Madrona Manor, Healdsburg

Can't ever be sure where an illness comes from, but it seems if one becomes ill after eating three hours post meal time, and does not drink alcohol, you can assume there was a problem in the kitchen. I'd check out the issue with the front desk and ask for a tour before going back.

After three years of vacationing at Madrona Manor, we're ready to go back for our fourth annual stay at the estate... Hip and traditional at the same time, we think this elegant retreat is one of the best-kept secrets of northern California. Everything about it is absolutely beautiful and the highly skilled service of the talented people on staff is outstanding - and a home sweet home away from home it is if you’re looking for a great life experience amongst friends. Five stars and hats off in thanks to Bill, Joseph, Kevin, Jesse and the many other familiar faces whose hospitality make the magic happen at Madrona Manor year after year.

We appreciate Bill and his staff at Madrona Manor. Excellent service, and I mean excellent. The food is very good, and the decor and ambience wonderful any time of year. We visited most recently for our 30th anniversary, and it was maybe a touch up from that wonderful destination in Yountville, where we celebrated our 25th... Hats off to all at Madrona Manor for another wonderful visit!

Nestled in the valley near Healdsburg, California sits an elegant and extremely well preserved Victorian mansion and coach house now used as a fine restaurant and hotel. After checking in, take a stroll on the sunny grounds and smell the blossoming blood orange trees and herbs from the kitchen garden. Before dinner, enjoy a drink by a crackling fire in the lounge. The Chef's Tasting menu of the dining room will take you to new culinary heights and dessert there, or afterwards in the lounge, should include the antithesis of flambe: fresh icecream made in a matter of seconds using liquid nitrogen to remove heat from a secret combination of dairy fresh ingredients and render them frozen. Like the public spaces, private rooms are decorated with antiques and art with many having fireplaces. Open the windows to hear the sound of soft winds in the Redwood trees nearby and go to sleep under a down comforter with the sounds of a crackling fire in your hearth. In the morning, awake refreshed and take some laps in the pool before a leisurely breakfast of freshly brewed coffee, delicate pastries, fresh fruit, juices, specialty egg dishes, cheeses and meats in the parlour or out on the verandah where birdsong is the only accent to reading the paper or a favorite book. Day trips are easy with so many different things nearby: Dry Creek Valley, Sebastopol, Bodega, Bodega Bay, Sonoma, Napa, Point Reyes, Santa Rosa, Petaluma and Mendocino within reach. No matter the destination of the day, you will be happy to return to Madrona Manor as your home base. Chef Jesse Malgren and Maitre d'Hotel Joseph Bain orchestrate a very friendly staff with each person hitting a special note in your heart. Each is devoted to your every need, but at the same time too they are sensitive to one's sense of privacy. Don't miss Madrona Manor. It is a very special memory for you to make and Northern California's best kept secret.

Fantastic on so many levels. The food is fabulous. The rooms are beautiful, you will never want to get out of the bed (so comfortable and inviting). The herb garden is wonderful. I loved sitting by the pool and being completely engulfed in the aromas of the orange blossom trees.

We just returned from our 3rd delightful stay at Madrona Manor in the past 4 months. We will return again and again. The grounds are beautiful, the rooms could not be more comfortable, spacious or luxurious with attention paid to every detail. The fireplaces are wonderful in winter. The staff is helpful and gracious. Dining here is a fabulous experience....we prefer it to the restaurant at Dry Creek Inn, and to Cyrus which we have been to on several occasions.

My Husband and I stayed at the Madrona Monor one year Valentines Day. There were Limos lined up in front, from San Francisco, for Valentines Dinner in the Restaurant. We were not able to eat there that night but we did enjoy breakfast every day and had a fabulous meal a few days later. Our room had a wonderful views of the garden and a fireplace. Dennis & Debbie, Scottsdale, AZ

The service and food was top notch! We were married here and besides the planners being so helpful and organized, the food and service was phenomenal, grounds are gorgeous and we had an all around amazing time. The rooms are great too! Definitely worth the money and very convenient to the downtown of Healdsburg. We will be back to celebrate an anniversary.

We chose Madrona for our wedding for April 2, 2006. Isabelle and Christy and Marissa were constantly working to make it amazing for the 3 months prior. Any concerns I had along the way were immediately addressed and corrected. Brides are not always easy, but the staff never lost its professionalism with me. The rain was an issue as the weekend drew near, and although options were suggested, they understood my needs, and our wedding was held in the Music room. The intimacy was extremely touching. The reception was on the Palm Terrace, and with the blinds pulled down, the heaters on, the candle-lit room was absolutely enchanting with a soundtrack of rain that you couldn't pay for!!! The food was phenomenal, and the chef's suggestions were heard and appreciated. My family is not the "B&B" type, but we occupied the Carriage House, and spent the weekend in total togetherness. Isabelle's suggestions for a photographer, officiant and florist were PERFECT. The staff called us all by name, and any request, for a steamer, or coffee, or wine glasses was promptly answered. Madrona made the most special weekend of my life memorable and comfortable for all involved. The beds were so comfortable!! Breakfast was wonderful to fill our tummies after an evening of wine consumption, and a day ahead of tasing and celebrating! I would HIGHLY recommend Madrona!!!

We visit Madrona Manor 6 or 7 times a year. Love their Winemaker dinners, Dickens Dinners, quiet romantic dinner for 2. The Manor is welcoming, charming, luxurious, comfortable, beautiful inside and out. The accomodations are excellent, filled with thoughtful touches which make a big difference, breakfasts are delicious, service excellent, staff so helpful. A perfect getaway.