Nestled riverside at the edge of Guerneville in Sonoma's wine rich Russian River Valley, Dawn Ranch Resort is a virtual natural preserve. A cottage style hotel and event venue awaits. As a Sonoma wine country escape, Dawn Ranch Resort is authentic, historic and unique. Dawn Ranch Resort meanders over 15 lush acres of ancient giant Redwoods, vintage apple trees, native meadows and our own kitchen garden.
Historic, rustic and simple, renovated for comfort, 1905 cabins and cottages cluster the landscape but leave ample room to wander peacefully amid nature. Multiple indoor and outdoor venues provide a natural and scenic backdrop for weddings and events. Guests will also find super comfy beds and linens, private baths with simple showers, premium bath amenities, private front deck and wherever possible outdoor seating to enjoy the pristine setting.
Historic, rustic and simple, renovated for comfort, 1905 cabins and cottages cluster the landscape but leave ample room to wander peacefully amid nature. Multiple indoor and outdoor venues provide a natural and scenic backdrop for weddings and events. Guests will also find super comfy beds and linens, private baths with simple showers, premium bath amenities, private front deck and wherever possible outdoor seating to enjoy the pristine setting.
Services
Dawn Ranch is truly unique Sonoma Weddings venue. Experience your ceremony amid ancient redwoods, in a 120 yr old orchard, pristine meadow, our garden, poolside or in our historic lodge / boathouse. Each venue has its own unique character. 15 acres of pristine nature allows for multiple original events over the course of your destination wedding.
SMALL GROUPS - For groups up to 12 choose either table seating in the bar, or a group table in our restaurant Agriculture Public House. DRINK, EAT & STAY - This is an increasingly popular way to celebrate and stay safe. Enjoy, good food, great wines and cocktails, have fun without worry - no one is driving home!
Dawn Ranch offers a unique setting for corporate events, team-building retreats, and business meetings. A short walk from the main Lodge is our rustic Boathouse Meeting Room. Enjoy our newly renovated cabins, restaurant, and full bar. For outdoor group activities, we offer 15 acres of lush grounds, a private river beach front, and a swimming pool.
Reviews (28)
Ellesse S.
Sep 16, 2019
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We were planned to have our wedding at Dawn Ranch in June 2019, however with the major flood in Guerneville we ended up needing to have the wedding elsewhere. However, Dawn Ranch was wonderful since the start. We did a lot of research on venues and Dawn Ranch stole our hearts, it was more expensive than we originally were planning but we decided it was the perfect place for us and we would plan everything around this epic venue. It is a little rustic, but the adorable cabins and comfy beds made us feel that guests would be happy to stay onsite. We LOVED that everyone would be together for the weekend
Rita B.
Aug 20, 2019
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This is a review of Dawn Ranch as a wedding venue and echos many of the reviews before this. We were set to be married at DR in May but unfortunately there was a terrible flood in Guerneville in February. DR immediately reached out to us and said don't worry they will be back up and running better than ever by the time of our wedding. Few more weeks go by and they call us and say actually all the cabins are damaged so they will put all the guests in tents (fyre festival anyone?). We weren't excited about this but finally said okay we will do the tents. Another week or so goes by and then
A. J.
Aug 19, 2019
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Charlie Rudy
Nov 17, 2018
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We stayed for two nights in a road side cabin with our dog. The location is great--right next to Safeway at the end of the town. The property is beautiful. They even have there own beach, so you can avoid the crowds. The cabins are a little old but cute inside. The road side ones are the only ones that are dogs, but they are a little small.
Max R.
Nov 15, 2018
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Don't stay here, just save yourself the trouble. In July my room was burglarize, they made off with my luggage and valuables from my room not to mention they stole my car. When I checked out, the attendant did not show any concern about the break in the night before or any efforts to make amends, even an apology! After the incident, I did some digging through the Sonoma police portal. Dawn Ranch showed 3 incidents in a 6 month period of theft or breaking and entering, all were conveniently done when the security were "not functioning". The ranch not stepping up their security
Brock L.
Nov 06, 2018
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Melvin Mullings
Oct 31, 2018
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Came for the first time on a Friday night around 6:45pm. Was a good time because it got pretty full about 30 minutes after we arrived. Despite there only being one waiter and the host, service was excellent and food was delicious. I got the seared hangar steak and my partner got the fish. We also shared the cauliflower gratin and warm kale salad. The host put logs in the fireplace and got the fire started a few minutes after we sat down. Place is elegant but also cozy. There's a piano by the bar (which is separate from the main dining area) but nobody was playing it that night. I imagine the menu
Erin A.
Oct 27, 2018
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Brides & Grooms Beware. 1st be very careful when planning your wedding here and staying in there cabins. They have crafted and oh so cleaver waiver that if signed could be detramental to your wallet. With this waiver they are able to slap you with up to $750 penalty without any way to fight it. If not they will charge whoever has put a credit card down for your wedding. They did this to not 1 guest but several guest at my girlfriends wedding just a month ago. So if you would like your special day to be tarnished by your guest getting gouged with unnecessary charges book at Dawn Ranch. Enjoy
John C.
