Travel and lifestyle magazine Condé Nast Traveler recently announced its 38th annual Readers’ Choice Awards winners — and a familiar locale rose to the top. For the second consecutive year, The Lodge at Bodega Bay came in at No. 1 on its list of the 50 best hotels in the world.

The awards survey aggregated the top-rated resorts, spas, trains, cruise lines and more from around the world, based on a total of 757,109 votes from Condé Nast readers. In addition to being named the best hotel in the world, The Lodge at Bodega Bay also clinched the title of No. 1 hotel in Northern California.

Award déjà vu

The Lodge at Bodega Bay has been named the best hotel in the world by Condé Nast readers. (Caitlin Atkinson/The Lodge at Bodega Bay)

For travel buffs in the know, the wins for the coastal hotel may feel like déjà vu. The Lodge at Bodega Bay ranked as the No. 1 hotel in the world and No. 1 hotel in Northern California in Condé Nast’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. The Lodge was featured in the annual awards before then, too, in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2023.

“Receiving this extraordinary recognition for the second year in a row is incredibly humbling and it speaks volumes about the remarkable team we have at The Lodge,” said Jason Reiplinger, managing director at The Lodge at Bodega Bay, in a recent press release.

“This award belongs to our staff, whose passion and commitment shine through in every guest interaction,” Reiplinger said. “It’s their genuine care and pride in showcasing the beauty of Bodega Bay and the Sonoma Coast that makes guests feel like they’ve discovered a home away from home, and that’s what this recognition is really all about.”

The Condé Nast listing for The Lodge at Bodega Bay cites it as a “laid-back getaway” on the Sonoma Coast. Here’s all you need to know about the award-winning hotel to start planning your trip:

The accommodations

Captains Quarters room at The Lodge at Bodega Bay. (Katie Newburn/The Lodge at Bodega Bay) Captains Quarters room at The Lodge at Bodega Bay. (Katie Newburn/The Lodge at Bodega Bay)

The Lodge at Bodega Bay features 83 guest rooms and suites along with a pool, spa, gym, bocce court, fireside lounge and in-house restaurant. In-room amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, a 55-inch or larger LCD television, “Sleep Sound” sound machine, plush bathrobes and slippers, 100% cotton luxury towels and more. Most rooms have fireplaces and private balconies with bay views.

The heated pool and hot tub overlook Doran Beach, a short walk from the hotel. Two spa rooms are open every day, offering several tranquil massage, facial and body treatments. Fitness classes are also available for all experience levels and include yoga, Pilates and guided meditation.

Crudité and young lettuce salad at Drakes Sonoma Coast, located in The Lodge at Bodega Bay. (The Lodge at Bodega Bay) A firepit with a Valley Ford Creamery cheese and charcuterie board from the Fireside Lounge at The Lodge at Bodega Bay. (Travis Watts/The Lodge at Bodega Bay)

Guests at The Lodge at Bodega Bay can enjoy sustainable, locally sourced cuisine at Drakes Sonoma Coast. Great fresh eats include omelets and Benedicts made with local eggs; cheese and charcuterie boards featuring Valley Ford Creamery cheeses; Manila clams made with Sonoma Chardonnay; and pan-seared local black cod with couscous. The more casual Drakes Fireside Lounge is open daily with seasonal bites to enjoy indoors or by the outdoor firepits.

Rates start at $399 per night. 103 Coast Highway One, Bodega Bay, 707-875-3525, lodgeatbodegabay.com

More local wins

Harvest Inn in St. Helena ranked as the No. 2 best hotel in Northern California and No. 15 best hotel in the world. (Harvest Inn)

The Lodge at Bodega Bay is part of the Menlo Park-based Woodside Hospitality Group. Other hotels from the Woodside Collection also appeared in this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards, including St. Helena’s Harvest Inn (No. 2 hotel in Northern California and No. 15 in the world), Napa Valley Lodge (No. 8 hotel in Northern California) and Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa (No. 20 hotel in Northern California).

Similar to last year’s awards, Sonoma and Napa counties dominated the top hotels in the Northern California category. In addition to the Woodside properties, local hotels include North Block Hotel in Yountville (No. 3), Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa in Sonoma (No. 7), Vintage House at The Estate Yountville (No. 10), Alila Napa Valley in St. Helena (No. 11), Hotel Villagio at The Estate Yountville (No. 12), The Madrona in Healdsburg (No. 14), SingleThread Farm-Restaurant-Inn in Healdsburg (No. 15), the Farmhouse Inn in Forestville (No. 17), Stanly Ranch, Auberge Collection in Napa (No. 18) and Auberge du Soleil, Auberge Collection in Rutherford (No. 19).