Historic Hotels of America Status Awarded to The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa in California
SONOMA, December 12, 2013 - The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa has been awarded membership into the prestigious Historic Hotels of America® organization. Historic Hotels identifies quality hotels that have faithfully maintained their historic integrity, architecture and ambiance. The association's mission is to preserve the authenticity of America's best leisure and business travel destinations.
Historic Hotels of America was founded in 1989 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation with 32 charter members. To be nominated and selected for membership, a hotel must be at least 50 years old and listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or recognized as having historic significance.
Hotels are situated in settings that range from rustic to refined, in locales as diverse as the mountain wilderness, manicured country sides, the center of small towns and bustling metropolises. From opulent mansions to converted factories, each fascinating place has been inducted into this distinguished brand based upon noteworthy standards, including quality of accommodations, historical significance, National Register of Historic Places credentials, and property age. For more information, visit the National Trust's website at www.preservationnation.org/.
The story of The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa dates back to the Native Americans who were the first to discover the natural underground hot mineral waters. This site was considered a sacred healing ground and a 'sweathouse' stood near the spring for generations. In 1840, Dr. T.M. Leavenworth, an eccentric San Francisco physician, was the first to commercially develop the hot springs. In 1895, Captain H.E. Boyes, an enterprising young Englishman, acquired the property and struck 112 degree water at 70 feet while drilling a well. Within five years, he had built the Boyes Hot Springs Hotel on the site of the current property. Soon, well-to-do San Franciscans were arriving by boat and train to 'take the waters' at the finest hot mineral water resort in California. In 1923, a disastrous fire destroyed the hotel and most of Boyes Hot Springs. However, in 1927, the current Inn rose from the ashes as an architecturally accurate replica of a California Mission. Once again, the Inn was filled with guests, and the hotel was hailed as one of the finest in all of Northern California.
During the Great Depression, the resort was plummeted into receivership. It remained dark until 1933, when it was purchased by Grass Valley hotelier Emily Long and restored to prosperity. During World War II the hotel fell under the control of the Navy. It became an 'R&R' site for sailors and marines until 1945. Various incarnations followed, including the use of the Inn by famous sports teams as a training headquarters. During that period, The Big 3 established itself as a gathering place for locals and hotel guests alike. The longest running continuously-operated restaurant in Sonoma Valley, The Big 3 anchors the corner of Highway 12 and Boyes Boulevard at the entrance to the Inn.
Wine Country's iconic luxury resort has recently unveiled a comprehensive multi-million dollar renovation project. The sophisticated updates include classic Fairmont luxury hotel accommodations , Wine Country Suites, the handsome Lobby, award-winning Sante dining room, meeting space, re-designed resort landscaping and the addition of a new modern Wine Lounge, aptly named 38º North.
About The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
Renowned for natural mineral waters, unparalleled charm and gracious service, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, is located 40 miles north of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge at 100 Boyes Blvd. in Sonoma Valley, the heart of Northern California's wine country. A recipient of both the AAA-Four Diamond and Mobil-Four Star Award, the resort consistently provides the country's finest European spa, golf and culinary experiences. For reservations please call 1-800- 441-1414 or (707) 938-9000, or visit the Inn's website at Fairmont.com/Sonoma
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