Fully Renovated Stavrand Russian River Valley Opens Its Doors In Guerneville

Author:Michelle Konstantinovsky

In a matter of ninety minutes, San Francisco residents can find themselves far beyond the borders of the bustling city and deep in the tranquil surroundings of the Russian River Valley. Now, visitors to the iconic wine region have a new place to call their home away from home while sipping vino up north: The 21-room luxury property known as the Stavrand Russian River Valley, has officially opened its doors, situated on nearly six forested acres of orchards, organic gardens, and groves of redwood trees.

Formerly The Applewood Inn, the Stavrand combines the top-tier service and amenities of a large resort while maintaining the intimacy of a boutique hotel. Brimming with personality, the property also boasts a variety of orchard trees planted by the property’s original owner, Ralph “Rooster” Belden, dating back to the 1920s.

General manager and co-owner Emily Glick says the Stavrand was designed as a destination to decompress, allowing guests the opportunity to reconnect to themselves, each other, and to nature. Formerly of Kimpton Hotels, Glick acquired the historic Spanish revival property with a group of family and friends in late 2020. The renovated and reimagined retreat was then renamed to pay homage to Glick’s family of hoteliers and travel agents, including her late mother, Maribeth Stavrand, and grandparents, Grace and Erik Stavrand, who operated the Black Bear Lodge in Bolton Valley, Vermont. 

The 21 guestrooms are spread throughout three buildings, including the historic Belden House, a registered Sonoma Historic Landmark dating from 1922. EDG Interior Design and Architecture oversaw the property’s renovation, collaborating with Glick and the new co-owners to preserve the site’s integrity and history of the Mediterranean Revival architecture by John Carl Warnecke, father of Carl Warnecke. 

Rich jewel tones and pops of primary colors dominate the interior and exterior color palettes, inspired by period Mexican Talavera tiles dating back to the property’s century-old origins.  Complementing the treasured antiques throughout the property are modern touches and contemporary furnishings to breathe fresh air into the storied site.

The Stavrand’s culinary program features farm fresh California cuisine with a focus on seasonal, ever-evolving menus and the ‘anytime’ dining menu features everything from paninis and charcuterie to house-grown crudité. The nightly private chef experience (available exclusively to hotel guests) includes ingredients and inspiration of the moment, and accompanying beverages range from local pinot noirs to smoky whiskeys.

Among the Stavrand’s many amenities are outdoor yoga and signature spa treatments, fireside evening aperitifs, board games and outdoor lawn games, and portable lanterns for twilight strolls through the fruit orchards and redwood groves. The property is also just a 10-minute stroll from the Guerneville, which is home to an array of unique clothing stores, coffee shops, and bars.  

The Stavrand is also an ideal location for corporate retreats, weddings, and other gatherings for up to 130 guests. The property features multiple event site options across 36,000 square feet of expansive indoor and outdoor meeting space, including the Bower space at the highest point of the property, the orchards, apiary, and organic vegetable garden at the Chef’s Meadow.  

The Stavrand Russian River Valley is located at 13555 Highway 116 in Guerneville in the heart of the Russian River Valley.  For reservations, please visit www.thestavrand.com or call (707) 869-9093.