This NorCal Wine Country Hotel Is a Groovy and Glamorous Retro Getaway

Of course, that thought wasn’t entirely fantastical. Back in its heyday, this hotel did draw big-name celebrities and the wealthiest of world travelers to enjoy the privacy and luxury of the Flamingo’s oversized pool and flourishing courtyard spaces. It’s name may have had something to do with that. This property was named after the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas (sidenote: Vegas’ Flamingo is one of my personal favorite properties in the world just for its awesome vibes, iconic history, and unparalleled location on The Strip) in an effort to draw tourists and increase interest to growing attractions in the Santa Rosa area like the wineries that are now so legendary. Today, it’s admittedly a bit more approachable than the Hollywood elite may prefer but still preserves its sense of serenity and “authentic vintage chic” atmosphere.

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To enter the resort, you’ll step through the art-deco entryway into the lobby, where a noisy (in a good way) mural immediately draws the eye and makes the space feel like a tropical oasis. The property’s signature colors — primarily hot pink — politely scream “playful,” while the refined, retro interiors and existing mid-century-modern exterior architecture that can be seen throughout the rest of the property balance out the spirit with a sense of California-casual relaxation.

You can’t miss the original neon sign that’s still standing today in the form of a tall, three-sided pylon with metal letters and neon backlighting spelled out “Flamingo,” topped by a stylized flamingo. It was designated by The City of Santa Rosa as a local landmark in 1997.

We hope you love the Flamingo Resort & Spa! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

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The Flamingo Resort & Spa offers unique wine country accommodations

The whole resort is set on a vibrantly lush, uniquely wheel-shaped 10-acre campus with plant life galore, giving it a sense you’re in the jungle even though you’re just minutes away from some of the world’s most famous vineyards.

And the “wheel-spoke” design of the hotel is special in itself as it’s said to be one of only three of its kind known to have been designed by accomplished master architect Homer Rissman, in addition to the Las Vegas Hacienda in 1956 and the Palm Springs Riviera in 1959. But only the Flamingo and Riviera have survived the test of time and are still here, today.

What I enjoyed, and thought was unique about this property, is that even though it’s technically in “wine country,” it wasn’t held to just one type of visitor on-site. There were families, a group of young women who appeared to be spending the night while they were in town for some sort of athletic competition, there were couples on a romantic getaway, and a few groups of women who appeared to be here on a rejuvenating gals’ wine country escape.

Open-air outdoor lounging spaces are plentiful around the property (this is California, after all — it’s almost essential to take advantage of the nearly flawless year-round weather, even in the chillier autumn and winter evenings of NorCal).

Accommodations at The Flamingo Resort & Spa

At the Flamingo Resort & Spa, guest accommodations are referred to as “nests” instead of “guest rooms” — and it’s not just to be cutesy. These cozy sleeping spaces really do emit some super groovy vibes, but are not overdone. The airy, bright accommodations feel like they’re a world away from the hustle of the outside world, as if you’re on your own little getaway on-site — while already on vacation (hopefully).

Four separate hotel wings house the rooms which feature a modern, mid-century décor and luxurious amenities that offer a respite from the wine country adventures outside. Large windows allow plentiful natural light to filter into the spacious rooms, where plush, crisp beds beckon to guests with a tempting invitation to relax.

The teak, brass, and gold finishes and sleek furnishings blend with wooden furniture and accents that create a tasteful sense of tranquility. Artwork in the rooms feels tasteful and evocative of a simpler era and is meant to pay homage to the history of the hotel.

The large flatscreen TVs and Bluetooth radio systems make it tempting to just spend a night “in” your nest — but the strong allure of Sonoma’s world-renowned dining and drinking scene might be enough to inspire you to fly on a “night out.” There are a few variations in room types, with some special selections being “pool view” or “pet-friendly” options, but no matter what, you’re set up well for a solid night’s sleep.

Dining, drinking, and amenities at the Flamingo Resort & Spa

At the Lazeaway Club restaurant, dine poolside with a menu of Cal-Pacific cuisine in an open, outdoor area outfitted with natural-feeling wooden tables, a real wooden roof, and benches and cushioned chairs below a canopy of twinkling string lights. Or, huddle on a bohemian wicker chair around one of the luxe fire pits. There’s also a cozy indoor dining space for those who want to stay extra cozy. Alternatively, lounge al fresco and order a bite and a beverage next to the pool with the Wild Bird poolside dining menu.

One of the coolest amenities is that, as a guest of the resort, visitors can take advantage of an exclusive “Flamingo Flights” program hosting complimentary wine tastings at select local wineries across the Sonoma and Napa Valley region. You’ll also have access to the enormous fitness center and health club space that’s adjacent to the property, including entry to the group fitness classes and daily meditation and yoga classes. There’s even a sauna, steam room, hot tub, three tennis courts, and a 25-meter lap pool.

This property preserves its natural sense of mid-century cool with an added splash of taste and color

The Flamingo Resort & Spa is a fantastic place to set as home base while exploring Santa Rosa and Wine County. While you’re in town, don’t miss visiting local attractions like wine tasting at popular favorite spots like La Crema (their chardonnay is my absolute favorite) or Matanzas Creek, which has a fabulous reputation for Sauvignon Blancs and Merlots.

Grab a bite at Mitote Food Park (the word “Mitote” comes from the ancient Nahuatl language meaning a “party” or “gathering”), which serves some of the most delicious, authentic Mexican regional cuisines all in one place. Russian River Brewing Company’s downtown Santa Rosa brewpub location is a “can’t-miss” attraction in the area. It’s best known for its internationally famous, once-a-year brew “Pliny the Younger,” for which folks travel hundreds of miles and spend many hours camped outside every February to celebrate its limited annual release. But this renowned brewery creates dozens of other delightful craft concoctions beer enthusiasts must try while in town.

Or, for a different type of brew, visit Land + Water Coffee Roasters, which serves tasty specialty coffee drinks and teas in a quaint and cozy but minimalist feeling shop.

Literature lovers will enjoy spending time at Copperfield Books, which is a smart, feeling local bookstore chain (there are nine locations in Sonoma, Napa, and Marin County) and a great place to go book hunting.

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