Review edited after our second-day stay.
A unique occasion getaway.
Check-in time is 4 pm. We arrived at 2 pm, hoping to have a little time to tour the grounds and perhaps a tasting before checking in. We were awkwardly greeted by a young lady who could not provide an estimated time until our room was ready when we understandably inquired. She told us to leave our number and that she would ring us as soon as she found out. She did not suggest any activities or amenities we may enter until check-in time. When asked about the local tasting wineries, she handed us a map and here, "here you go," with no suggestion or offer to assist us in making our tasting reservations which we learned then and there were required; We left with the impression she was a bit annoyed that we checked in one and a half hours early or she was not in her best suit. She came off cold and curt.
4:15 pm came and went, and we did not hear from our first gal at the reception desk. We returned to the inn to check in and discovered our reception gal had gone for the day. Josh welcomed us at the door and James in the lobby. Josh and James were welcoming, pleasant, professional, and helpful with our check-in. James overheard we had been unsuccessful in hearing back from a particular winery for a tasting reservation, and he quickly offered to assist us in securing a reservation and updated us once he procured a reservation held under our name.
The grounds have beautiful redwoods, a few fruit trees, and flowers. Surprisingly, our $2,000-a-night room with an outdoor hot tub and a fireplace was a simple room with minimal amenities. FYI, the fireplace provides two fire logs during our stay; additional will be $5 per log. Our suite has a close-up view of the vineyard right outside, which was what we had aimed for; however, it is also a walkway for many guests and dogs to stroll, and unless your curtains are closed, there is very little privacy. We received a welcome bottle of sparkling wine and a bottle of red wine, which was delightful. The room does come with spa robes and slippers. We feel the outdoor hot tub and deck could use an upgrade to more lush comforts same as most features in our suite. The ceiling fan and AC/heating unit are loud, especially as it comes on or off, keeping us awake most of the night.
The onsite hotel restaurant and bar were another amenity we looked for when making our reservation. After our first dining experience at the inn's restaurant, we canceled our following dining reservations and planned to venture to another restaurant or order in-room meals. Service and food are not consistent and lack presentation. The poured cocktails could be more skillful and artful. The ground has two pools with hot tubs and a fitness room which we felt off as pictured online.
We have been to several high-end inns in the surrounding five regions. Aside from the warm hospitality and professionalism from Josh, James, one or two guest service gals, and gardeners, we have experienced nothing that stands out or justifies our high room rates at the inn. Many travels have spoiled us. We felt it is overpriced and overhyped for a mixed group of staff in hospitality and professionalism and lacks plush amenities. Vineyard views and onsite restaurant are not far and few in the wine country; since it is a high-priced suite, we had hoped to be impressed. It is an old inn that can use a facelift, plush amenities, and a polished consistent staff crew to rationalize the costs unless attractive rates are offered.
Room & Amenities: 3-star
Restaurant and bar: 3.5-star
Front Reception & In-Room Service: 2-5 stars
Overall: 3.5-star read more