The Poetry Inn, Napa

The verandah of our suite

My recent stay at the Poetry Inn definitely ranks at the very top of my list of best hotel experiences ever. The Poetry Inn sits high in the hills above Yountville and the Mayacamas mountains beyond, offering breathtaking views as far as the eyes can see.

The view from our suite

We knew we were in for a treat when immediately upon our arrival, Daniel, one of the innkeepers, poured us glasses of Cliff Lede Savignon Blanc (Poetry Inn is owned by Cliff Lede) and prepared a selection of cheeses, olives and nuts for us to enjoy on the verandah while the sun set over Yountville.

By the time we finished our wine, Daniel had unloaded our car and showed us to our room – the Robert Frost Suite. From the moment we stepped into our suite, it was apparent that not one detail had been overlooked. 

  

 While Poetry is the ideal setting for a romantic escape, they made it work just as perfectly for our girls’ birthday celebration weekend. In addition to the the beautiful four poster bed, our suite had a rollaway, which was already made up with a cozy blanket, high thread count sheets and fluffy pillows.There was a wood burning fireplace, a large sitting area and a huge terrace overlooking the valley (including several lounge chairs complete with blankets to stave off the evening chill.) The luxurious bathroom had a heated floor, soaking tub, floor to ceiling windows (with plantation shutters for privacy) and a door leading to an incredible outdoor shower and another terrace with a hammock.

The outdoor shower...a refreshing experience!

The perfect place to watch the sunrise when you are still on East Coast time...

A few of the small, but much appreciated, touches found at the Poetry Inn were the complimentary minibar stocked with gourmet goodies, water, sodas, and Cliff Lede red and white wines; fresh flowers and Le Labo toiletries in the bathroom AND outside shower; and an evening “nightcap” bar including homemade cookies and a selection of wines and stronger spirits. A touch I loved…even the rollaway had a robe, slippers and chocolate placed on it at turn down.

We opted to have our breakfast (included in the nightly rate) served in our room each morning. We called when we woke up and a tray with coffee and croissants from Bouchon Bakery was brought to our room, along with the morning’s breakfast menu. The in house chef prepares a variety of options and everything we tried was absolutely perfect.

Breakfast table in our room set the night before...

Croissants from Bouchon Bakery (almond one day, chocolate the next) delivered with coffee...no standing in line for us!

 

Poetry Inn has only five suites, but, lest you think it might be too intimate, the property doesn't feel small. Service is extraordinary, and as seamless as any five star resort. The suites, all named for literary giants, range in size from 970 to 1450 square feet and all have views over the valley and Mayacamas range beyond. Larger groups traveling together may want to consider the Farmhouse at Poetry located at the base of the hill adjacent to the Cliff Lede Vineyards.

 The innkeepers can set up a variety of wine experiences on your behalf. Guests receive a complimentary tasting at Cliff Lede Vineyards, as well as access to unique experiences not open to the public.

 For those looking for spa services, Poetry has a small treatment room and can arrange for a variety of spa services. There is also a swimming pool although it was too chilly for us to use it. Yoga instructors can be arranged for a private session on your terrace. 

With its location on the hill, getting around can be a bit more difficult, but we made the most of the many Uber drivers in the Napa area. We never waited for more than a few minutes for a driver to arrive and the price to get to Yountville or St. Helena was reasonable. The killer views more than made up for any inconvenience of being outside of town.

I love, love, love the Poetry Inn. If you are going to Napa, I would highly recommend that you do everything you can to stay there!

(I took all of the photos except the first one with my iPhone 6 - I apologize that the quality isn't the best. The first photo is via Daniel at the Poetry Inn)