My wife and I just returned from our tenth wedding anniversary at Calistoga Ranch and are happy to report that the rave reviews on this website are all true. I travel extensively for business and pleasure and have had the privilege of staying and eating at many of the best hotel and dining establishments in the country, including some competitors in the Napa area. Calistoga Ranch was perhaps the best combination hotel/food/service experience I have ever had.

We arrived at about 12:00 noon, much earlier than the normal check in time. Nevertheless, our room was ready and we were quickly shuttled to our lodge. Granted, we splurged on one of the more private Oak Creek Lodges with Spa, but this is a place where you definitely got what you pay for. Two completely separate and freestanding units, including a bedroom/bathroom with open air shower, plus a separate livingroom, fireplace, wet bar and half bath, all of which is separated by a huge, private patio deck with chairs, table and jacuzzi. Upon touring the living room, my wife joked that it was nicer than our house. Everything just reeks of luxury, including the nicely stocked bar, the surround sound TV/DVD/stereo system, fully equipped with an Ipod docking station, and the exceptionally cozy bed, furniture, linens, towels and robes. And, to top it all off, it is in the most beautiful and private of surroundings you can imagine!

Since we wanted a special weekend, we booked a package deal with lodge, wine tour, dinner and spa treatment. The wine tour, arranged by Gloria the concierge, was spectacular. We visited two of the smaller wineries where we were given private tasting tours with the owner and/or manager, enjoying some of the most fantastic cabs. We then had a casual dinner at the Lakehouse bar, where Steve the bartender was both superb and entertaining. He recommended several dishes including the oysters and “pork and beans,” both of which were to die for (not your standard bar food)! We returned to our lodge to find a complimentary bottle of champagne and desert in celebration of our anniversary.

The next day we enjoyed one of the beautiful hiking trails on property, complete with water bottles and a selection of walking sticks at the entrance. The open air workout room was excellent, as was our relaxing lunch by the pool. The massage treatments were very good, and the prix fix dinner and service was outstanding. Everyone seemed to know it was our anniversary, which was a really nice touch. The only “problem” we had was that our jacuzzi was cold one day, but ten minutes after we called the front desk a maintenance person was there to fix it with a smile. And, they gave us a yummy fruit and cheese plate and another bottle of champagne for the “inconvenience.”

We repeatedly used the golf cart shuttles to get around the property, and everyone on staff was consistently friendly, relaxed and smiling. We were told by several employees that they are so happy because the Ranch treats them so well. It definitely shows! In short, the property, amenities, food and service are all out of this world. We intend to return again and again and wouldn’t think of staying at another property in the area.