Kenwood, CA — A couple years ago, my husband and I happened to stay at a Four Sisters Collection inn. Since then, when we’ve traveled on our own, we’ve often chosen to stay at its properties in both Northern and Southern California.

So, when its Kenwood Inn & Spa publicists reached out to me recently to extend an overnight stay to check out its renovation of the two-and-a-half acre, 26-room Mediterranean-style property, I gladly accepted.

What makes Four Sisters lodging so appealing? The room rates are relatively reasonable, especially in comparison to other hotels in the upscale touristy areas they are located such as Santa Monica, Carmel, Healdsburg, and Yountville.

Your stay at any property also includes a lot of complimentary extras, including fresh-baked cookies, a wine hour with cheese and charcuterie, and a full breakfast. When I’ve stayed on my own dime at its Healdsburg Inn, in particular, the main cook there is a delight, often going the extra mile to bake fresh apple cake or cranberry bread for guests. You can feel his pride, too, when guests dig in heartily with big smiles.

It’s that more personal touch that I think sets these properties apart from a bigger corporate chain establishment.

Having stayed at the Kenwood Inn once before — 12 years ago — it was interesting to see the changes under the new ownership. The property previously had its own ambitious restaurant, headed by a former Gordon Ramsay-trained chef, that was open to guests and the public. Now, that has been jettisoned for a cafe that provides breakfast to guests only.

The Kenwood Inn has the look of an old-world chateau with trickling fountains, double-sided fireplaces, a large courtyard with plenty of greenery, and even a huge water wheel.

Previously, its rooms matched that age-old ambiance with heavy, dark furniture. But after the renovation that was completed last June, the look was transformed with a more contemporary, clean-lined, Restoration Hardware-like vibe.

The luxury grand view king room is super spacious with a platform bed, fireplace with sitting area, and sleek soaking tub. It overlooked the courtyard and had its own compact sitting area outside.

Even though the furniture has a more modern flair now, old-world touches are charmingly still evident, such as the small wooden-sill windows with inset latched doors.

Each night, a different winery pours selections during the wine hour. Here, it’s held in a room off the courtyard, complete with a u-shaped bar, fireplace, and banquet seating. The evening I was there, it was Ledson Winery, just a hop, skip and a jump away from the hotel, offering glasses of its 2019 Zinfandel and 2022 Sauvignon Blanc.

To go with, there was a platter of assorted cheeses, salumi, dried fruit, nuts, and crackers. Take a load off with all of that in front of the flickering fire, and there’s hardly a better way to unwind after a long drive.

The next morning, come hungry for the complimentary breakfast that’s quite the spread.

At other Four Sisters properties that I’ve stayed at previously, the breakfast is buffet-style with chafing dishes holding eggs, sausages, and pancakes, with toast, yogurt and fruit off to the side. Here, there’s all of that, plus plenty of fresh pastries, as well as a daily choice of two entrees cooked to order and brought to your table. Your server will also ask if you’d like bacon, potatoes or a salad to go along with.

My husband went with the delicious veggie scramble dotted with zucchini, and red and yellow peppers. I opted for the banana pancakes that were so fluffy and drizzled with warm blueberry compote. What a way to start the day — and power up before checking out of this lovely inn.

Tomorrow: Kenwood, Part II: Dinner at Golden Bear Station

More: What the Kenwood Inn Looked Like 12 Years Ago