What to expect: This condominium resort is 1.5 miles from downtown Windsor in Sonoma County's Russian River Valley. The Windsor Golf Club, host to six PGA Nike events, is adjacent. Large, contemporary condos are housed in eight three-story buildings arrayed around two outdoor pools. Guests include families, couples, and groups of friends visiting nearby wineries, picturesque towns, and the spectacular Sonoma Coast.

Amenity highlights: The Resort at Sonoma County has two outdoor pool areas, each with a year-round freeform pool, a children's pool, and a sundeck with plenty of comfy lounge chairs. Guests can also unwind in four outdoor spa tubs. Gas barbecue grills are adjacent to the main pool and on all condo patios. A large recreation room contains a big-screen TV, a Ping Pong table, two pool tables, a fireplace, and a video arcade.

Insider tip: The town of Calistoga, a scenic 20-mile drive from the hotel, is famed for its spas. You can even indulge in a classic Calistoga mud bath: a blissful soak in a thick, warm mixture of volcanic ash and mineral-spring water. Dozens of enticing cafes and shops line the town’s main street. Stop by Hurd Beeswax Candles, makers of handcrafted candles since 1954. The shop also includes a tasting room, with complimentary samplings from the owners’ acclaimed OnThEdge winery.