Our Cottage

Yes, our Inn at Occidental is a great place for a romantic getaway. But with our cottage, the Inn is also a great place for a family or small group to stay, and stay together.

Our cottage, which is really a small house (2,200 square feet) just a few steps from the Inn, allows you and your family or group to really "stretch out." It has a full kitchen, two bedrooms, two baths, and a fireplace. It's ideal for families, families with children under 10, travelers with pets, and small group getaways, such as a Girlfriends' Getaway, a family reunion, or a retreat. And while you have complete privacy in your own place, you still have access to all our amenities, including our gourmet breakfast.

Pricing varies by season. Please visit our web site or call us toll-free at 1-800-522-6324 for availability and rates.

Perks of the Job

We were recently invited to the new Littorai Winery perched on a hilltop in Sebastopol. The winery will be open for tasting by appointment, and trust me, it will not be a disappointment! Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are their specialties; and they are committed to biodynamic farming. Take the tour and learn all about this environmentally sound way to farm. Also, a short drive from Littorai is the newly-opened Freestone Winery, an off-shoot of Joseph Phelps Winery. Freestone Winery's mission is to produce the best Pinot Noir! We're happy to share with you our favorite winery and dining spots during your stay at the Inn at Occidental. Please ask us!

Our First Proposal!

Oooooo, we're so excited: we recently had our first wedding proposal here at the Inn at Occidental using our new proposal package. What fun!

High school sweethearts Iggy and Florence are from New York. During their just-completed stay at the Inn, Iggy popped THE questions... and Florence said yes! While the two were out at dinner, the staff here decorated their room with fresh roses, chilled champagne, chocolates, and red silk rose petals on the bed. On a Scrabble board in the center of the room, Iggy used the block letters to spell: Will you marry me?

Needless to say, Florence was quite surprised and elated. Now, I wonder where they're going to have their wedding? (Hint, hint: Why not the Inn at Occidental?!?)

Green

Of course people love to stay at our Inn at Occidental because of the nearby access to Sonoma County's wonderful food and wine options. But there's also the natural beauty, too. Some of our garden-loving guests love to make the short trek to the nearby Occidental Arts & Ecology Center (OAEC). In fact, the OAEC has its fall plant sale this coming weekend, August 23-24, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. both days. Folks can choose from hundreds of organically grown heirloom vegetable, flower, and herb varieties. Even if you can't make this weekend's sale, the OAEC is still a fun place to visit.

http://www.oaec.org/

707-874-1557

Let the Crush Begin

Ooo, exciting news here in glorious Sonoma County: the 2008 grape harvest has begun! This is an exciting time of year, wineries working often around-the-clock to crush, press, and store the grapes being rushed to their location by eager vineyard workers. Apparently this is one of the earliest harvests ever, too, brought on dry weather this spring and warmer-than-normal weather now.

Needless to say, the grape and wine industries are very important -- and large -- to Sonoma County. Here are a few facts and figures:

* Total 2008 Sonoma Country grape harvest: estimated to be 180,000 tons

* Last year's crop's worth: $417 million

This time of year, between now and the end of October, is truly beautiful, with heavy bunches of grapes in the vineyards, the leaves beginning to turn, and clear, hot days. Come stay with us to experience Wine Country living at its most exciting: harvest time!

Extras vs. Extras

Hi, it's me, Tina. I know that many of our guests have been "price shopping" more of late with the high price of gasoline and other economic factors. I want to share a story that struck home with me recently regarding how room rates can be deceiving. One of our daughters was in San Francisco recently for a business meeting. She was staying at a very high-end hotel and invited me to join her. How could I resist the thought of being pampered at a world-class hotel!

The stay was lovely and the view from her 40th floor room was fabulous.... But, while the rate was comparable to our suites, there were additional charges for all that we offer for FREE at the Inn. Consider these "little" add-ons: $51+ for parking, $12.95 PER DAY for Internet access, $25 per person for the full breakfast, and that's not including the gratuities. At the Inn at Occidental, we also include with your room rate a nightly wine and hors d'oeuvre reception, 24-hour coffee and tea, and daily sweet treats -- all complimentary! Such a bargain!

Next time you want to be pampered by world-class service... and not get surprised by costly extras -- think "Inn at Occidental".

Bobby Flay faceoff

Our very own chef friend Gerard Nebesky, who lives here in Occidental (that's him in the center in the pic below), will be on the television show "Throwdown with Bobby Flay" at 9 p.m. July 30 on the Food Network. Gerard, of course, served his wonderful paella at our recent 20th anniversary party (see previous posts). Gerard, we'll be rooting for you! Go, go, go!