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Fodor's Expert Review Vintage House

6541 Washington St., Yountville, California 94599, USA See on Map

A 2017 makeover transformed the former Vintage Inn into a snappy but intimate luxury property. Part of downtown Yountville's 22-acre Estate Yountville complex—other sections include sister lodging Hotel Villagio and the shops and restaurants of V Marketplace—the hotel consists of two-story brick buildings along verdant landscaped paths shaded by mature trees.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The hotel fronts Washington Street, Yountville's main street, and the back faces Highway 29; for the quietest experience, request an interior room or suite.

room

Guest rooms, from standard kings and queens to loft suites and bungalow-like villas, are among the Napa Valley's most aesthetically pleasing accommodations. The whites, lavenders, and soft grays that predominate contrast well with the light-brown accents and darker-brown hardwood floors, with the trees and plants outside supplying additional color. All the amenities-packed accommodations have wood-burning fireplaces, 65-inch flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars, Nespresso coffee makers, Bose alarm clocks with charging ports, and balconies or patios, some with egg-chair swings.

Views of the Mayacamas Mountains unfold from many of the west-facing upper-floor accommodations, noteworthy also for their vaulted-beam ceilings.

bathroom

Rooms have either oversized whirlpool bathtubs or tiled walk-in showers with two rain-shower heads. Bath amenities by ESPA, which also manufactures the products used at the associated The Spa at The Estate, sit on double-sink vanities made from Italian porcelain cleverly crafted to look like Carrara marble.

Some bathrooms don't have tubs; if one is essential, be sure to ask when booking.

lobby

As part of the redesign, the lobby was reconceived to mimic the living room of a luxurious ultracontemporary country dwelling. Natural light reflecting off white walls and the equally white vaulted ceiling set an elegant tone that's reinforced by the chandelier, hardwood floors, and plush furniture in shades of purple and gray. A staircase to a mezzanine separates the main lobby from the lower-ceilinged front desk area, further enhancing the main section's residential feel.

pool

Behind the lobby, the pool area is sunny most of the day. Patrons looking west from the cushioned lounge chairs surrounding the rectangular pool enjoy Mayacamas Mountains views that can be especially glorious at sunset. Drinks on the nearby lobby bar's cocktail menu are available poolside.

spa

The Spa at The Estate, formerly known as Spa Villagio and now the joint 13,000-square-foot facility of Vintage House and the Hotel Villagio, is a five-minute walk from the lobby. The spa's private spa suites have long been popular with couples, who enjoy the separate relaxation areas, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, steam showers, saunas, and extra-large tubs. The spa's director has developed exclusive treatments involving the use of an O2CHAIR designed to optimize breathing and promote relaxation.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The spa will be under renovation into Spring 2018.

gym

A short walk away in the Estate Yountville complex, the fitness center has treadmills, an elliptical, and a few other machines, along with free weights. The floor is padded, and bottled water and towels are provided.

dining

The room rate includes an expanded Continental breakfast served buffet style. The menu generally includes egg dishes, fresh fruit, pastries, cheeses, and various hot and cold cereals. There's no on-site restaurant, but Estate Yountville includes several options.

drinking

The hotel's small full-service bar is in the lobby. Signature drinks include the effervescent Lavender Fizz, made with marvelous Malfy gin, lavender syrup, and JCB sparkling wine.

LOCATION

Getting Around

Downtown Yountville lies just east of Highway 29 about 9 miles north of the town of Napa. VINE Bus 10, which travels between Napa and Calistoga, stops along Washington Street. Although most tourists don't use the bus, many do hop aboard the motorized Yountville Trolley, which circles through town providing door-to-door service. Ask at the front desk about how to catch a ride. Most of downtown's shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms are along several blocks of Washington Street, so you may not need any vehicular transportation unless heading out to wineries beyond downtown.

Restaurants

Several popular restaurants do business within walking distance, starting across the street at chef Thomas Keller' Bouchon Bistro (20-second walk), for California-style French bistro cuisine. Keller's Bouchon Bakery, for golden, buttery croissants and other pastries, is next door. Also less than a minute away: chef Michael Chiarello's Bottega for Italian. Head south on Washington Street to reach Bistro Jeanty (3-minute walk) for classic French, Protéa (4-minute walk) for casual Latin American–inspired dishes, and Keller's Ad Hoc (5-minute walk) for American comfort-food favorites.

Bars

The bar of R+D Kitchen (7-minute walk), at the northern end of Washington Street, is often hopping, the outdoor part especially so on sunny summer weekends. The bartenders at nearby Redd Wood (6-minute walk) are known for Mad Mules, made with jalapeño-cilantro vodka, ginger, lime, and ginger beer, along with other cocktails that change with the seasons. The bartenders at sister property Redd (2-minute walk) mix up the classics with aplomb.

WHY WE LIKE IT

A hip new look and a central location are the lures at this low-slung property that cultivates a chic yet serene vibe. The guest rooms are so romantic and the pool so relaxing you'll be tempted to loll away whole days on-site, but when you're ready to mosey around town, the tasting rooms, shops, and restaurants of Washington Street are mere steps away.

QUICK FACTS

Service
80 rooms
Breakfast Yes
Lunch No
Dinner No
Bar Yes
Cafe No
Room Service Yes
$$$$
Gym, Pool
Yes
Free Parking,Valet Parking,Parking Lot
No

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 707-944–1112

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