Without a doubt the most relaxing and enjoyable days of 2011 were spent within the beautiful confines of The Carneros Inn. A group of friends and I spent the weekend at the Northern California resort this past fall – an experience I can’t seem to let go of. Having never been to the Napa Valley, the time at Carneros was the perfect introduction to one of the most amazing places in North America. Honestly, I’m disappointed I haven’t visited sooner in life.
The Carneros property is comprised of 26 stunning acres with a working farm (that partially supplies the restaurants at the resort), fitness center, 24 hour heated pool and some amazingly comfortable cottages. There’s also a “residence club” part of the property (called The Orchard at Carneros) where you can own your own place there in a sort of NetJets fractional ownership type of situation – which would be admittedly awesome. While in Carneros, we spent the early mornings running in the local vineyards, the days touring local vineyards (Tournesol & Tallulah) and visiting the Napa Valley Reserve. The evenings were back at the Carneros Inn having dinner at FARM and the late nights were dedicated to lots of Sauvignon Blanc at the pool. Sunday hangovers were cured at the Boon Fly Cafe. It sounds like the perfect weekend because it was.
Generally I don’t highlight the hotels and places I go on vacation, but I had such an enjoyable weekend at Carneros I thought it worth of some space in this little corner of the internet. With the dawn of a new year, I hope the days of 2012 hold at least one Carneros adventure for both you and me.
I have not been to this particular place, but living in San Francisco makes it tempting to cruise up there for a weekend. Napa is such a beautiful region, and the wines are always amazing. Glad to read the summary of your visit.
Danny
Past this place 5 days a week for two months this past fall, and now I know what it looks like on the inside. I figured this place would be pretty cool on the inside for having some weird curb appeal from hwy 121. Would love to finally stop in and visit this place.
I’ve always wanted to check The Carneros Inn out and, after these pictures, a reservation is well in order. Thanks for the review, and giving me one more reason to make another trip up to Wine Country.
As a resident of the Napa Valley, I pass this place regularly and haven’t been there. Looks like I’m going to have to check it out soon!
fact is you just drive up 29 and turn off anywhere- start walking and soon you’re in heaven- thats my escape- glad you found one..i walk through the vines all the time…
Looks like a retirement home
It was quite a treat to see this entry this morning. My wife and I stayed here on our honeymoon back in 2009. We still reminisce about this place weekly. It really is incredible. I’d kill for some of those green eggs and ham from the Boon Fly.
Guessing they’re your client, right?
parece un lugar de lo mas apacible,para pasar un tiempo
If you dug Carneros, you should check out Manka’s Inverness Lodge on your next trip out: http://www.mankas.com/mankas/home.html
Hope you got a chance to eat at the Fremont Diner just down 121. Seems like a very ACL-worthy spot.
We drove by the Fremont Diner and I definitely made note of it. Good call Trip.
My wife and I have stayed at the Carneros Inn twice now and its hands down the best place I have ever stayed. Hope you had a chance to try the Kobe burger or donuts at Boonfly.
It is even a great place for families, my young son loved it there. I can’t wait to go back for a third visit.
@ USA–If that’s a retirement home, put me in there now, kids!!!
$1800 / night…jeeeeezusss.
Are these guys clients? I can’t remember if you have a policy about disclosing if you’re being comped.
We actually stayed as a guests in the The Orchard at Carneros — the residence club part (not the hotel). Neither Carneros or The Orchard are clients…I wish they were though because then I could go back!
http://www.theorchardatcarneros.com/orchard/
i was at Carneros last week also, too bad i didn’t run into you… great hotel, great property… you shoulda spent more time eating dinner outside the hotel.. napa has better food than wine!
I love the carneros inn! My mother and I stayed there to celebrate our birthdays two years ago and it couldn’t have been more magical. I like that in an area where so many hotels try to emulate the French winery aesthetic carneros inn embraced a much more California look and feel.
second the tip for Manka’s. That place is incredible.
Michael, I wish I knew you were in town, I would have had you over to the winery. Next time!
Hi James, I would have loved to stop by. Next time for sure. Thanks. -MW
I got engaged there sitting on those adirondack chairs … watching the sun go down over the hills.
I absolutely love this place! I am lucky enough to have a friend who owns one of the cottages, so I try to get up there once a month to indulge in this incredibly beautiful and relaxing place.