My son and I stayed at the Sandman Motel recently while touring near-by Alexander and Sonoma Valley vineyards. The Sandman is conveniently located on a feeder road off Hwy 101 (but not directly adjacent to it like several near-by franchise motels) north of the Santa Rosa sprawl. The room we were assigned was in the back of the property (ask for one of these), had recently been renovated, was large and had two comfortable queen beds. Amenities included a TV with cable service, free internet, compact refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot, hair dryer, iron and ironing board. The bathroom had a large stone counter, sink and a separate room with toilet, bath and shower. The closet was large and had plenty of hangers. Our room was clean and was well maintained during our stay. The motel offers a continental breakfast with an adequate selection of cereals, bread, yogurt, juices, coffee, tea, and has a station with two waffle makers. The breakfastroom is located in the back of the property, adjacent to the pool and hot tub. This is not a romantic or luxurious lodging, but it is equal to or above the quality of the franchise hotels one finds along the highway for less money. There is a Carl’s Restaurant near the front of the property if you prefer meat with your breakfast and Trader Joe’s in an adjacent strip center if you want snacks for the trip. The motel is near two of the areas finer restaurants, Willi’s Wine Bar and John Ash. Save money by staying at the Sandman and treat yourself to dinner at either or both.

I have stayed at the Sandman about once a month for the last seven years when I was in Santa Rosa on business. It has always been a good
place to stay; clean, quiet, good hot tub, large rooms. But twice in the last year, my car was broken into in the parking lot. Once my old
Subaru had the locks ruined with a screwdriver and recently a door window on my 1999 Subaru was broken to steal a portable printer I mistakenly left on the floor. I realize that the hotel is not responsible for losses but they obviously have a security problem and
the manager would not admit it or do anything about it. It no longer feels like a safe place and I won't be staying there any longer.

My husband has stayed there through the years when traveling to Santa Rosa on business and always found it a good hotel for the price. Although it's been a few years we booked a two night stay and boy were we surprised. The bed was very uncomfortable but not as bad as the pillows. A queen sized bed had three square little pillows that felt like they were filled with straw. The door handle was falling off the door and looked like it had been jimmied before and stuck back on. We propped a chair against it at night. The toilet was like a rocking chair and needed to be tightened to the floor. The whole room needed updating, it was a throwback to the '80's. The girls at the breakfast were very nice and the food and coffee very good. The older women at the checkout was surly and when my husband asked for a pen to sign the credit card slip she pointed to a can of pens several feet away while holding one herself. It will be the last time we stay there.

I have been staying at the Sandman on business for the last 20 years. As a businessman and faithful customer I feel that I am entitled to some respect. Not So. Too bad that the hired help ruins what is generally a decent place to stay.