Saturday, April 21, 2012

Opinion of 1801 First or other recommendation please....

Taking hubby on a well deserved ';break'; and am trying to pick the ideal place to stay. We are looking forward to a fireplace and 2 person tub.





The a is ccomodations and ambiance is VERY important for this trip and am willing to spend up to $400 a night for a great place.





I am not much into the brass beds, antiques and flroal comforter type of accomodations.





I thought we wanted to stay at Milliken Creek, but the reviews are pretty bad. So, 1801 looks great but just want to make sure.





Places like Auberge, Carneros are too expensive for what you get, I think.





Hope I don%26#39;t sound snooty, I am really not...just want this time away to be special for us!!!





Thanks in advance for ANY help or recommendations!!!





j~



Opinion of 1801 First or other recommendation please....


The place gets great reviews, just like many others in Napa, the town. IMO, the people who run places in Napa and Sonoma Valleys are some of the best in America. They must stay current on wine trends, appellations and what%26#39;s going on with certain varietals from year to year. They also have a pulse on the restaurant industry, relying on feedback from guests and reviews.



First, you must know that Napa the town is part of Napa Valley. It%26#39;s a much more industrialized and developed town than some others. It is more accessible to the Oakland and SF airports and at the lower end of the Napa Valley. You don%26#39;t have as many garden/mountain view type places in Napa the town as you will in other parts of the valley. Correct me if I%26#39;m wrong, folks, we went to Napa on our first visit and didn%26#39;t see much nature. They do have some nice shops and great restaurants, though. I am only saying this because some people have the impression that they will have vineyard views and that type atmosphere. Actually, anything on the main drag in Yountville and St Helena will always include a bit of traffic noise and congestion. When you say ';ambiance'; you need to be more specific! Do you want the convenience of a town, or a rustic place? Often, the innkeepers will make the experience perfect for you. I agree that Auberge is really ';over the top';. (Didn%26#39;t Madonna rent the place?) We had a lovely experience last year at the Foothill House in Calistoga. However, it didn%26#39;t have the quiet days/evenings that we had in the ';other'; valley. Of course, there%26#39;s no spa, etc. It really depends on what%26#39;s important to you. I think I%26#39;d rather stay at a place that%26#39;s not so pricey but gives good service, personal attention and provides the relaxing atmosphere that is so special in the wine country.



Opinion of 1801 First or other recommendation please....


Oh, I see what you are saying about Downtown Napa. We have spent more time in Sonoma and Healdsburg. I was trying to get away from going to to same area, even though we love it.....





It would be nice to have vineyard and mountain views. But, the inns that I have looked at seem to be too pricey for me to get the ';view';.





The are near 1801, is it a quaint downtown area? We live in Los Gatos and enjoy our downtown area.





Could you tell me how far Calistoga is from Napa? Is it much further of a drive?





As far as ambiance goes I am looking for a beaitiful room where we can relax and actually enjoy it. Alot of times we take trips and aren%26#39;t too concerned with the room because we usually don%26#39;t spend too much time there anyway. But, this time we want to enjoy it.





Adding vineyard or mountain views would be great but I am also not expecting the weather to be wonderful so I didn%26#39;t put that at the top of my list.





Thanks so much for your advice....




Calistoga is at the top of Napa Valley. I like it, because the town has one ';main drag'; and it%26#39;s a bit rustic. There%26#39;s not as much traffic up there. We%26#39;ve chosen that area for our stays in Napa, we have also stayed in other parts of Sonoma and Mendocino counties. I can%26#39;t fault the Foothill House at all. We stayed in the Evergreen Suite which was huge, had a large working fireplace, a jacuzzi tub, a huge deck with a little waterfall. Each room hads a private entrance. Breakfast is brought to your room on your own private table. Please read the reviews of this propert here on Trip Advisor. The owner, Darla, will arrange any appointments for you and is a superb host.





We have become quite enamored with Mendocino for a great place to kick back and relax. Have you ever considered a coastal retreat? There are some gorgeous places and there%26#39;s nothing like the squall of the ocean and crashing waves to lull you to sleep at night.




goldie4-





Calistoga is about 45 minutes north of the town of Napa.





Sorry we don%26#39;t have any recommendations for you on lodging-- for folks that call us asking about this, we recommend Auberge, which you have crossed off your list.





An arguement could be made that *all* Napa places are expensive, compared to other locales. So please do look at this when you consider all places.





The 1801 Inn is 1.5 blocks away from us, on the corner of Jefferson and First streets in Old Town Napa. Folks stay here b/c they like the convenience (distance to%26#39;from airports, wineries, food) and the fact that they can walk to dinner. Be advised that Old Town Napa does *not* have vineyard views or a bucolic resort setting. It%26#39;s a historic downtown area.





Hope this helps. :)





Best Wishes,





-The Innkeepers



Napa Old World Inn


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