Oct 21, 2018
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Ok, I get it, Sonoma and Napa are huge tourist traps. I can accept that I guess and after reading the mixed bag of reviews here I gave it a shot anyway.
I am kind of meh about the place.
I like the cottages but your insane for spending more than 150 a night for one. They have been updated a little but your paying for the cuteness more than anything else.
I felt the service was hit or miss. One moment everyone is nice? The next not so much. Kind of felt like I was bothering people when asking them the easiest requests.
Aveda products in the bathroom was a plus.
Charging 25 bux to uncork a bottle
I am kind of meh about the place.
I like the cottages but your insane for spending more than 150 a night for one. They have been updated a little but your paying for the cuteness more than anything else.
I felt the service was hit or miss. One moment everyone is nice? The next not so much. Kind of felt like I was bothering people when asking them the easiest requests.
Aveda products in the bathroom was a plus.
Charging 25 bux to uncork a bottle
Kaye C.
Oct 14, 2018
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Too Expensive for a place with poor amenities,comfort and convenience!
Uncomfortable bed and pillows
No option for rollaway beds - our kids had to sleep on the hardwood floor
No microwave, no fridge, not even a coffeemaker so we had to dine out all throughout our stay and can't enjoy left overs so makes the trip more expensive.
Pool bar only accepts CASH! no room charge no credit card!
Pool was not well kept and not heated
It is indeed charming and picturesque, however,
I will only gladly come back here and stay here for only $25/night and not pay over $230++/night. Price does not
Uncomfortable bed and pillows
No option for rollaway beds - our kids had to sleep on the hardwood floor
No microwave, no fridge, not even a coffeemaker so we had to dine out all throughout our stay and can't enjoy left overs so makes the trip more expensive.
Pool bar only accepts CASH! no room charge no credit card!
Pool was not well kept and not heated
It is indeed charming and picturesque, however,
I will only gladly come back here and stay here for only $25/night and not pay over $230++/night. Price does not
Evelyn A.
Aug 22, 2018
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Before I go any further, let's be clear: I had a four star experience here, this isn't a four star hotel. It's pretty rustic and silly, but it's a great place to rest your head, drink by the pool and get some selfies with redwoods.
It's good for families, weddings, and a couple looking for somewhere more affordable north of SF. I love it, but it's not a Fairmont of a Four Seasons, so let's not pretend it is.
I came here with a sick child (hooray) and a tired husband. The initial plan was to use this place as a pillow and adventure around wine country, Bodega
It's good for families, weddings, and a couple looking for somewhere more affordable north of SF. I love it, but it's not a Fairmont of a Four Seasons, so let's not pretend it is.
I came here with a sick child (hooray) and a tired husband. The initial plan was to use this place as a pillow and adventure around wine country, Bodega
Jane W.
Aug 12, 2018
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Want internet...go to the pool or so called lodge
Want sheets that are paper thin and linens to match.,,this is the place
Want a dirty front entry with dirty chaise chair...you've got it here
Want TV...nope
Want a chair and decent reading lamps near bed....nope
Want a tiny seating area with uncomfortable wicker and stained cushions...this is the place
Want parking...cruise the full lot and park on a busy street outside the lodge
Want to pay way,way more than you should for untidy, modest room...this is the place for you
Want my opinion...find a motel 6...It will be an upgrade!
Want sheets that are paper thin and linens to match.,,this is the place
Want a dirty front entry with dirty chaise chair...you've got it here
Want TV...nope
Want a chair and decent reading lamps near bed....nope
Want a tiny seating area with uncomfortable wicker and stained cushions...this is the place
Want parking...cruise the full lot and park on a busy street outside the lodge
Want to pay way,way more than you should for untidy, modest room...this is the place for you
Want my opinion...find a motel 6...It will be an upgrade!
Susan J.
Jul 23, 2018
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The cabins are very small with no refrig, tv, coffee machine and you have to ask front desk for blow dryer. It's not really a hotel, but it's not camping.
The grounds are very beautiful and a Safeway is right next door.
There is no real beach area only spot to drop your floaties out of.
We felt it was overpriced and a lot of $ for what you get.
The grounds are very beautiful and a Safeway is right next door.
There is no real beach area only spot to drop your floaties out of.
We felt it was overpriced and a lot of $ for what you get.
Sabrina K.
May 30, 2018
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My cabin was broken into via the window that was easily forced open the the 1st night I was at Dawn Ranch Lodge and ALL of my belongings (including my suitcase) were stolen. Needless to say, this ruined the weekend for me and my friends. The worst part is that Dawn Ranch Lodge has not accepted liability for the incident or compensated me for my personal items.
In my opinion, it is the responsibility of an Event and Lodging establishment to provide security, especially when there are known issues in the area. Perhaps they could have told me that...
Moreover, the windows did not properly secure
In my opinion, it is the responsibility of an Event and Lodging establishment to provide security, especially when there are known issues in the area. Perhaps they could have told me that...
