Alila Napa Valley

My stay at Alila Napa Valley was stunningly gorgeous - and gave me a night to remember - in St Helena, California

With my table for one at The French Laundry secured, there was only one thing left to do: book a hotel that would be worthy of the experience I’d waited over 20 years to have. After all, being able to go to Per Se in New York and The French Laundry in Yountville in the same year should be celebrated.

After a suggestion from a random, super helpful Hyatt customer service member I received after a call to custom service (Hyatt really has the best service, I will say), I booked one night at Alila Napa Valley.

Location

The location of Alila Napa Valley, in St. Helena, was perfect distance for my dinner at The French Laundry.  Because it was early winter, the area was full of turning leaves and cozy comforts.

I absolutely loved receiving a glass of wine during check in. As I had some time before my room was ready, I wandered over to the spa to unwind from my previous 24 hours of travel.

Spa

I loved spending time at the spa, relaxing in the sauna and steam room and having enjoyable light conversations with the staff.

I absolutely loved putting my phone away, slipping into a robe and slippers and floating away in the private areas.

Stay

I will say that the Alila Napa Valley is absolutely, stunningly gorgeous. Simply one of the best hotel properties I’ve enjoyed time in.

And my room? What more can I say that can’t be illustrated in photographs? Gorgeous.

Service

I will be honest and say that I experienced a rather unique array of lapses in service and equipment malfunction in my room with service. In this case, the HVAC unit in my room in my room did not work, which led to my room not ventilating properly, which led to me being late to my dinner at The French Laundry; which led to later discovering the heater was not working property and me being unable to sleep; which led to more issues – like having to sleep in another room for the night and so on.

By the time I’d finished breakfast in my room the following morning, overlooking the vineyard, I was slightly exhausted; desperately trying to rally my sanity to meet Jessica for lunch at Farmhouse Kitchen – Oakland and then drive to Sacramento for the Foo Fighters concert that evening.

I will say – without a doubt –  that my concerns were swiftly dealt with and handled appropriately. After a short, to the point talk with Sean, the Guest Experience Manager of the hotel during check out, I received a generously appropriate response by the hotel for my discomfort.

With all that being said – enjoying my incredible morning view for breakfast, as the sun illuminated the vineyard, was an experience in Earth magic.

Overall

Overall – from a grander point of view – I greatly appreciated my stay at the Alila Napa Valley. The property is absolutely beautiful, the breakfast was delicious and I enjoyed relaxing on the patio, overlooking the vineyard and warming myself by my private fireplace.

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