Hotels near Snoopy's Home Ice?

Question

Our daughter and her friends will be competing at Snoopy's Home Ice in a few weeks and we're thinking of extending it into a weekend mini-vacay. Hampton Inn came up as a clean, basic type of hotel nearby but I was wondering if there are better options within 20-min drive of the rink that would give a more relaxing vibe with opportunity to roam around the property... Looking at Doubletree in Sonoma, Oxford Suites and Hotel Centro -- either of them stand out? Other better options around? Is there construction around or at Doubletree -- there's a one-liner in the "small print" on the booking site but not sure if it's current (will call the hotel if we decide to stay here).

We won't be doing any wine tastings but if there are any farms you can suggest for a picnic or petting zoo, that could be fun for kids 5-10 age range, would love to hear. Any other kid friendly activities?

Thank you in advance!

Answer

If your primary focus is Snoopy's Home Ice in Sonoma, staying within a 15–20 minute drive gives you a nice mix of convenience and a relaxing mini-vacation vibe. While Hampton Inn is clean and basic, there are several other options that could provide a more enjoyable stay with some on-site amenities and grounds to explore, especially with kids.

Hotel options within the area:

DoubleTree by Hilton Sonoma Wine Country: This property generally has spacious grounds and a pool, which can be relaxing for families. Construction notices can sometimes appear in booking notes—calling the hotel directly is the best way to confirm if it will affect your stay.
Oxford Suites Sonoma: A good family-friendly choice with suites that provide more space for kids and some extra comfort. Breakfast is typically included, which is convenient for busy mornings.
Hotel Centro Sonoma: Located in downtown Sonoma, this option is more boutique and walkable to shops and restaurants. It has a more urban vibe rather than a sprawling property but is great if you want to explore Sonoma town.
Other possible options slightly further out include Fairfield Inn & Suites Sonoma or Sonoma Creek Inn, which offer quiet environments and easy access to local attractions without the busyness of downtown.

For kid-friendly activities near Sonoma beyond wine tastings:

Safari West: A short drive north; a wildlife preserve with giraffes, zebras, and other animals—great for a half-day adventure.
Olive Hill Farm or Cornerstone Sonoma Gardens: For picnics and gentle exploration of gardens and art installations, though check age appropriateness for younger kids.
Cornerstone Sonoma Playground areas: There are outdoor areas and occasional craft activities for children.
Many local parks, such as Sonoma Plaza Park, offer open spaces for kids to run around, picnic, and enjoy small playgrounds.

Summary suggestions:

If you want a property with space to roam and pool access: DoubleTree or Oxford Suites.
If you want a central location in Sonoma to explore the town on foot: Hotel Centro or downtown boutique hotels.
For kid-oriented activities, prioritize wildlife or farm experiences, picnic-friendly areas, and parks to balance the sports competition with fun downtime.

Overall, given your plans, DoubleTree or Oxford Suites would likely give you the best combination of relaxing grounds and family-friendly amenities. Make sure to call ahead to confirm construction status at DoubleTree if that’s a concern.