JES

I have an opportunity to stay at the Carneros Inn or their time share called Orchard at Carneros and am curious if anyone has been to the latter? Apparently it's on the property and has all of the amenities of the hotel. However, I'm curious if it has the same charm and if it's the same proximity as the cottages at the Inn - or is it more removed. I want the full Carneros experience.
Any advice is appreciated.

Supercilious

We toured one of the time-share models at Thanksgiving. It was very, very nice. The one we saw was near the fantastic pool area.

But, I don't know if all the units are similar and have similar proximity.

It would be best to give them a call.

JES

Thanks so much for the feedback. They are promoting the time shares so I was hoping for a more unbiased opinion. If I can ask, if you could stay in either, would you choose the time share or the hotel? Thanks again!

Supercilious

I haven't been in any of the hotel rooms. We were having brunch at The Farm and took a walk around the property. One of the fractional home cottages was open. So we took a look. They each have two master suites so it's kind of overkill if you are just a couple.

We like The Farm and the Boon Fly Cafe but find the Inn kind of strange. It's like a millionaire's trailer park. I'm sure the rooms are great and the amenities such as the pool and fitness center are first rate but the setting is not as special as the website or brochure would lead you to believe. And it's in the coolest part of the Napa region and a fair drive to restaurants other than the two on the property.

If I was going to stay in the Napa Valley and spend this kind of money, I'd want to be Up Valley - from Yountville to Calistoga.

It sounds like you are getting a freebie. In that case, I'm sure you will enjoy your stay whether it's the Inn or The Orchard.

JES

Thanks for the feedback...that's interesting. Maybe we should look at some other options. If you could stay anywhere, where would it be?

Supercilious

The Carneros Inn gets great reviews on Tripadvisor. It's also on the Conde Nast Traveler Gold List along with Auberge du Soleil and The Calistoga Ranch. They all offer luxurious accommodations, superior service and an array of activities. Compared to the Carneros Inn, both Auberge and the Calistoga Ranch are going to have generally warmer weather in season and both are closer to a number of high end restaurants.

If I was visiting the Napa Valley, I'm not sure I would choose any of these places. My desire would be to spend my time visiting wineries and enjoying world class restaurants. I wouldn't be spending that much time in my room to warrant the high expense. If I was looking for a resort experience, I would be thinking of the coast or a tropical beach somewhere. Or somewhere with top flight golf courses.

As a tourist or business traveler looking for a nice inn near the wineries and restaurants, I'd choose a place in Yountville or St. Helena. Villagio/Vintage Inn, Harvest Inn, Wine Country Inn, and the Rancho Caymus Inn are all excellent choices and there are many others. I'm just more familiar with these. None of these are cheap but they are significantly lower than the other three.

If I was looking for a place for a romantic getaway I would probably choose a small B&B that is out of the way.

Here's a few that I feel are special.

The Meadowlark near Calistoga is way out in the country and offers unequaled tranquility. The Poetry Inn in Yountville has fabulous views of the Napa Valley from its perch above the Silverado Trail. And for a fantastic escape surrounded by vineyards, it's hard to beat the Oak Knoll Inn. Of course, there are many others to choose from.

nancy123

We own at the Orchard and I highly recommend it. The units are lovely. The service and friendliness is wonderful. We really enjoy our unit.