I would, eventually, have to leave.
Wine Reception in the Lobby
I arrived at the Milliiken Creek Inn, after a long and winding drive from downtown San Francisco, while the evening wine pouring was in full swing. Each evening brings a different boutique winery. This night, it was Chateau Potelle, a small hilltop winery off the path of the tour buses, offering tours only by appointment. It was the perfect introduction to Napa.
Wines are served in the lobby, along with a selection of cheeses, crackers and fruit. Guests had gathered in deep leather chairs aside a fireplace, chatting in subdued tones. A lone man sat in a wingback chair by the picture windows, intent on a laptop computer, no doubt using the wireless Internet access. Just outside, a wooden deck overlooking the Napa River was another popular spot, particularly on an evening such as this when the fire pit was blazing.
The space felt more like a chic living room than a lobby, and a pile of vintage suitcases near an antique desk set an air of adventure. I'm the type who usually retreats straight to my room after checking in. Here, I couldn't help being lured by the cozy atmosphere, and sat to chat with the other guests before I had even seen my room.
I met a couple from Las Vegas who had been at the Inn for a few days already. With their help, and assisted by menus from local restaurants the staff had on hand, I chose a restaurant for dinner. They were headed back to their room for a quiet evening of Chinese takeout and one of the DVDs from the Inn's complimentary selection. Today they had been wine tasting, on a jaunt arranged by the Inn; tomorrow, a spa visit á deux was on the menu.
A Guest Room to Remember
I finally tore myself away from the lobby and headed next door to Room Eight. Each of the twelve guest rooms at this small luxury inn were individually decorated and furnished by owner Lisa Holt. Room Eight was a masterpiece of warm neutrals and space, with buttery yellow walls and dark chocolate furnishings. The ceiling slopes upward in a dome shaped with beams. British Colonial touches abound, from a rattan ceiling fan to deep-slung chairs upholstered in a palm tree print. The room was finished with hardwood floors, a fireplace and French doors leading to a balcony overlooking the Napa River. The bed was piled high with white down comforters and pillows.
The focal point, beckoning from an alcove, was a deep aromatherapy soaking tub, in full view of the fireplace. A traditional bathtub and shower combination was behind the bathroom's closed doors, so the aromatherapy tub was a purely decadent addition. Bath salts, a loofah, L'Occitane shampoo and soaps, and a whimsical rubber duck were thoughtfully provided.
The mood was set as soon as I walked in, with a Jacqui Naylor CD (buy direct) playing in the portable Bose stereo. A jazz musician from Northern California, Ms. Naylor's voice was perfect for the setting. Another hotel habit I have, of turning on CNN for company, was also ditched in favor of spinning her CD. Tealights and the fireplace flickered. Had I not been checking in alone, it would have been the most romantic hotel room I'd ever stepped foot in. It was certainly the most relaxing. I soon discovered every light in the room had a dimmer switch, and indeed, the whole room seemed to calm the world down.
