The Ruse Healdsburg — Hotel in Healdsburg

My boyfriend and I visited the Honor Mansion on a Sunday, for a quick getaway to Healdsburg (we live in Sonoma County). While we aren't traditional "B&B" types with flowerly and overly feminine designs, we opened our minds up after reading all about the amazing experiences people have had at the Honor Mansion.

Upon arrival at the Mansion we were greeted by Lupita, who is the manager of the property. She was extremely professional, extremely welcoming, and made our experience so special. The main Mansion is really lovely and had touches of traditional B&Bs (a parlor, a breakfast room, DVDs to borrow and a fireplace for chatting, rooms upstairs) with a modern, contemporary Victorian style.

We stayed in Vineyard Suite #1, which is located in an annex near the main Mansion. The suite was exceptional. From the bedding (I think it was the most comfortable bed I have slept in and I travel for a living) to the bath tubs (TWO, count them TWO tubs - one a soaking tub inside and the other outside is a jacuzzi). A fireplace, big TV (we didn't even use!), wet bar (brandy anyone?), a beautiful huge shower that is big enough for a small family to live in, and a lovely, private back patio (again, jacuzzi tub).

They anticipate every amenity and need you may have - and they do a great job at it.

Wine was waiting for us in our room, but we instead enjoyed a glass of Dutcher Crossing offered at our welcome with Lupita. They also have appetizers in the evening in the Mansion.

We walked downtown to Healdsburg for dinner at Valette, and took a cab back.

Tea was delivered to our door in the morning with delicious homemade biscotti. After a relaxing wake up, we wandered to the Mansion for an exceptional breakfast. They have different specials each day - this day it was a Southwestern style omelette with cheddar biscuits (with a hint of jalapeno!). We also nibbled on fresh fruit and pastries. They can bring breakfast to your suite, but we loved the cozy breakfast nook and chatting with the friendly staff.

Oh, and I forgot - MIMOSAS! They have the longest list I have ever seen of mimosas! We tried the mimosa of the month - pomegranate. It was high quality sparkling and the flavor was so great. You get two complimentary per guest, so enjoy.

We walked the grounds and wished we had more time for bocce and warmer weather for the pool - pool side massage? Yes, please!

We loved it so much we bought a gift certificate for my parents. Let's just say - if they don't use it, we will!

An exceptional, romantic experience for fans of tradition and fans...

I called on Tuesday, spoke to a "Manager" named Josette. I was quoted the exact rate for the 3 night stay i requested including taxes. I called back the next day to confirm and was told by the receptionist there was a 4 night minimum and asked who i spoke to. I told her Josette. She replied "oh, she's new and in training". I was transferred to a manager who apparently is Josette. She recalled the conversation but said she made a mistake and there was a 4 night minimum over the weekend. She was very argumentative and unhelpful. I asked for exception to the policy and she stated they were a small Inn and wouldn't accept the reservation. After telling Josette that all of my calls are recorded (I called from work), she stated i had nothing in writing and proceeded to hang up on me. I called back and when i asked to speak to the owner, she hung up on me again. The true test of a company is how they handle their mistakes. Based on my experience, i would never recommend. There are many gorgeous Inns in the area. I would avoid this one.

Hello Steve, thank you for your response. I would be happy to retract my review upon listening to the recorded call. I too record all calls and I guarantee you dates were given and mistakes were made on your company's part. I've been in the travel industry for over twenty years and I've never experienced a more unprofessional individual than Josette. Why would I have called back after she told me she was hanging up on me? She was caught in an error and didn't want to live up to her mistake. I run an amazing business as I live up to my word as my reputation and credibility is all that I have. The initial lady i spoke to even admitted Josette was new and may not have known of a minimum night stay requirement, If you would like to discuss this in a private professional manor instead of a public forum, please feel free...

We stayed at the Ruse for 4 nights, and it was wonderful. Very quiet and secluded feeling even though it is in the town itself. We had a green side suite which was kind of like a private cottage overlooking the enormous 18 hole rel grass putting green. We didn't have time to enjoy the amenities but the pool and hot tub looked very inviting, we wanted to play bocce ball and pickle ball but no time. Next time. The room was very large, bed uber comfy as were the linens. Every light switch had a dimmer, so you can custom tailor the lighting to your own desires, and the thermostat was NOT on a motion detector and was NOT locked at certain limits, so you can actually set a temp you want, and not have to worry about the unit going dormant while you sleep due to no movement. One of my pet peeves with hotels now..... The bathroom was enormous which a really large walk in showered, fantastic water pressure and a great shower-head. Win, win, win! Breakfast was delicious. It is Cali, so the meal had the Cali feel to it, not waffles, scrambled eggs, etc. but the food was delicious and presented very nicely. All of the staff, front desk, breakfast folks, groundskeepers, room attendants, ALL of them super friendly. The overall decor is modern, very clean, furniture comfy. The overall impression is minimalist, almost Scandinavian i some ways, austere in others. But very pleasing, comfy and functional. The property is gated after 10 pm so very secure. This is a very nice place to stay and we highly recommend it. We do not give 5 star ratings often, The...