Inn at Occidental of Sonoma Wine Country, Occidental

As whimsical and warm as ever! I had not been back at the Inn at Occidental for a few years and decided to extend a business trip in they area to check on Jerry & Tina, the proprietors-innkeepers, and on one of my favorite inns in Sonoma. Last time I was there, they had just taken over this jewel from the unique Jack Bullard and I was curious to see if the magic was still there five years later -my how time flies when you are having a good time! For all of those who have had the chance to visit and feel as I do about this Select Registry property: be reassured. The Inn at Occidental is alive and well, as charming and whimsical as ever. After all their years of experience working in large hotels, Jerry and Tina have effortlessly -at least it seems- slipped in the much more casual world of innkeeping but brought with them a professionalism that is unfortunately often missing at other inns in that price range. Mixed with the tongue in cheek, quirky, luxury of the atmosphere, this is a winning combination! They brought a peacefulness to the inn that only added to its charm. No wonder they are still members of Unique Inns, one of my favorite resource when I travel on the West Coast. Casually elegant is how I would describe the Marble Suite where I stayed. (No, the marble does not refer to a Vegas style decor but to these little round balls we played with in the school yard, now displayed artfully in a few places around the room). I was at first a bit concerned to be in the -obviously charming- main house, instead than in the newer building but I can attest, having now stayed in both, that it is as comfortable and luxurious. Everything was great about the room-Tina mentioned they were planning on recarpeting soon... a testament to their ongoing desire to improve the inn since it seemed just fine to me (and I am quite picky). Rooms have no TV's but, when I asked Jerry about it, he offered to bring one in. Even though I was traveling solo this time, I declined and opted to enjoy the peace and quietness the absence of cell reception and of TV would provide for one night.Sitting in my private oversize spa tub, looking at the fireplace and listening to calming music provided on the cd player, I thought: "This is just what I needed after three days of conference in a generically nice chain hotel". After a pleasant time chatting with Jerry & Tina over a glass of wine and some hors d'oeuvres, my colleagues and I went to dinner to Bistro des Copains, a great recommendation. Everyone agreed that food truly had a French flair. Service was great and the ambiance warm and welcoming, just perfect on this cold winter night. We appreciated the fact that this was Local's Night and that they waved the corkage fee for a delicious bottle of Russian Valley Syrah we brought (can't remember the name of the winery, oh well). After a great night of sleep under (the linens are so luxurious - Frette towels too) a delicious breakfast awaited us before our trip back to Oakland Airport and the real world. In the dining room, we met a family from England who had just spent a week there and were just raving about their stay. Talking with them I realized that I had become used to the little gem the small town of Occidental is, away from the commotion but so well positioned. I am already looking forward to be back!