We were looking for a getaway spot close to SF with a pool that would be as safe as possible during the pandemic, and the Best Western Sonoma was the perfect choice. We wanted a place where you could enter the rooms directly from outside without traversing interior corridors or worse, elevators! We asked for a first floor room with easy pool access and were given a room right by the pool which was ideal as we could access the pool directly from our patio, and easily access our room from the pool to use the restroom, rather than using the hotel's pool bathroom. We came Weds-Sat with the hopes that the pool would be less crowded than the weekend and it worked out perfect, while it got more crowded after Friday's check-ins we were able to get some nice pool time in when it was not at all crowded. We also appreciated that we had the option to request housekeeping if we felt it necessary, while we did not choose to have the room cleaned during our stay some hotels we have looked at during the pandemic don't even give you the option, even for a stay over a week long! The Best Western Sonoma's policy was perfect for us, and was explained in a letter given to every guest at check in, which the unfair one-star reviewer who was "very unimpressed" clearly did not bother to read, and they also have clearly not traveled anywhere else during the pandemic as not cleaning the rooms automatically is a national best safety practice even at the most luxurious 5 star hotels during the pandemic. The rooms were tastefully decorated, well kept up, amply sized and spotlessly clean. There was a couch sitting area with coffee table, desk and chair and outdoor patio as well as the two queen beds. We liked how the sink was outside the toilet and combo bath/shower. There was a fridge and closet, two luggage racks, and drawers to put our clothes in. Big flat screen TV. They removed the coffeemakers from the rooms due to the pandemic, but you can request one in your room and know it is clean. There was no microwave which we missed, though I did not not ask about that at the front desk as I did not see that in the room amenity list on tripadvisor. I did find the texture of the sheets distractingly rough on my legs, but was OK after I started wearing leggings to bed. If you are texture sensitive or spoiled by high thread count sheets at home like me, I recommend bringing long pajama bottoms to sleep in. The bed was otherwise comfortable. The pool and outdoor dining areas were gardenlike and pretty, the interior patio grounds were very green and well tended, with relaxing fountains at each end. The outdoor dining area had 4 tables with umbrellas spaced far apart, which was great for eating takeout from the Black Bear diner across the street, on the corner (Black Bear was open for indoor dining if that is something you are comfortable with). I saw staff at the hotel cleaning the outdoor tables numerous times though we brought our own disinfectant wipes to wipe down before use just to be extra safe. There was also a Whole Foods, bagel place, and an asian restaurants in the strip mall across the street, though we only tried the bagel place out of those. There were a number of nice restaurants within walking distance with large outdoor patios. The Sonoma Grill and Bar was very close, Della Santina's was a bit further of a walk, both were quite good and both had nice large patios that felt safe to eat at. Della Santina's was especially romantic and picturesque. Sonoma Square is quite close walking distance and makes a nice place to stroll or eat a picnic lunch, or ice cream from the homemade ice cream shop on the Square. If you are accustomed to the buffet breakfast at Best Westerns do be aware that due to the pandemic that is not being offered. You can get a "grab n go" bag with a small apple or orange and a granola bar, and coffee or tea, but that is it, so if you need more to eat in the morning like my husband and don't like to have to go out to buy breakfast, you might want to bring a box of cereal and some milk or something. Again, some hotels we have stayed many times in at the past that normally serve breakfast are offering nothing at all during the pandemic, so I was glad they at least made an effort to provide something. All in all the Sonoma Best Western exceeded our expectations, we think the manager and staff are doing a fantastic job at a most difficult time for hotels, and I feel so bad for them seeing the recent unfair one star reviews on this site. If you are looking for a great, convenient, affordable getaway that feels safe during the pandemic I highly recommend this place. We've already booked our next stay here and recommended to friends who may be planning their own getaway here as well. less