Fodor's Expert Review Embrace Calistoga

Extravagant hospitality defines the Napa Valley's luxury properties, but Embrace takes the prize in the small-lodging category. With thoughtful touches like wine-touring snack packs and gourmet chocolates at turndown, sociable hosts Brent Riedberger and Chris Johansen make a stay feel special at their 1873 Victorian. Most guests make sure to return from the wineries in time for the convivial early evening wine-and-cheese event on the inn's expansive wraparound veranda.

YOU SHOULD KNOW With only five rooms and many repeat guests, Embrace Calistoga books up well in advance on weekends year-round and the whole week in the summer and early fall.

room

All five rooms are immaculately maintained, each furnished with a tastefully casual mix of new and antique appointments and original art. Three rooms are very spacious, the other two more than adequate. All rooms have a gas fireplace, flat-screen HDTV, complimentary Wi-Fi, well-padded robes, and an iPad for in-room use.

For the most privacy, consider the downstairs room that has its own entrance. It's also the sole pet-friendly room.

bathroom

As elsewhere at Embrace, the bathrooms, all with marble floors and decorative mirrors over the vanities, have an eclectic style. All rooms have a shower (in one case a walk-in), fluffy towels, makeup mirrors, and fancy bath amenities.

The King Suite, off the lobby, has a soaking tub.

lobby

Although there's a small foyer, the veranda, with sofas, tables, and chairs, is the de facto lobby and a comfortable place to hang out.

dining

Come morning, the inn's four-course breakfasts are marvelous affairs. A recent menu included house-made scones, blueberries and yogurt, and a poached egg atop a succotash-smothered corn fritter. In the early evening, Brent and Chris serve wines and cheese on the veranda. Head off-site for lunch and dinner.

drinking

Brent and Chris feature wines from a different Napa Valley winery (many from Calistoga) each evening. There's no bar.