The Westin Verasa Napa

We walked downtown in about 10 minutes, though the hotel also had a free shuttle. Valet parking seemed to be included in my rate, and street parking was another option. The place was spacious and clean. We checked in early and were offered a first floor room; since we usually prefer a higher floor, they let us look before deciding. It was tidy, generally quiet, and well equipped, with a comfortable bed. The bathroom had a separate tub and shower, toilet, and plenty of towels and toiletries. Wi-Fi worked fine, and the lobby had complimentary coffee and tea until 11 in the morning. The only real annoyance came Monday around 8 a.m. when a leaf blower ran for about 40 minutes as workers cleared leaves from the sidewalks and street. Our balcony door on the first floor didn't seal well, so the noise made for a rough start to our vacation day.

The bar had decent enough cocktails and food, though I’d rather go into town for those. What really bothered me was paying for a four star hotel and getting what felt like three star service and amenities. Breakfast costs extra, there aren't many extras included, and they even ran out of free coffee in the morning. For what I paid, I wouldn't return. The room itself was nice in some ways. The king bed was comfortable and the ceilings were high, but the carpet feels dated, and the building looks like it was put up in the late 2000s. The cutting board in the drawer was disgusting, and some plates weren't properly clean. Soundproofing was just okay, and first floor rooms face a trail by the balcony and windows. The rooms are pleasant, but if you're mostly out and about, I’d skip this place unless you don't mind spending money without much to show for it.

We had a great stay and would come back. In February we even got a sunny 72 degree day by the heated pool. The location is handy: you can walk to most places in 10 to 15 minutes, or take the house car downtown. Some rooms have useful extras like a fridge, microwave, and stovetop. The rooms are starting to look dated, though. It’s better than most Westins I’ve stayed in, but there’s no room service or spa. Given how many good food options Napa has, the lack of room service didn't bother me much.

The staff were the best part for us: warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. The complimentary wine tasting and included activities were nice extras that added value. Just be aware that lots of families with kids stay here, so it can get pretty loud. The property itself is showing its age. There’s visible wear in several areas, and it could use updates and renovation. The amenities are mostly what you'd expect, but some modernization would make the experience much better.