My standard hotel reviews include a breakdown by the following topics. Feel free to skip to whichever section you find most interesting.
- Highlights
- Lobby & Check-in
- Room
- Hotel Space / Ambiance
- Food & Drink
- Fitness
- Miscellaneous
Highlights: Westin Verasa Napa
This Westin looks lovely. From the wonderful lobby décor to the racks of wine bottles behind the check in desk, to the beautiful courtyard and spacious suite, it looks amazing. It is nicely located in downtown Napa, a short walk from the touristy restaurants and shops. However, we had some exceptionally poor service, and most likely will not be returning. The mandatory $20 amenity fee might be worth it if the service – both breakfast and valet – was not so bad.
Lobby & Check-in
Directly to the right of the entrance, in front of a beautifully decorated wall of wine bottles (you’re in Napa). They were efficient, although they stonewalled me for free drinks as a SPG Platinum guest. Typically when asking nicely hotels are more than willing to provide you with a drink or two. However, that was not the case here. Perhaps it is because we are in Napa they do not want to give away free drinks, although I would think it more likely rather than less, to get us to try new wines, etc. Also, Platinum benefits usually come with a full breakfast, but more on that later.
Room
They upgraded us to a lovely suite, spacious and nice, with separate living, dining, and kitchen areas. The bathroom was also of a very appealing design, with full length mirrors making it look more expansive. I am a huge fan of the separate bath/shower combination as well.
Hotel Space / Ambiance
The Westin is short, to preserve the ambiance of the countryside, and thus is very, very wide. It was a long windy route to the hotel room. The lovely courtyard view was very appealing and close to our room. I feel like this hotel caters to a mix of business travelers and tourists.
Food & Drink
Breakfast was included in our stay thanks to the SPG platinum status. However, it was but a poor continental breakfast of overpriced items, or valid for $10 off the regular breakfast menu. Convenient then, how most breakfast entrees were over $10. I was sorely disappointed with this breakfast, and even more so on our departing day. We got breakfast to-go, which took much, much longer than necessary, as the staff kept shuffling around, trying to double-charge us, forgetting or messing up our extremely simple order, and generally not paying much attention at all.
Fitness
The gym was also spacious, and the hotel also has a nice outdoor pool for guests. They have a recent fitness program encouraging guests to take more than 15,000 steps in a day. This earns 1,000 Starpoints per day, for a maximum of 5,000 points per stay. Very interesting and novel concept, and if I stayed here again I would be sure to chase that goal. However, as a category 6 hotel, Westin Verasa Napa charges between 20,000 and 25,000 points per night, so a 4-5% savings isn’t exactly much.
Miscellaneous
The resort-style Westin Verasa Napa charges a daily $20 amenity fee, which includes the below:
The Westin’s amenity fee includes: overnight valet parking, standard internet in the guest rooms, local calls, one bottle of water each night, nightly manager’s reception in the lobby, access to the heated saltwater pool and hot tub, bocce courts, Westin Workout Fitness Studio, AND free use of the business center services, including color copies.
Please note that the only thing that stands out from what should be included in the hotel stay is overnight valet parking, and color copies at business center. Internet is already present for guests with status. The valet was frankly incompetent, blaming miscommunication and the front desk for not relaying our call, leading to failing to get our car on time twice. Not sure why it is acceptable when we call and ask for our car, go down to the front of the hotel, and have valets look at us confused when we wonder where our car is. People here are busy, and do not have time for poor service.
Lastly, I read after our stay on TripAdvisor that guests have had some luck calling and getting the fee removed from their bill. Be sure to try and do the same if you stay here!
Featured Image is the exterior of the Westin Verasa Napa, from the hotel website.
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