Hotel Spotlight: Andaz Napa

Something can be said about staying in the middle of a city. You can appreciate the hustle and bustle and the energy of a thriving community. However, when you stay in Downtown Napa it feels different. In fact it feels like the city center is on the outskirts of the fun. If you have come to Napa Valley for the wine, staying a little too far from the vines seems wrong. Only, once you stay at the Andaz Napa you realize you are very right.

The walk back to the hotel from the Stonehedge Tasting room was pleasant. Maybe it’s the collections of wines that had just been tasted or the pleasant afternoon but this approach to Napa Valley felt good. Restaurants and shops to peruse through on Main Street and plenty of options for diversion while on a wine vacation in Napa Valley. The Andaz Hotel is a luxury property with plenty of appeal for the Napa Valley vacation that needs a little variety.

Sleep. The standard hotel rooms at Andaz Napa are a step up from a typical hotel room. You should expect that because so are the rates. The furnishings are modern and tasteful while holding true to the over all feel of Northern California. You’ll find plenty of local touches in the rooms from toiletries to art.  The rooms feel spacious with separate seating areas and spacious bathrooms. If you could describe the perfect honeymoon hotel this room is what it would be like. Large enough for the comfort zone but cozy enough to be in the same room as well. The larger suites offer a balcony as well as a dual fireplace and tubs just right for two people.

Eat.  If you are the type that needs a hotel restaurant just to feel like you will not miss a meal but just keep in mind that Napa Valley is right outside the door so you might want to save some calories for your meals away from the hotel. With that said Andaz Farmers Table does breakfast daily and realistically it is a good way to start the day. If you would rather just grab some coffee and a pastry take a walk along 1st street and you’ll be sure to find more than enough options for a morning cup of joe and a snack. If you need an afternoon meal while sharing a bottle of something grown locally Mercantile Social is the lobby bar of your dreams. Small plates and great wines are exactly what you should be looking for in a hotel restaurant. The bar is open daily from 11am to midnight and serves a menu that pairs well with their craft cocktails and local boutique wines.

Explore.  From the front door of the Andaz Napa so many possibilities exist. Consider a quick walk through town to drink some wine. Yes, imagine walking from spot to spot having fabulous wines from nearby winemakers.  That is the benefit of a downtown Napa hotel, your options for indulging in great wines with out driving from vineyard to vineyard increases.  Take a walk to Gott’s Roadside for a burger or step into the Oxbow Public Market for oysters or pizza or a great piece of beef. From the Andaz Napa you can walk along the Riverfront Promenade or find any of a number of small tasting rooms within minutes of the hotel.

Experience.  Wine tasting! Of course you travel to Napa Valley to have wine and from this location all of your favorite wineries are accessible. Car service is available as well as dedicated wine tasting tours. The Napa Valley Wine train is nearby. Minutes away from Downtown Napa are some of the best restaurants in the world all with access to some of the best wines in the world.

Now, if you just want to spend some time at the hotel go upstairs to the outdoor patio with a bottle of wine and sit by the fire. You can bet that your version of Napa Valley will be memorable.