Pacific rail line, extended to El Verano in 1882, brought a steady stream of tourists to the area’s growing number of resorts and hot springs.
Gateway to Sonoma Valley tourism
Welcoming Visitors in Style
This 1893 image showcases the Bellevue Hotel’s horse-drawn carriage at the El Verano train station, a common sight as luxurious resorts competed to welcome arriving guests in style. It was in this era of burgeoning tourism that the historic Sonoma Grove Resort would soon make its mark on the valley’s hospitality scene.
The Historic Sonoma Grove Resort
Around 1908, the Sonoma Grove Resort was established, with this building at its heart. The photo shows either Giovanni Bianchini or Frank Arthur Mosso, the resort’s early owners, standing proudly on the front steps of what would become a local institution for decades to come.
The birth of a Sonoma Valley icon
A haven of natural beauty
The Grounds of the Historic Sonoma Grove Resort
The historic Sonoma Grove Resort wasn’t just a restaurant; it was a complete vacation experience. This 1910 photo reveals the resort’s expansive grounds stretching to Sonoma Creek, where guests could fish, picnic, and enjoy the natural beauty of the valley.
A Culinary Destination at the Historic Sonoma Grove Resort
From its earliest days, the historic Sonoma Grove Resort was renowned for its cuisine. This 1909 advertisement boasts of the resort’s “Special Sunday Italian-French Dinner,” a testament to the multicultural influences that shaped Sonoma Valley’s culinary landscape.
A warm welcome awaits
Dining in Style at the Historic Sonoma Grove Resort
The Sonoma Grove experience extended far beyond just the food. This charming 1911 photo of the dining room entrance captures the attention to detail that made the historic resort so special. Guests would approach the restaurant through a beautifully landscaped walkway, shaded by oak trees and adorned with an inviting arbor. The patriotic touch of American flags and the welcoming “Dining Room” sign set the stage for a memorable meal in a truly picturesque setting.
The Sonoma Grove Dining Experience
By the 1930s, the restaurant at the historic Sonoma Grove Resort had become a local landmark. This 1936 photo of the dining room captures the elegant yet comfortable atmosphere that made it a favorite for both tourists and locals alike.
Elegance meets comfort
Resilience and Renewal of the Historic Sonoma Grove Resort
The historic Sonoma Grove Resort faced challenges over the years, including a devastating fire in 1946. But like the valley itself, it proved resilient.
A Triumphant Return
Just a year later, in 1947, the historic Sonoma Grove Resort triumphantly reopened, ready to welcome guests once again.
Our Family’s Stewardship of the Historic Sonoma Grove Resort
In 1977, our family became part of this rich history when my father purchased the historic Sonoma Grove Restaurant. For 50 years, we’ve been proud stewards of this historic property, maintaining its legacy of hospitality while adapting to the changing needs of Sonoma Valley visitors.
Today’s Sonoma Grove Suites
Now, as Sonoma Grove Suites, we offer modern, comfortable accommodations that honor the welcoming spirit of the historic Sonoma Grove Resort. While the hot springs and sprawling grounds may be memories, the warmth and charm that have defined this location for over a century live on.
We’re committed to preserving the historical context of Sonoma Grove while providing our guests with all the amenities expected in a top-tier vacation rental. When you stay with us, you’re not just booking a place to sleep – you’re becoming part of a story that stretches back to the earliest days of Sonoma Valley tourism.
At Sonoma Grove Suites, we invite you to relax, explore, and create your own cherished memories in this special corner of wine country, where history and hospitality have always gone hand in hand.
