I was “underwhelmed” with Hotel Healdsburg. I think I had set my expectations too high. Yes, the reception, concierge area, breakfast area/gathering room and bar were nice. The gas log fireplace is very interesting…a sight to behold. The staff was very friendly and efficient…and overall, everything was very clean. I thought the continental breakfast provided by Dry Creek Kitchens was very good…with attentive service.

It is the room with which I have concerns…where I spent the most time. Unlike many travelers, I like to return to the room and review photos of the day on our iPad. The room did not invite us back. I stayed in the premium room. While large, it seemed stark. Now, this might be a California thing, but it could have used more warmth. The dresser seemed out of place and small if one were to stay for more than a few days. I would suggest a large picture over the desk. It might also help to absorb sound. Our room was located above the square, and it was relatively noisy at night. (Wish I had read the comment about getting a room over the courtyard before arriving!) The bathroom was spacious. Also, while there is a lot of lighting in the bathroom, it is ill placed. The lighting above “my” sink did not light up “my” space, yet my wife’s was properly lit. The shower- interesting to say the least - does not have a door, and one needs to enter under the shower head in order to turn on the shower…which might cause one to get a cold shower before they are ready…since it takes a while to warm up. On a very positive side, the bed and linens were very comfortable; however, one robe was so worn, it really made us not what to wear it.

I did find 3 “firebrats” the first night. Mentioned to front desk that they might need an exterminator…did not have a problem the next 3 nights.

My concerns were emailed to the manager, but we have not had a response…which might say something about their attitude towards their guests.

My opinion: nice, but not worth the price they charge. I would not opt to stay there again.

When booking, make sure you know whether you are in Hotel Healdsburg (more traditional) or H2 (contemporary style). H2 charges the same, so far as I can tell, but in H2 it's a continental breakfast, while at Hotel Healdsburg, a cooked breakfast is on offer. if you have rooms 4, 5, 6, 7 on any of the floors at H2, you will be literally next to the main drag, so if motorcycle and bus noise is to your liking, you're fine; if not, don't count on that afternoon nap. The other rooms are quiet and very comfortable. (I was in 2.04 for one night and 2.11 the second...in fairness, the hotel cut the price of the first night realizing that the noise and a strong disinfectant smell were not the kind of experience one pays top dollar for). The staff at H2 were well trained and attentive; kudos to them.

Check-in went well.....room was a bit small for the price. Hardly any storage room so we lived out of our bags. A smallish bathroom and an OK bed. Probably wouldn't stay here again. Location is in the center of town, which was real nice.

We arrived Sunday afternoon, part of a group of 16, in town to cycle and wine taste and eat great food. Hotel Healdsburg is well situated for a trip to this part of wine country. So far, the cycling, wine, and food has met/exceeded all expectations, but, alas, our lodging has not. Hotel Healdsburg is suffering from a seriously annoying lack of hot water - few people in our group have yet to get a hot shower or bath - and we've now been here 3 nights. Management keeps telling us the boiler is being replaced - has been fixed - should be good now - with no positive results. The LACK OF HOT WATER is a real problem - for those staying 5 nights, it's just not acceptable. Breakfast is generous, and pretty tasty. . Beds - really wonderful. Cookies at turn-down - snickerdoodles are the best! Maintenance needs to run around and check things, though - we have flickering lights in the bathroom, a toilet that requires us to remove the tank lid several times a day to get it to a) flush properly and/or b) stop running! RE: the overall design of the rooms (ours, anyway): the bathroom has multiple lights, but the lighting itself is not so good. It doesn't serve all one's needs (make-up, etc) and it leaves dark spaces in the bathroom. Rather strange. The hardwood floors - lovely. The Wi-Fi access is sporadic throughout the hotel - they tell me it's 'the concrete walls'. The color palette is soothing and I love all the shades of green. The spartan, sleek, Zen-like design / decor - is 'quiet'. But that can go too far, and in the guest rooms here, I think it went too far. All the tile and concrete in the bathroom doesn't allow for any "soft" spots. There's nowhere that you can just warm your feet, or sit on something other than a concrete tub surround - which is cold ... Brrr. One can argue the absence of art on the walls - either way. The one framed black and white photograph in the bathroom is lovely - but the rest of the room has absolutely nothing on the walls. I find it a little strange, but then, I'm an interior designer and a frequent traveler, so maybe it won't strike others as - unfinished. I'm not here to pick apart the design elements, though. I just want people to be aware that HOT WATER is something they may want to enjoy during a stay, so they need to ask if there WILL BE ANY when reserving a room here. All that said - the location is great - just ask for a courtyard (interior) room - if you don't want the street noise. Facing the town square, which seemed great when we checked in, has its downside, too. But the trees we look out into and over are magnificent, so the noise is maybe secondary. With two more nights to stay here, I'm signing off now to find a salon nearby so I can get my hair washed - I sure can't do it here, for myself, without hot water.