Classic US motel in California Wine Country
Astro Motel / Santa Rosa / CA / USA
Motels… What can I say, I am a huge fan. I love how they are a testament to an era gone by. I love the practical yet forward-looking architecture and how they offer an affordable (ok, nowadays many of the refurbished motels are equally expensive to any given design hotel) alternative to travelers.
This one is called the Astro and is located in Santa Rosa, in northern California, right in the middle of Sonoma Wine Country, about 1 hour north of San Francisco.
The Astro Motel was built back in 1963. It was fairly run down for many years frequented by drug addicts and prostitutes until the owners of nearby restaurant the Spinster Sisters bought it and started the remodeling. It re-opened in January of 2018 with 34 rooms designed with an eclectic mix of vintage furniture.
This is a perfect starting point if you wanna explore Sonoma Wine Country but it is actually also something of a haven for bike enthusiasts. If you don’t want to bring your own there are Shinola bikes for rent on site. But remember, drinking and driving is never a good choice, and neither is drinking and cycling.
A classic US motel, colorful and with plenty of nostalgia.
The design of our room was very eclectic with vintage furniture, lamps and art work.
Makes me so happy to see motels like the Astro being restored so new generations of travelers get to experience the beauty of staying at a classic motel.
Instead of the classic pool in the courtyard there is an exotic garden at the Astro.
Yay for bright, bold colors and these geometric patterns on the facade. Modern but still very classic.
There is a living room where you can come to hang out, read something or just relax.
Retro lamps and furniture is a nice homage to the heritage of the Astro.
The Sonoma coast is a short drive from Santa Rosa and well worth a visit with some really dramatic vistas.
Me strolling along the sea front trying to cure my jet lag.
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…are a motel- and wine fan. Don’t know if this is a common combo but if you are, then this is your place.
My favorite thing about this place…
…is that if offers an affordable but still cool place to stay in Wine Country that is otherwise fairly pricey.
What not to miss when staying here is…
…to eat at nearby Spinster Sisters Restaurant. It is owned by the same people as the motel. Their burger is divine.
If you like this hotel you might also like…
The Pearl, San Diego, CA, USA
Vagabond, Miami, FL, USA
Anvil, Jackson, WY, USA