Moreover, the windows did not properly secure
Bryburham
May 21, 2018
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The place pretty quaint unfortunately it's not very functional. Zero hot water. Check is late. We stayed from Saturday to Sunday and apparently they aren't even open on Sundays. You check in later than most places and leave early. The bar even closes at nine! I don't recommend this place. Don't plan on getting a shower during your stay.
Ernie Lopez
May 12, 2018
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The property is lovely, I can see why it's a popular wedding location. The staff was very friendly and made our stay special. It's located within walking distance of many shops and restaurants. The cabins are quaint and cozy, consisting of an inviting bedroom and bathroom. The walls are not very sound proof, so if you stay in one of the cabins along the road you will here trucks and boisterous visitors going by. If you need a quiet setting, reserve one of the poolside or more secluded cabins deeper in the grounds.
Steve Goldstone
May 08, 2018
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Great restaurant and we could sit outside with our dog. Restaurant staff was very attentive and customer friendly. Wish I could say the same about the hotel staff-but very unfriendly and quite useless either on the phone with not returning messages as well as at the front desk. We stayed here several years ago and had a much better experience. This is quite a large establishment and during our 2 day stay I believe there were only one or two other guests so it wasn't like they were too busy. Maybe they weren't very busy because of the poor service. What a shame because the location and the rustic
Amol J.
Apr 05, 2018
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Monica F.
Dec 28, 2017
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Great getaway from the big city! I stay here every time I come to CA. It's quiet and in the middle of the Redwoods. Perfect for a girls getaway, date weekend or just a simple escape from everyday life.
The cabins small, to be expected for the age. They are well maintained & cute. Small sitting area in each. No TV in the room so if that is a "must" for you, choose wisely; however, they do have a tv in the Agriculture lounge. The heater warms the rooms very quickly. Safeway right next door for any last minute wants or needs. Easy walk to the main strip.
Agriculture is great
The cabins small, to be expected for the age. They are well maintained & cute. Small sitting area in each. No TV in the room so if that is a "must" for you, choose wisely; however, they do have a tv in the Agriculture lounge. The heater warms the rooms very quickly. Safeway right next door for any last minute wants or needs. Easy walk to the main strip.
Agriculture is great
Jt
Oct 08, 2017
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Andrew
Oct 06, 2017
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Karen J.
Aug 22, 2017
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We stayed in one of the cabins by the pool. I asked for a room away from the road and the lady at the front desk was kind enough to change our room to a poolside cabin away from the street. It was so quite. We did not hear any street noise. The cabin was cute. Bathroom is small, very small. There is no TV. I am not complaining, just letting anyone know that cares about that stuff. This is the perfect place for one to get away, relax, and disconnect. The breakfast was great and unexpected. They provide a continental breakfast; I believe from Friday-Monday. The fruit was fresh! The grounds are beautiful
Nique F.
Jul 28, 2017
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A lush & lovely hideaway in Guerneville. Pretty cool to be so close to town, but feel so secluded in your own little retreat. You're surrounded by trees and nature but have all the comforts of a modern hotel (pool, restaurant, parking). Our rustic cabin was $299/nt... ouch. Wine country prices.
My friend got married here and it was a truly beautiful and memorable venue. I can't comment on all the nitty gritty of the wedding planning, but their staff seemed very professional and polished. And the wedding reception food was FANTASTIC - truly farm to table.
If you want to feel a
My friend got married here and it was a truly beautiful and memorable venue. I can't comment on all the nitty gritty of the wedding planning, but their staff seemed very professional and polished. And the wedding reception food was FANTASTIC - truly farm to table.
If you want to feel a
Thu B.
May 16, 2017
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Adela R.
May 08, 2017
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Stayed here for a quick getaway and had a wonderful time. Dawn Ranch Lodge is so charming and unlike any place I've ever stayed. I have been up to the Russian River quite a bit and had no idea this place even existed. If you stay here, you HAVE to eat at the restaurant (Agriculture Public House). We stayed in the cabins that were pool side and I highly recommend that. You have to take a walk around the property during your stay. It's wild how close you are to the main town but feel like you're tucked far away.
Cary Morgan
Jul 05, 2016
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Deborah T.
May 09, 2016
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This is a tough one to review, because the venue for a wedding and the sleeping accommodations are worlds apart. For the wedding part, I'd really give it 5 stars... beautiful setting, ceremony held in one part, cocktails moved to another area, then the buffet dinner at yet another, so you really get to enjoy the lovely different settings (there was also a "Welcome cookout the Friday night before the Saturday wedding which was held by a nice big open fire pit). It truly is a gorgeous setting. Also, the food was very good at the wedding.
Now, for the accommodations... I think it's
Now, for the accommodations... I think it's
Jon Dormody
Jun 23, 2014
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The grounds are really nice and it seemed like a great place to have a wedding where all out-of-town folks could be in one place. However, the price for the cabins was about 100.00 too high when compared to other similar rustic places I've stayed. Our cabin was advertised as two bedroom. It was really one main room with a bed taking up half of the room and another side room about the size of a queen bed with a huge cutout to the main room (so, not really a separate room in the sense that you could close a door and be totally private). The cabin was basically of plywood thickness and just across
