Last week, we headed up to Napa for a little getaway. One thing about being in event industry – it’s hard to getaway and enjoy your self. You’re either doing site visits or working a program. But you don’t always get to enjoy.
Well – we did and we stayed at the fairly new Archer Hotel. It’s been open since November and located right in downtown Napa.
I loved the lobby of this property, it’s subdued during the day and around 5pm starts to get really lively. As word gets around about this property, I have a feeling this is going to be a hot spot. In about a month, they will be opening their rooftop, so watch out for summer!
Charlie Palmer Steak is their main dining outlet. There will be another Charlie Palmer outlet once the rooftop opens. I had the opportunity to check it out and the views are great. It will also be the location of their spa and fitness center. Currently if you want to work off some of that wine you had the night before, they will give you access to a fitness center around the corner from the hotel.
The guest rooms are really spacious. I would try and steer clear of the interior rooms. I’m someone who loves tons of natural light, so the exterior rooms are more my speed. On the 2nd floor – there are rooms that have nice patios and on other floors, some of the upgraded rooms have balconies with outdoor fireplaces. Nice touch!
The guest room amenities are great – nespresso machines, mini wine fridge, the cutest his/her bedroom slippers. And what ever you do – don’t forgo the turndown service. One night it was peanut brittle, the next night chocolate covered graham crackers. Yum!
Full transparency here – sadly our nespresso machine was broken, but when we called downstairs to ask about coffee, they sent up two pots, his and hers. J I drink decaf and just like the taste of coffee. The hubby needed the pick me up.
Our first night at the hotel, we ate at Charlie Palmer. We didn’t need a reservation – it was Wednesday night. The wine list was good. The Butternut Squash Soup with Jumbo Prawn was Ah-mazing! I could have had more. I was a bit disappointed in my filet. It was really salty. When they came by to ask how everything was, I let them know. They offered to make me a new one which I declined and they took it off the bill. That was really nice of them and their response was we want everyone to leave happy.
All the meeting space is located on the 2nd floor and yes if you caught the recap of the guest rooms with the patios – they are on the 2nd floor too. Loved the meeting space. The main ballroom has natural light. They have linenless tables and bonus points for them because they choice the tables with the dark legs vs. some hotels that have the stainless steel legs. I know it might sound silly – but the stainless steel legs just seem cheap to me.
Once the rooftop opens – you can do an opening reception for 150 up there. It won’t be a full buyout because they have to leave a section of the bar open. But trust me – it’s going to be pretty awesome.
So what type of group would fit here? I would say max 150. You can have a general session, feed in a separate room (that overlooks the lobby so again with the natural light), an office and a small breakout.
This is a great hotel for sales meetings, executive meetings, smaller conferences or an incentive program.
There are so many dining options that are close by, some within walking distance.
A friend of mine who lives in Napa told us to check out Jax Mule Diner for breakfast. It’s about a block away on First Street and it was amazing. I love going to places the locals love. I got the Chicken and Waffles and I’m still thinking about it.
I’m going to end this with the Good, the Bad and the Ugly…
The Good:
• you’re greeted with Sparkling Wine upon arrival
• the staff is really friendly
• the hotel has hired pleasers and they want to make all the guests happy
The Bad:
• the valet is super slow. It took 15 minutes to get our car pulled up and it wasn’t busy at all
• our nespresso machine was broken (but look at the last bullet under “the good”)
The Ugly:
• this is absolutely no fault of the hotels, but people tend to get drunk – when in Napa right? Well some lame person decided to manhandle the fire extinguisher on the floor we were staying on at 11:45pm and the entire hotel had to be evacuated (but look at the last bullet under “the good” – the hotel handled the situation in a calm manner, got guests blankets, moved guests and they even took the last night off our bill – they hired pleasers!)
How many stars would I give the Archer? I’d give it ★★★★(4 stars) and I can’t wait for the rooftop to open so I can experience that.
I’m thinking about doing more of these types of reviews. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Interested in booking this property for an upcoming program? You know who to call!
Very helpful and thorough review on this hotel! It’s great to gather the inside scoop of what we really need to know from a planner in the industry. I look forward to reading more of your reviews.