Once in a blue moon I make a dash over the border and out into the comparitively luxe-wonderland that is neighboring Napa County.
Where Sonoma County is blessedly rustic, earthy and untamed, Napa Valley is a dramatic contrast in its wine country chic, all style, design, sunshine and sophistication, especially during this record, dry winter.
All it took this time to pursuade a foray through that invisible fence line (separating Sonoma and Napa in my mind), was the notion of a spot of overnight rest and relaxation, a writer's getaway to potter around the valley and take pause in the serene surrounds of historic downtown Saint Helena's boutique Wydown Hotel.
I've walked by the 12-room Wydown on previous visits to Saint Helena since its opening in 2011 and had wondered at its understated, urban appeal in an area otherwise rich with lavish resorts and spa hotel experiences.
Invited to explore further, I found my room for a mid-week overnight escape a pleasantly surprising oasis of space and tranquility (given the hotel's location on Main Street in the heart of downtown). Despite the fact that the majority of Napa Valley visitors do seem to flock to the pristine Northern most points of California State Route 29 (running through the heart of Saint Helena) for fine food and wine, accommodations in the center of the city of less than 6,000 permanent residents, are rare.
Most hotels and resorts require a drive into and out of town and if there's been any amount of wine tasting taking place during the day time hours (a reasonable assumption), the safe, lawful and sensible option for an optimal evening out in downtown Saint Helena, I believe, is to eliminate any need to get behind a steering wheel.
Positioned at the North end of Main Street, the Wydown is minutes from all of sorts of boutique stores, coffee & chocolate shops, wine bars and restaurants that downtown has such an abundance of.
My first impression was of a big-city-style, yet intimate bespoke hotel, with rooms that are twice the size of any I've stayed in when it comes to top tourist destinations, especially San Francisco and New York.
Decor, bedding, bathroom, style and design books on the shelves in the bedside tables, were all very much to my liking.
Common areas were well thought-out and interesting. A fun place to stay solo, or I'd imagine on a couple's weekend or with a group of friends should you find yourself with reason to book a group of rooms for that homey-feel for a special event.
Little touches such as a succulent in the bathroom and black Heath ceramics as soap dish and bedside table catch-all, added to the subtle charm of this unique little hotel.
Complimentary (for guests) wine tasting for the road weary await - to the right of this photo, in a shared space with Materra Wines.
Owner Mark Hoffmeister took his inspiration for his bespoke hotel from a place close to his heart, beautiful, tree-lined Wydown Boulevard in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. With Mark's personal selection of furnishings and artwork that are meaningful to him as proud proprietor, the Wydown strikes a refreshing chord with visitors looking for a one-of-a-kind hotel experience.
Though there are plentiful coffee making set-ups in the hotel common areas and in-room, coffee coupons (for fresh roasted) are redeemable across the road at the Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company. This was my first time inside this particular coffee stop and I found it a haven of peaceful morning hospitality behind its somewhat subdued exterior.
Coffee in hand, I enjoyed a walk through the side streets of Saint Helena, off the beaten track of Main Street's attractions and into the tree-lined, pleasant neighborhoods where the locals live.
If I had the chance to linger longer than my late afternoon to next morning pit-stop, I'd have taken advantage of a free pass to enjoy the nearby Health Spa Napa Valley
Spoiled for choice on a dining selection for a solo late supper, (just a couple of minutes walk away), Napa Valley cuisine inspired by the flavors of Central Mexico at La Condesa was just the ticket for an out-of-the-box, delicious wine country dining experience in an equally sleek, yet stylishly eclectic downtown hotspot. Read more about La Condesa in my next post.
Parking at the Wydown was covered and free - always a bonus. Though room prices are considerably more competitive than most of the sky-high properties throughout the valley, the Wydown does have more than a few enticing package suggestions for those with big ideas for an extra special wine country experience.
The Wydown Hotel is located at 1424 Main Street, Saint Helena. The city's all-volunteer fire station is fairly close by, so don't be surprised by the occasional call to community firefighters, via the station's distinctive alarm system. I was warned by front desk staff on check-in and took note of a couple of calls late afternoon, though I didn't hear one after lights out and slept soundly throughout the night of my stay.
Call the hotel at 707 963 5100 for specials, or more info or email stay@wydownhotel.com.
Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
Comments