Carneros Resort and Spa

Our cottage was extremely comfortable and had a charming backyard that was completely private. The resort's staff was welcoming and helpful. The food and service at Farm at Carneros and at the Boon Fly Cafe was excellent. There are beautifully maintained gardens throughout the property.

The Carneros felt like a glammed up trailer park organized around small courtyards. Most rooms have no view and loud freeway noise. My “upgraded” room, which goes for $1500+ night, was a gussied up she shed. While I understand the hotel can only do so much about the small rooms, the real slap was the “free breakfast,” which was a sad table of pastries and granola and dented pre-peeled hard boiled eggs. They even had the gumption to offer us espresso drinks as part of the free breakfast service and present a surprise bill for them. The level of service would be good & expected from a $3-400/nt hotel, but feels incredibly cheap for the prices they’re charging.

First - Let me say that the property itself is breathtaking beyond words. The property is immaculate and the grounds are so well cared for. There is a beautiful surprise around every corner. The attention to detail at this property is second to none (and we travel all over the world). The cottages are so private and offer a quiet place to lay your head. The furnishings and private patios make this a perfect place for a romantic getaway. Second the staff.. From check-in to check-out everyone we came in contact with provided the highest level of customer service we have ever received. Even just walking around the grounds we were continually asked if there was anything we needed. We were able to do a wine tasting at Post and were lucky enough to have Solange as our server. She was amazing and made the tasting so much better. She was attentive, conversational and so informed about the wines we chose to try. Her personality is perfectly suited for being a host. Last- Coming from a customer service background myself, the thing that struck me the most was… How much every employee loves working there. From the boutique shop, to the market and the reception staff, literally everyone we came in contact with boasted about how much they loved working there. You cannot go wrong staying here. You will not be disappointed with a stay at this resort.

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.

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!

Carneros resort is an absolute gem! The cottages are beautiful, clean, serene, quiet, and perfect for a couples retreat. The staff is absolutely amazing and treat you like family. I could not be happier with our choice of staying there. Make sure you check out The Farm restaurant on the premises.