The Stavrand Russian River Valley

Terrific staff

Beautiful spot tucked away from the world and yet a few minutes drive to town. You begin to relax as soon as you park your car in the orchard/tree-lined lot and walk in. Loved my room - Cozy and yet modern. Lovely local wines served each night. The beds, sheets, towels and pillows were all 5 star. The hotel is well laid out and comfortable. Breakfast was delish; the avocado toast even had edible fresh pansies! I took a pics, but can't seem to upload... Highly recommend this place. Fantastic price for all you get, too.

The property was gorgeous and the location is a good 20 minute walk from Main Street.

Our room’s entrance, number 8, was right next to the public restroom.. and it did smell.

Rating: 9/10 My son and I stayed here in room 21 (a "1 King Bed, Cazadero") for two nights in June 2025. Tucked just outside Guerneville, The Stavrand doesn’t try to be everything—but what it does try to be, it nails. This is boutique hospitality at its most thoughtful, and it manages to feel charming without leaning into kitsch and luxurious without losing its soul. Positives: • There’s something effortlessly relaxing about this place. Aperitif hour brings complimentary pours of local pinot and zin, while s’mores supplies magically appear for toasting by the courtyard fire pits. It’s adult summer camp energy, minus the bunk beds and forced bonding. The staff are warm without being cloying, and the whole thing runs with an easy confidence. • My room struck the right balance between cozy and elevated: spacious, spotless, and fitted with a gas fireplace that made the chilly forest evenings feel like part of the plan. The shower was solid, and the bed ranked among the top 10% of my luxury stays—supportive, plush, and actually inviting. The patio even had a private(ish) soaking tub, though the overhead windows from other rooms turned it into more of a decorative feature for me than a destination. Still, points for ambition. • Breakfast was a highlight. No sad buffet here—actual plated dishes, and some of the best ones were listed under a “complimentary” section, including a killer brioche egg sandwich, steel-cut oatmeal that wasn’t just filler, and a parfait that tasted like someone actually cared. It’s rare that a free breakfast is worth mentioning. This one is. • What sets Stavrand apart is the intention behind everything. Printed directions for scenic walks into town. Thoughtful design touches. A sense that someone is constantly asking, “How can we make this feel more special?” It’s the kind of detail-focused execution that makes you forget all about brand-name hotels—and start planning your return before checkout. Negatives: • That inviting half-bottle of local pinot noir in the honor bar? Delicious. Also $48. A bit steep, especially considering how generous the property is elsewhere. It’s a jarring price point that feels just a little out of sync with the rest of the experience. • Around 9:30 p.m., I was out at the fire pit with friends—nothing rowdy, just talking—and was asked to keep it down due to a noise complaint. Technically fair game, but considering quiet hours hadn’t started, it suggests either a sound insulation issue or a courtyard layout that turns mild conversation into surround sound. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does change the vibe a bit. • My one true wish: espresso-based drinks in the morning. The drip coffee was very good, but a cappuccino or even a proper latte would elevate breakfast into full sensory glory. If the biggest critique I can offer is “I wanted a fancier coffee,” then clearly, they’re doing a lot right.

Great breakfast Nice quiet facilities Really nice and helpful staff

Shower head was a bit broken.

We were very disappointed in our stay at the Stavrand. Perhaps it was because we stayed midweek, but nothing was Luxurious as in Luxury Hotel that they call themself . It was pretty basic. Our room was small and the bathroom very small with an old shallow bath. We had a terrible time getting the old taps to work. No coffee in room. Breakfast was the real disappointment. The free breakfast was room temperature oatmeal with nothing on it but 3 blueberries. We had to ask for milk, and pay for each slice of toast which was dry. It was a bit tacky, and frankly nothing in the paid menu that jumped out at us. Service was terrible, and I think she may have also been the cook too because everything took forever and no refills on coffee. She may have been standing in for someone as she seemed very inexperienced. Staff all seemed inexperienced. To call this a luxury hotel is insane. I can only believe we missed out on something. They were not full by any means and said we had been upgraded when we arrived, but I find that impossible to believe because this was no more than a 2-3 star room. I realize options are limited in the region, but be aware before you book that this is no more than an average bed with mini breakfast.

Yes this hotel is very pretty as are the grounds. Staff was very nice and helpful. Room was small without even a chair to sit in. Sink is in the bedroom so water was always on the floor. Wine tasting in the evening without even a cracker or piece of cheese or nut to pair with it. No food on site, except breakfast-some of which is free (yogurt and granola, oatmeal or a fried egg sandwich) and the rest is expensive fare. So if you want dinner you have to get into town. Walk is fine but we came back after dark and there were lots of iffy folks hanging out on one side of the pedestrian bridge and on the bridge itself. All I all I think it’s an outrageous price for what you get. I wouldn’t recommend or stay again.

The Stavrand is an exceptional property; right away it is noticeable how the staff cares about their patrons. They go above and beyond to make your stay as comfortable as possible. The location is an easy drive to any winery and walkable to downtown Guerneville for food and drink; be sure to hit up the local bank turned into an ice cream shop!