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Why We’ll Skip Embassy Suites Napa in the Winter

 Water fountain; hotel

Icy Cold Embassy Suites

My dear polite travelers,

I’m a huge fan of Hilton properties and have stayed in comfortable, and sometimes special, Embassy Suites.  In comparison, Hilton’s Napa property is a mixed bag, especially when visiting during the cold winter months. 

Guest rooms are accessed from an outdoor corridor, except those in what’s called “The Atrium.”  And that room is huge, comprised of a large—albeit beautiful—dining area, restaurant/bar, and meeting room.  So, even Atrium rooms, are accessed by an open walkway looking out over this enormous unheated area. 

Baby, it’s cold inside!

Guest rooms are not heated unless the old-fashioned boiler is turned on.  Really.  Not kidding.  When my hubby and I arrived midday, it was 42 degrees outside and 60 degrees inside with no heat.  Yep.  That’s right.  None.  We adjusted the thermostat to 80 degrees with hopes to heat the room quickly, to no avail.  We even requested a room heater, but it didn’t heat more than one foot in diameter. 

So, it is best to follow the instructions—that I thought were generic—under the thermostat.  Call reception and ask for heat.  Simple fix but no guest I met knew of it. 

Room #369

Once warmed, the room was comfortable with a large table—doubled as a desk—massive television, couch, bar with a sink, refrigerator, microwave, and Keurig coffee maker. 

The bathroom was adequate but had a tub/shower combo with a glass door.  Unfortunately, the grab bar is installed directly across from the glass door. So, it is tight when showering.  We are small people, so I cannot imagine how this might impact those larger than us. 

Since this is a suite, there is a separate sizable bedroom furnished with a sizable television, closet, and dresser.  Unfortunately, the walls are quite thin, which resulted in a restless night of listening to rather loud lovemaking. 

Pro Tip

Always pack earplugs; they do come in handy.



Free cooked-to-order breakfast?

Technically, this hotel provides a rather delicious omelet, pancakes, potatoes, bacon, and sausage—all cooked to order.  This is true.  However, breakfast and the evening wine reception is served in the large, unheated Atrium.  Thus, guests end up with cold food that is difficult to eat while shivering from the 45-degree air circulating around them. 

Cheers to the nightly wine reception!

Embassy Suites typically hosts an evening wine reception that usually includes hot appetizers.  This hotel served the typical beer, wine, cheese, and fresh vegetables with dip, chips, pretzels, and Chex mix.  It was good but doesn’t compare with our previous Embassy Suites visits.

Yet, the wine was good and those who chose alternate beverages appeared to be satisfied with their choices.

Starters are a start, but how about the onsite restaurant, Grill 29?

The restaurant is barely warmer than the open Atrium.  Still, it is charming and offers a limited, simple, but good fare.   The burger was so good, we had it twice.  Wine is a great price during happy hour.

Pro Tip

Since Embassy Suites offers a wine reception, this hotel offers two nightly drink tickets.  Instead of using these at the reception, take your tickets to Grill 29—just steps away from the Atrium.  Your wine will be free.   

Menu   Beverages

Will We Return?

This lovely property makes me curious about visiting during warmer months.  So, if the stars are in arrangement, I just may stop but only when it’s warm.  I strongly advise skipping during cold weather. 

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