Old Hollywood Charm and Poolside Dining at Historical Resort
In the late 1950s, Hollywood stars would escape to the Flamingo Conference Resort and Spa, a Sonoma County getaway modeled on the famous Las Vegas hotel of the same name. With its retro neon sign still welcoming visitors today, the resort feels like stepping into another eraEUR"FodorEUR(TM)s says, EURoeIf Don Draper from the hit show Mad Men popped into Santa Rosa, he'd probably park himself in this kitschy, 1950s-style resort.EUR Just like at its Sin City sibling, curved glass encloses the resort's hallways, and cedars line the polished flagstone walkways. Guests can take a dip in two Olympic-size pools. Despite updates, the Flamingo maintains much of its vintage luster and has been recognized as an official historic landmark in Santa Rosa.
In the lobby, a crystal chandelier hangs over pastel floor stools, and a Charlie Brown statueEUR"in honor of Santa Rosa native Charles SchulzEUR"greets new arrivals. As you make your way to a superior room, the color palette shifts to muted earth tones, with flaxen-hued wall coverings and wood trim. Rooms circle around the well-manicured gardens and outdoor swimming pool.
Next to the outdoor pool, the Terrace Grille serves locally sourced cuisine on its shaded patio; use your optional resort credit here or at the Flamingo Lounge, which rotates its lineup of music and dance entertainment and plays West Coast swing every Tuesday night. This Getaway also includes two daily admissions to the adjacent Montecito Heights Health Club, home to five outdoor tennis courts, a heated lap pool, and a signed copy of Lou FerrignoEUR(TM)s dissertation. ThereEUR(TM)s also a European-style spa at Montecito.
Santa Rosa, California: Cultural Hub Close to Many Vineyards and Wineries
Located in the heart of Northern California's Wine Country, Santa Rosa acts as a hub for the area's most popular vineyards in Sonoma, Russian River, and Dry Creek Valley. About 15 minutes from the hotel, Paradise Ridge Winery's grounds themselves are almost as much of an attraction as the wine with panoramic views of the Russian River Valley. The winery serves handcrafted varietals ranging from sauvignon blanc to cabernet sauvignon (tasting passes to Paradise Ridge and more than 25 other wineries are included in this Getaway).
About a half-hour drive from Santa Rosa, at Jack London State Historic Park, walk through the redwood forest that inspired the author of Call of the Wild and White Fang. Just to the east of the city, Annadel State Park's Lake Ilsanjo is popular for anglers fishing for black bass and bluegill.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
