THE FACTS ABOUT HOTEL HEALDSBURG

USA

The Hotel Healdsburg is set to put the small town of Healdsburg, 67 miles north of San Francisco, firmly on the radar of seasoned world travellers. The 55-room hotel opened in November 2001 on the historic town plaza. It is decorated with a soothing array of dark woods and muted olive greens. Inside the expansive lobby, plump sofas are positioned around a fireplace, and a screened porch overlooking the garden makes a sunny breakfast room. Throughout the public areas and spacious bedrooms, Tibetan silk rugs and teak furniture soften the slightly industrial feel. Each room also has its own balcony or terrace. Bathrooms are large and have walk-in showers; some have deep soaking tubs. One of the hotel's highlights is its restaurant, Dry Creek Kitchen. With star chef Charlie Palmer (of New York's Aureole), it draws inspiration from seasonal local ingredients, serving dishes such as Sonoma foie gras with quince confitures. WHEN TO GO From September until early November, to enjoy the Indian summer and the wine harvest WHICH ROOM TO BOOK 316, an immense one-bedroom suite with four balconies overlooking the plaza CONTACT Hotel Healdsburg, 25 Matheson Street, Healdsburg, California 95448 (001 707 431 2800; fax: 431 0414). Doubles £156-£250; suites £278-£556