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# Festival Venue
## Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn
We are grateful to the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa for being one of our featured sponsors and our host of the annual Sonoma Valley Authors Festival. This beautiful sanctuary is a member of Historic Hotels of America with a legacy that dates back to 1927. Offering the quiet elegance of old California, the AAA Four-Diamond rated property welcomes guests with warmth and genuine hospitality.
With 226 recently renovated rooms, the renowned Santé restaurant, the award-winning 40,000 Square foot Willow Stream Spa, and access to the private, world-class Sonoma Golf Club, it is the perfect resort for your Sonoma Valley getaway. Their amenities will entice you to arrive early and stay extra days after the Festival is over. We welcome you to discover their unique brand of luxury and outstanding service.
## Getting There
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is within easy traveling distance of several Bay Area airports. It is located 60 miles from the largest airport, San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Many guests use the Charles M. Schultz Sonoma County Airport (STS) about a 35-minute drive to the hotel with direct flights to and from Los Angeles, San Diego, Portland, Seattle, and Phoenix. Other airport options include Oakland International (OAK) and Sacramento International (SMF).
## Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn Highlights
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With the quiet elegance of old California, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn welcomes the guest with warmth and genuine hospitality.
The 400 seat Pavilion, used for the main tent sessions, is designed to deliver the ultimate in attendee experience in a well-designed, climate-controlled, conference center.
The 40,000 square foot spa and exercise space is ranked among Travel + Leisure’s top 25 Spas. The well trained, courteous staff welcomes individuals and couples for a special day of relaxation and rejuvenation.
A high wood beamed ceiling, a large central fireplace and comfortable chairs and sofas arranged for quiet conversation, a game of dominos or relaxing by the fireplace reading a book waiting for the evening wine tasting, make the lobby a special meeting place.
The Deluxe Rooms are done in Wine Country style and welcome guests with a fireplace or balcony.
The Vineyard Suites were renovated in 2017 and feature a fireplace and separate seating area and most have a patio or balcony. Spend a day at the Spa and then relax on your patio and read.
The Sonoma Golf Club, a vintage golf club located in the heart of Sonoma Wine Country, is a private club for members and guests of the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn. The course was designed in 1928 by Sam Whiting, architect of San Francisco’s prestigious Olympic Club Lake course.
Originally built to create a luxurious setting around the geothermal mineral springs, the property’s three pools, with water temperatures of 85, 92, and 98 degrees, offer the perfect healing environment and a feeling of bliss.
### Stimulating the minds and nurturing the souls of readers
TEL: 707.282.9028 | admin@svauthorsfest.org
**Sonoma Valley Authors Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, tax ID 84-4846165**
© 2025 All rights reserved. |  | 
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# Book your stay
## Festival Lodging Accommodations
## Stay At The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa – The Festival Venue
With 226 recently redone rooms, the world-renowned Sante restaurant, the Willow Stream Spa offering 40,000 square feet of spa and exercise space, and access to the private, world-class Sonoma Golf Club, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is a perfect resort for your Sonoma Valley getaway.
The Willow Stream Spa has been rated among Travel + Leisure’s top 25 spas. Historically revered by Native Americans for its healing power, the elegant Willow Stream Spa boasts an enviable location atop an ancient thermal mineral spring, flowing from 1,100 feet below the surface.
Located 60 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and less than 2 miles from the historic Sonoma plaza, it is an elegant, yet comfortable resort. Many guests use the Charles M. Schultz Sonoma County Airport (STS) about a 35 minute drive to the hotel with direct flights to and from Los Angeles, San Diego, Portland, Seattle, and Phoenix. Other airport options include Oakland International (OAK) and Sacramento International (SMF).
 that will entice attendees to arrive early and stay extra days after the Festival is over. The Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is eager to demonstrate its unique brand of luxury and outstanding service coupled with authentic spa experiences to Festival attendees and is proud to be a featured sponsor for the weekend.
## Other Lodging Options
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# Know Before You Go
## We look forward to welcoming you to the Sonoma Valley Authors Festival
Below is additional information to assist you in planning the weekend.
### Driving to the Festival
The eastbound lane of California State Route 37 is scheduled to close between 9 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Monday, April 26-29, for paving improvements between Sears Point south of Sonoma and Mare Island in Vallejo. This will significantly impact eastbound traffic on CA-37 during our Festival weekend. Please keep this in mind as you make your travel plans. Alternatively, we suggest taking US 101 North to Petaluma and 116 East, then left on Arnold Drive and right on Boyes Blvd. to the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn.
### Weather
Sonoma typically enjoys sunny spring weather in late April, with average temperatures ranging from a high of 70°F to a low of 40°F. Mornings and evenings can be quite cool, so please pack a warm sweater or jacket.
### What to Wear
Attire for all events is business casual. All Festival presentations and breakout sessions will take place indoors. The Pavilion and breakout rooms are climate-controlled, yet temperatures can vary significantly depending on where one sits. Breakfast and lunch will be served on the lawn across from the Pavilion. Once the sun goes down, it gets breezy and can get quite cold. For these reasons, we encourage you to dress in layers, including a sweater or warm jacket, to ensure your comfort in every environment.
### Seating
There are three categories of seating. Platinum, Sponsor and Non-Sponsor. Ushers will be in each session room to assist all guests in finding a seat.  Seats may not be blocked off, "saved, " or claimed for the whole day or weekend.
### Meals
All Festival attendees are invited to enjoy lunch on Friday and Saturday, continental breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, and snacks and refreshments at session breaks throughout the weekend. Please let our Festival team at the Registration Desk know if you will not join us for any of these meals so we can plan accordingly.
