Hotel Snapshot
It’s the unexpected pairing Napa Valley wine country didn’t know it needed. Okaeri Calistoga blends legendary hospitality with exquisite Japanese aesthetic. Steps from downtown Calistoga, a stay here offers a fresh take on how to best enjoy Northern California's iconic wine region with stellar but previously unimaginable perks such as wooden soaking tubs, nooks for meditative tea ceremonies, and a vibrant karaoke lounge.
Design & Character
A historic property long known to locals as The Pink Mansion, the landmark Victorian was built in 1875 by William F. Fisher, on a stretch of property reportedly given to him by Calistoga's founder, Sam Brannan. Sold in 2017 to the owners of Kanpai Wines (Japanese for “cheers”), Okaeri Calistoga is fresh off a seven-year reimagination. The often talked about bubblegum pink façade is gone, replaced by a sophisticated Japanese-inspired bed-and-breakfast owned by a family that understands the importance of details.
Refined but not at all stuffy. Okaeri (meaning “welcome home” in Japanese) is refreshingly different than any other hotel property in Napa Valley. The table in the stone-walled wine cellar is made from recycled wood chopsticks. Steps away, you’ll find a karaoke room complete with a mini stage and turntable. Shou sugi ban (charred wood) paneling surrounds the handcrafted front desk, while shoji screens and lush green plants are studded throughout the luxe inn. What was once an indoor pool is now a show-stopping 10,000-gallon koi pond, located in the center of Okaeri’s dining room.
The Rooms
Each of Okaeri’s seven rooms are named after one of Kanpai’s wines. No two rooms are alike in layout, size, or style, but all share a love for comfort and Japanese design. The spacious Hi No Tori Suite features a wood soaking tub, framed kimono, private balcony with panoramic views of Mount Saint Helena, and king bed; the adjoining sitting room has a tatami platform ideal for sipping tea or those pondering a ryokan-like sleeping experience. For guests committed to a minimalist Japanese–style night’s sleep, the Toki No Kawa accommodation offers a double-sized futon on the floor. (There is no bed.) Every room has a custom-made refreshment center. It’s here you’ll find an electric kettle, pour-over coffee from San Francisco-based Cento Coffee, and tea from Five Mountains. In addition to a complimentary split of Kanpai Wine and filtered water, room refrigerators are stocked with fresh half-and-half and oat milk. (Complimentary snacks such as fruit bars, popcorn, and chocolate can be found in the lobby 24/7.)
Food & Drinks
Okaeri doesn’t have a restaurant, but the three-course breakfast included with every stay is designed to be a memorable part of your time in wine country. Dishes are creative; think selections the likes of fried pumpkin mochi dusted with cinnamon sugar, and mango ravioli with mint ricotta and mango crème. While some mornings may include homemade croissants, you might also find local favorites such as English muffins from The Model Bakery. (If you’re not familiar, they’ve been featured on Oprah’s “Favorite Things” list multiple times.) Every Saturday, guests are treated to a traditional Japanese-style breakfast with miso soy marinated salmon, pickled daikon and carrots, sunomono (cucumber salad), steamed rice, and miso soup.
Wellness
There’s no spa, but the Japanese garden (complete with lily pond and wooden footbridge) offers opportunity for relaxation and reflection. Ask about feeding the koi fish; they’re smile-inducing.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
Set on the hillside just off Highway 128, it’s just a five-minute walk from Okaeri to downtown Calistoga. The main drag, Lincoln Avenue, is lined with shops, restaurants, and wine tasting rooms. (Consider stopping by Maria Concetto Winery to lay eyes on RobinoVino. He's reportedly the world's first wine-pouring robot.)
Known for its geothermal hot springs and mud baths, Calistoga is also home to a plethora of spas. Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs has been touting the benefits of relaxing in mud since 1952. If a long, warm soak in sparkling mineral water is your goal, you can’t beat the Olympic–sized pools fed by onsite geysers at Indian Springs Calistoga. A limited number of pool passes are available for spa day guests who book a 50-minute spa service. Built in 1913, water temperatures range from approximately 92 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fast Facts
Location: Calistoga, Napa Valley, California, United States
Rating: Five-Star; $300, including breakfast for two people and Kanpai wine hour.
The Vibe: There’s a karaoke lounge and a wine cellar. Enough said.
Room Count: 7
Our Favorite Thing: The “upcycled” dining room koi pond. The colorful carp have clever names such as Creamsicle, Rudolph, Sunny Side Up, and Liza Finnelli.
Amenities: Free Parking, Free Wi-Fi, Non-Smoking Rooms, Facilities for Disabled Guests, Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms, Breakfast
Closest Airport: Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) — 19 miles / 30 minutes by car. For a more robust flight selection, consider San Francisco International Airport (SFO) — 85 miles / 1 hour 50 minutes by car.
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Calistoga, California, United States
