Walking among the century old Siberian elms, gurgling fountains and vibrant green landscape, you’d never know that Cottage Grove Inn was once a mobile home park. The charming spa town of Calistoga has maintained its connection to its thermal natural waters, but has upped the ante in wine country chic. The same may be said about Cottage Grove Inn, it’s cute, but not filled with lace doilies and crush velvet chairs. You’ll be charmed by these Napa Valley cottages.
With 16 individual cottages, a trip up to the north end of Napa Valley is like an escape to luxury sleep-away camp for adults. Each cottage has its own porch, complete with wicker furniture. Inside the cottage you’ll find hardwood floors, fireplaces that burn real wood, king beds with high-end linens, plush bedding and cozy pillows. Of course there’s a flat screen tv, Keurig coffee maker and complimentary WiFi. But if you are hoping for a relaxing vacation, pencil in some tub time in the two person Jacuzzi. Slip out of the in-room robe, toss in a bath bomb or bubble bath (made from a local company) and pour yourself a glass of Napa Valley wine while you soak your cares away.
You can expect concierge service at this inn. The staff knows Calistoga and the surrounding area intimately. In fact, you’ll find tasting maps, recommendations for where to have a picnic at a local winery and they even supply the backpack picnic basket in your room. Did I mention the complimentary bicycles that are ready to whisk you away to downtown or a wine country backroad?
During my stay, I enjoyed a private tasting at Girard Winery and took the tram up to Sterling Vineyards for an exclusive wine and cheese tasting. If you haven’t scheduled time for wine tasting on your own, there’s a complimentary wine and cheese tasting included with your room each night in the main cottage from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. I was pleased to learn that restaurants in Calistoga are within easy walking reach or you can download the Vine app for free on-demand shuttle service while staying at Cottage Grove Inn.
Breakfast at Cottage Grove Inn
Breakfast at Cottage Grove Inn was one of the highlights for me because it meant that I didn’t have to cook! I love that the owner’s utilized local purveyors for their food and wine offerings. Bella Bakery in downtown Calistoga makes the quiche of the day and coffee cake. Thoughtful touches like a grab and go yogurt with fresh fruit and granola, or breakfast burrito made it easy for me to get out on my bike first thing in the morning to take in all the beauty that Calistoga had to offer.
If you like to hike, check out the Oat Hill Mine Trail, one of the many things to see and do in Calistoga. If you like to hike with your dog, the wine country cottages are pet-friendly, as are many of the Napa Valley wineries, and some restaurants that have outdoor patios.
The Cottage Grove Inn is open year-round, but my personal tip is to visit in the winter months; locals call this cabernet season, as this is when the wineries release this red wine varietals.
Cottages rates range from $295 – $525, not including tax. You can compare rates at Hotels.com. Cottage Grove Inn is a member of Unique Inns. If you are a frequent visitor, it’s worth it to join this frequent stay program. Cottage Grove Inn has many repeat guests; I met several of them in the breakfast area. I also learned that repeat guests get rewarded with special gifts each time they return. I can’t wait to come back to see what’s in store for me.
Hotel review and all photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer Nancy D. Brown. Her stay was hosted by Cottage Grove Inn. As always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.