Carneros Resort and Spa

We recently returned to Carneros Resort & Spa after having a great experience two years ago, but unfortunately, the service and overall attention to detail have noticeably declined. While the property itself remains beautiful, the service was just average, with small but frustrating lapses in quality. For instance, there was still soap from a previous guest left in our shower—an oversight that shouldn’t happen at a resort of this caliber. Additionally, we were charged for a four-person double king room but were unable to access the second suite due to a poor design concept, which felt misleading. Breakfast is technically “included,” but the offerings are extremely limited—no eggs, no yogurt to accompany the granola, just toast and fruit—so unless you’re okay with a sparse selection, you’re forced to order off the menu at an additional cost. Compared to our last stay, the level of service and attentiveness from staff has decreased significantly. Given the premium pricing, we expected a much higher standard, and unfortunately, Carneros did not deliver. We won’t be returning and wouldn’t recommend it based on our most recent experience.

Overall, our stay was pleasant, but the resort stops short of being labeled 5-star. There were just too many misses. What works: Check-in is pleasant and efficient. The pool scene and most of the common grounds are in great shape. Location is easy, and getting around the resort is not difficult. What needs improvement and keeps it at a 4 star resort rather than a 5 star resort: We had plans to leave for dinner but were encouraged to dine at their main restaurant. Against my better judgment we agreed. What a mistake. One bartender for the entire restaurant and bar area. Waited forever for drinks, even after food was served. Our waiter, finally showed up with the drink and said "i got tired of you waiting so I hopped behind the bar and made it myself"....it tasted exactly as you would expect. I am guessing it was his first time making a martini. The entire experience was bizarre and clumsy. They were complete short staffed and the staff that was there was completely uninterested. Our exterior space at our room had leaves that looked like they had not been raked in about four months. The build up around the perimeter was really awful to look at. We called room service to have a small item delivered. They said it would be to us in 20 minutes. After two hours elapsed, I called again and they seemingly had no idea what we were talking about. And for the love of god, but some towels in the rooms that are not the same towels from Motel 6. We will not return without substantial improvement.

Once one of the best, now sub par due to the food experience- or lack there of. Why Napa? Posh resort experience, exceptional food and wine. 2 out 3 if you stay at Carneros now. The main restaurant Farm use to be exceptional. The Head Chef now has completely ruined the restaurant. We had shellfish taste in every dish, the steak was ruined, the Caesar tasted like rotten fish, an inedible meal on a special night. The hilltop breakfast buffet is a half step better than a Holiday Inn. Lunch pool side is “ok” and the only place the new Chef hasn’t ruined is Boon Cafe- still superb. I heard many complaining about the New Chef- it’s going to hurt this once prestigious resort. Also, the main lobby staff, concierges and experience has suffered terribly as well. Lacks polish, class and refinement. You also have to BEG to get your room cleaned and serviced. Heading to lower ratings fast. Sadly. This has always been my Napa go to from the city.

I booked a surprise birthday celebration for my boyfriend’s 40th birthday. He loves resorts and spas and when I came across Carneros Resort & Spa I KNEW he would be surprised and impressed!! Their service started before we arrived. I had many questions to ensure I was making the “right” decision on booking here so I called a few times. He vlogs so I wanted to ensure everything would be seamless with the surprise but also with the videos I KNEW he’d make. So I asked about champagne, turndown service, rose petals, and so much more. Everyone was very patient and attentive with me as I mentioned it was for a surprise birthday. This only confirmed my decision on “this is the place”. As soon as we arrived we were greeted with a glass of wine & everyone treated us with such care. I decided to book the Premier Harvest Cottage because of its outdoor soaking tub. I must say, I was NOT disappointed. I added on their backyard movie night. We had brunch at Boon Fly Cafe (chefs kiss) and dinner at FARM (10/10). I booked us a spa day (10/10). As soon as we arrived we were greeted with Rosé. We both felt special and pampered. It was a bit chilly by the pool considering it was February however the pool is heated and they have a jacuzzi so we took advantage of that. I scheduled turndown service so when we were done with dinner the indoor and outdoor tubs were filled for us. Turned on the fireplace as well. They left a bottle of champagne and set up the projector for our movie night. We ended up getting into the outdoor soaking tub and not using the projector but I figured that’d happen! They also have an outdoor heater and fire pit so it kept us warm. We also used their complimentary Cadillac service 10/10. Each and every person that helped us with ANYTHING was very helpful & attentive. Even after we checked out we wanted to go wine/champagne tasting and spoke to the front desk about it. They booked us a reservation at Domaine Carneros and even drove us there and back!! I couldn’t recommend Carneros Resort & Spa enough. Thank you to everyone on their team for making this extra special for us especially him!

I love this place. I've been multiple times, mostly because the spa is excellent, the service is great, and the food is very good. Rooms: The rooms are fully independent cottages, which are nice for a solo retreat or a couple's getaway. They would also work nicely for groups/families who want some time together in the common areas of the resort but also time in their own private spaces. Spa: The spa has a great outdoor relaxation deck which is nice even during the middle of winter. It has a lovely view and a nice fountain. That deck is my happy place! Spa also does Hydrafacial, which I think is the facial treatment that gives the most obvious results. Everyone who works at the spa is great. They are so welcoming and you leave feeling very pampered. The massage therapists are consistently some of the best in the business, worldwide, hands-down. These people take their work seriously, and you will leave completely blissed out. Dining: The Hilltop Restaurant is for guests only, and it has a nice breakfast buffet. The drinks are great, and the service is excellent. I love chatting with Celine (hope I spelled her name right), who is so kind and always goes above and beyond. Farm Restaurant is great--really nice farm-to-table style dining with a lovely outdoor patio, complete with nice fireplaces. I was pleasantly surprised by the wine they paired with the tasting menu. It's open to the public. Boon Fly has great donuts and solid breakfast/brunch; open to the public. In-room dining is usually very good, but I felt that the last couple times I've been, it could have been a bit more inspired and flavorful. Still better than most hotels's in-room dining. The Market has quick easy grab-and-go sandwiches and the like. It's overpriced because it's on resort, but the quality is good. Overall: I can't wait to go back for my annual solo retreat. This place is great and it's due primarily to the staff who go above and beyond to make you feel welcome in an unpretentious and sincere way. Thanks to all of you for taking such good care of me on my visit!