I've only been to Napa once and was lucky to stay at The Inn on First. I am very, very happy to have struck gold with our accomodations on our first trip and feel no need to find another place to stay when going back to wine country. We will be returning to the Inn on First.
Jamie clearly wants his customers to be happy and is willing to work to make that happen. Due to work schedule changes, I had to adjust my reservations several times. Jamie (and Mercedes) took all of this in stride. They went out of their way to make sure we got what we wanted without the slightest hint that this was a bother.
He is friendly and exceedingly knowledgeable about wine and Napa and will really help you plan your trip according to your tastes. He got to know our 'style' and has a knack for picking out winery experiences that matched our preferences. We would actually have been kind of blind without his input and certainly would have missed out on some great tastings. Come to think of it, we relied on his recommendations for dinner restaurants too. We enjoyed every recommendation he made for us.
Jim shares some of the Innkeeper responsibilities and in addition prepares the breakfasts and other treats. And by prepares I mean, carefully and exquisitely designs and presents. Wow, carefully crafted gourmet breakfast entrees are served every day, taking into account the guests dietary restrictions and preferences. I can't do this well once a week for two kids without getting frustrated, but a dozen guests. He's amazing and such a gentle soul. He also made some excellent recommendations for wineries that we would (and did) really enjoy.
Having only stayed in the Garden Rooms, I cannot comment on the rooms in the main house, the Mansion Rooms. We got to experience both the Meritage and the Incantment Rooms during our stay and they were both fabulous (the switch was due to our scheduling problems and not related to a problem with a room).
The Garden rooms have a small seating area outside. Ours was shaded by a large tree and had a soothing fountain in the corner. Quiet and private, these areas were perfect for enjoying (yet another) glass of wine.
The Inn is located in a quiet and beautiful residential area. Lovely and fragrant trees line the street as you make the short walk into town, giving you a sense of relaxation and peace. There are parking spaces in front and a small lot in back of the property.
As if all of that isn't enough, there are other little perks that make you feel pampered and well taken care of. Hand-made (by Jim) truffles and a half bottle of champagne wait for you in your room. There are often fresh baked cookies in the lobby/sitting room and port is available in the afternoons and evenings.
This is how a B&B experience should be, but is rarely found.
select one here...