The Sandman Hotel, a mission-style property that opened in 1974, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a ’70s-themed party. Following a multi-million dollar renovation, the Sandman is experiencing a renaissance — evolving from a classic roadside motel into a reimagined boutique hotel.
The Sandman’s newly revamped guest rooms blend eclectic and vintage touches to create an aesthetically clean and soothing atmosphere. The rooms are designed with bespoke furniture from local artisans and feature elements like wood finishes, white walls, custom cotton blankets and peach-colored ceilings. Fido can join your stay, too, as the rooms are pet-friendly (for pets up to 50 pounds).
The fitness center has evolved with state-of-the-art equipment and modern design. The new Wellness Dome is designed as a sanctuary of zen, where peaceful rejuvenation leads to a complete wellness experience. Meditation and yoga sessions are available on Friday evenings and Sunday mornings, some of which include a glass of wine.
“The Wellness Dome is the only one of its kind in Sonoma County,” said general manager Mark Nelson. “It is attuned for sound, yoga and meditation, enabling guests to participate in their own spiritual path.”
The hotel also has a heated pool and hot tub, entirely enclosed by a redwood fence to provide privacy. The pool area is accessible to guests and non-guests, with day passes available through ResortPass.
The pool is accompanied by the Pool House & Bar, which serves food and drinks from Thursday to Sunday. The hotel launched a new partnership with Lazeaway Club (the restaurant at the Flamingo Resort & Spa) and chef Chris Ricketts to provide grab-and-go food items in the Pool House. Dishes include various salads, a kids pack and a poolside picnic pack with coppa, house pickles, marinated olives, Cypress Grove goat cheese and olive oil crackers. The drink menu features classic poolside cocktails like margaritas, piña coladas, micheladas, palomas and mojitos. The bar also has a big-screen TV, perfect for watching weekend sports while you sip and savor.
A lush backyard features a bocce ball court surrounded by Adirondack chairs and fire tables for relaxed summer evenings. The hotel’s new guest lounge, open from 2 to 9 p.m. daily, contains multiple arcade games and an HDTV.
The finished product was a long time coming, with waves of changes over the last eight years. In May of 2017, The Sandman unveiled an extensive renovation, but it closed five months later due to the destructive Tubbs Fire, which caused smoke damage to over half of The Sandman’s 135 rooms.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, hotels across the U.S. saw drastically reduced occupancy rates. The Sandman stayed open and became a popular spot for locals with the introduction of its Summer Night event series.
Positioned minutes from downtown Santa Rosa, the hotel is an ideal jumping-off point to explore the wineries, fine dining and outdoor activities of the city and surrounding county.
“Santa Rosa has evolved from a farming town into the biggest city north of the Golden Gate Bridge,” said Stephen Yang, CEO of Bay Area real estate firm Yang Capital, which owns the property. “Sandman has seen massive population growth, housed many people impacted by the fires, and hopefully continues to be a place of community and a launchpad for visitors to discover the splendors of Sonoma County: wine, beer, horticulture and agriculture.”
Starting Sept. 5, the hotel will launch “Sandman Sips,” offering guests free wine, beer or spirit tastings at its partners’ tasting rooms. Official partners to date are Muscardini Cellars, Inman Family Wines, Seghesio Winery, Hobo Wine Company, Harvest Moon Winery, Battaglini Family Winery, D’Argenzio Family Winery, Fogbelt Brewing Company and Sonoma Brothers Distilling.
3421 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-293-2100, sandmansantarosa.com