### Name Badges
Access to all Festival venues is limited to those wearing name badges. Please wear your badge at all times.
### Parking
Though the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa has ample parking, how full it will get depends on how many additional events are taking place at the same time as our Festival. When space allows, guests may choose to self-park for free or at a charge for valet parking. If the onsite lots are full, guests will be directed to nearby overflow lots and then to remote lots.
### Festival Bookstore
Our Festival bookstore partner, Readers’ Books, will have a selection of books by Festival authors available for purchase. Speakers will sign their books for you on the bookstore patio shortly after their speaking time. The book signing schedule will be published in the Festival program and on event signage at the venue and announced from the stage. A limited number of titles will be pre-signed if you wish to avoid waiting in line for a signature.
### Festival Schedule
You will find a complete schedule for the weekend .
### Health & Wellness
The safety of our attendees, speakers, staff, and volunteers is of utmost importance. We ask that you comply with any health mandates during the Festival and refrain from attending sessions if you have Covid-like symptoms. Even if it is not required, guests may wear masks if they feel more comfortable doing so. The buildings are well-ventilated, and the sessions are scheduled to allow attendees frequent opportunities to change their surroundings.
### Pets
For the comfort and safety of all Festival guests, please do not bring your pets to sessions or meals. They will not be permitted at any of the Festival events and may not be left outside the premises. The hotel has a pet-friendly policy for guests staying at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, which we suggest you discuss with the hotel concierge. Consider boarding your dogs at Sonoma Dog Camp or Vintage Kennel Club.
# FAQ
## Answering Your Questions
#### Can I attend Students Day?
No. Security guidelines do not allow non-students in the classrooms, auditoriums, or on the campus.
#### Are there any places I can hear any of the Authors for free?
Thanks to the generosity of Sonoma residents, Cathy and Chuck Williamson, who have underwritten , anyone can attend it free of charge.
#### What is the weather like in Sonoma Valley?
#### What is the attire for the Sonoma Valley Authors Festival?
Attire for all events is business casual. All Festival presentations, breakout sessions, and Friday evening’s Sponsor/Author Dinner will take place indoors. The Pavilion and breakout rooms are climate-controlled, yet temperatures can vary significantly depending on where one sits. Breakfast and lunch will be served under umbrellas on the lawn across from the Pavilion. Once the sun goes down, it gets breezy and can get quite cold. For these reasons, we encourage you to dress in layers, including a sweater or warm jacket, to ensure your comfort in every environment.
#### Parking
#### What if I have mobility issues?
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa can accommodate guests with mobility issues. Please call us to discuss your needs if you have mobility issues. A golf cart with a driver will be available on the property throughout the weekend.
#### Is there food available at the Festival?
During the Festival, Pass Holders will enjoy complimentary two breakfasts, two lunches, snacks, and beverages. The food is very high quality, prepared meticulously in the Sonoma Mission Inn kitchens.
#### Are there first aid services available at the venue?
The Sonoma Valley Authors’ Festival will have security personnel on site who are trained in first aid. Additionally, the Sonoma Urgent Care and Telehealth on W. Napa St. is two miles / a 7-minute drive from the Sonoma Mission Inn.
#### What precautions are you taking regarding COVID?
#### Will the Festival be photographed or filmed?
During the course of the Festival, we will be filming, photographing, and recording the overall experience, including all sessions and any Q&A that is included. (This is primarily for our marketing and distribution of content.)
Please be aware that by attending the Sonoma Valley Author's Festival you consent to allow us to use your likeness and voice in recordings, films, and tapes in our marketing materials and all media, now and in the future, waive any rights with respect to such use, and release the Sonoma Valley Author's Festival from any liability pertaining to such use. you have any questions, please contact us at admin@svauthorsfest.org.
#### How late are wineries open for tasting?
Local wineries and tasting rooms are generally open between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:30 pm, yet many require advance reservations. If you’d like to visit a winery, you should call the venue first to confirm the details. If you are staying at the hotel, the concierge may be able to arrange tastings for you.
#### Are there any lodging properties that don’t require a two-night minimum?
Most Sonoma Valley properties require a two-night minimum on weekends and during our busy season (April – October). This varies from lodging to lodging. The Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau keeps a list of lodging that will consider a one-night stay. Please call 866-996-1090 for more information or go to .
#### What are the driving distances to other destinations?
Distances to other destinations (drive time is approximate)
* Healdsburg – 45 mi – 1 hour
* Lake Tahoe (south) – 170 mi – 3.5 hours
* Napa – 16 mi – 30 minutes
* Monterey – 165 mi – 3.5 hours
* Oakland 50 mi – 1.5 hours
* Sacramento – 70 mi – 1.5 hours
* San Francisco – 60 mi – 1.5 hours
* Yosemite National Park – 200 mi – 4.5 hours
#### May I bring my dog?
For the comfort of all Festival guests, please do not bring your dog to Festival sessions or meals. For guests staying at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, the hotel does have a pet friendly policy, which we suggest be discussed with the hotel concierge. Consider boarding your dogs at Sonoma Dog Camp or Vintage Kennel Club.
#### Is smoking allowed at the Festival?
Please note that the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is a smoke-free property and smoking is prohibited throughout most of the property.
#### Can I talk to a human about questions I still have?
Yes! Call our office (707) 282-9028 and Ginny or David will answer the phone. We welcome any questions or comments you have. When we leave the office for any length of time, we forward the land line to a cell phone so we won’t miss any calls. You are not bothering us, and we love talking about the Festival!
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