We’ve reviewed plenty of wine country hotels on Hotel-Scoop, but like grapes on the vine, there’s always a new cluster in the Napa Valley. The Setting Inn Napa Valley was previously known as the Napa Vineyard Inn. It has since undergone a rebrand and renovation with new owners that have deep roots in wine country – they also own The Setting Wines in Sonoma County.
The inn, situated in north Napa, was originally a farmhouse, built in 1901. It holds status as a historical landmark property, but hotel guests will appreciate the redesign by Southern California-based Cora Klang of Cora J. Design. Taking her cue from the lush vineyards surrounding the property, Klang added earthtones to the interior of the two-story property.
Most rooms offer vineyard views, as the boutique hotel is literally surrounded by grape vines. The photo above is from downstairs, while we stayed on the second floor. Please be aware that there is no elevator in the 1901 farmhouse, you’ll need to be able to walk up a flight of stairs with your luggage. However, the inn does have a handicap accessible ramp to enter the property and rooms available on the first floor.
We stayed on the second floor in the Spring Mountain room. It offered fabulous vineyard views from the large balcony, perfect for watching the sunset or, enjoying breakfast. The king bed was quite comfortable and had the added bonus of a window next to the bed. You could literally watch the hot air balloons float by without having to get out of bed.
If you have an accommodating partner, you might even be able to talk them into bringing you breakfast in bed. The hotel staff delivered a basket of Bouchon Bakery pastries to the door, along with a bowl of fresh fruit and orange juice. They discreetly placed the continental breakfast outside the door at 8 a.m. so as not to wake us. It felt like a special holiday opening the basket of goodies.
Our room was large with a Restoration Hardware feel; a grey and white wool wall hanging complimented the antiqued grey oak panel bed with fluted cornices. We stayed in the summer, so did not take advantage of the electric fireplace. We did use the in-room mini fridge, bar sink and Nespresso coffee machine.
The bathroom, with double sinks, marble vanity, soaking tub and separate shower was also spacious. Switch on the heated bathroom floor tiles before slipping into the soaking tub. There are two robes hung in the bathroom with slippers and L’Occitane bath products.
While you’ll probably go out to dinner during your stay in Napa Valley, consider picking up the fixings for a gourmet picnic and head out to the backyard. There are comfortable furnishings on the deck, a fountain, fire pit and grassy areas to relax. However, it’s that vineyard setting that will steal the show. There’s even a large, raised picture frame on the lawn to capture the perfect selfie of your stay at The Setting Inn.
If you’re not from California, you’ll soon feel like a Napa local when you settle into the barn; an indoor/outdoor entertaining space open to all hotel guests. Pick up a guitar, crack open a bottle of wine and make this open-air living room your own. There’s also two electric bicycles for guests to use if you want to see what’s new in downtown Napa or pedal on up to Yountville via the paved (and flat) wooded bike trail. The moderate California weather makes a trip to Napa Valley worthwhile any time of year.
Signature queen room rates, including continental breakfast, start at $289 and up with the premiere 2 bedroom suite starting at $475 during low season. The inn is open year-round; rates are highest in the summer months and during harvest season in the fall. Regardless of the season, you can still book through an online booking site such as Expedia or Travelocity.
Hotel feature by San Francisco-based Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown. Photos © Nancy D Brown.