Inn on Randolph Ideal Napa Valley Wine Country Location

Whether you are looking for a romantic weekend getaway, an intimate wedding location in Napa Valley wine country or want to take cooking classes at a gluten-free bed and breakfast, Inn on Randolph is the “inn” spot. Ideally situated steps from downtown Napa, California, this historic inn, with five private cottages will not disappoint.

Don’t come to the Inn on Randolph looking for lace, doilies and plush velvet curtains. This downtown Napa inn offers clean lines and simple elegance. “We’ve taken an old Victorian and made it current,” says owner Karen Lynch.

Inn on Randolph blends old with new

Lynch and her husband purchased Inn on Randolph in 2011, closed it down for a year, completely re-modeled the inn and re-opened in May of 2012, with five rooms in the historic inn and five cottages on property.

While Lynch offers complimentary high speed internet in both the inn and guest cottages, she found that her guests requesting rooms at Inn on Randolph did not necessarily want televisions in their rooms. For those requesting a cottage stay, these properties do offer LCD TV’s, whirlpool spa tubs, gas fireplaces and heated bathroom flooring.

Inn on Randolph Victorian

If the walls of this 1860’s Victorian could talk, you might hear the sounds of babies. This 19th century estate was originally known as the Hannah Moore house. Back in the day, when babies were delivered at midwife centers or homes, the Inn on Randolph was sometime called “Maternity Row.”  Hanna’s granddaughter opened a women’s health center in the house and delivered babies in what is now the dining room.

Inn on Randolph cottages

My husband and I stayed overnight in the Randolph cottage with a queen-sized bed. Open the French doors to the private garden, grab a bottle of Napa Valley wine (compliments of the owner) and enjoy the quiet. If the weather is cooler, enjoy a glass of wine by the fireplace. All rooms also offer coffee and tea service.

Gluten-free dining at Inn on Randolph

For guests with food allergies, Inn on Randolph is one of the only gluten-free inns in the country. As I don’t suffer from Celiac Disease, I selfishly wondered if I would be disappointed with the morning breakfast service.

My first gluten-free encounter was with a plate of chocolate chip cookies on display in the historic inn. Not knowing what to expect, I grabbed a gluten-free cookie to try upon check-in and was pleasantly surprised.  I imagine it must come as a wonderful relief for guests with food allergies to know that Inn on Randolph features a gluten-free, safe kitchen.

Neiman room for special occasions

Having walked the almost one acre park-like grounds at Inn on Randolph, I visualized what it would be like to attend an intimate wedding reception in the garden. With Karen and her staff’s attention to detail, this would be one heck of a party.

Speaking of parties, a fraternity reunion was underway in the Neiman room with Napa winemaker Drew Neiman pouring his red wines for the gentlemen and their wives. Everyone was having a grand time sipping wine and tasting cheese from nearby Oxbow Market.  The next morning during breakfast, guests were fondly recalling their dinners in downtown Napa from the night prior.  What a fun place to re-connect with college friends.

Inn on Randolph is on the Napa Historic Registry, is a member of Select Registry and the California Association of Boutique & Breakfast Inns. Lodging rates range from $225 – $400 during high season. There is a two night minimum on Friday and Saturday stays during high season.

Check-in time: 3:00- 6:00 p.m.

Check-out time: 11:00 a.m.

Insider tip

Looking for restaurant and winery recommendations in downtown Napa? Karen and her staff are happy to plan itineraries and make advance reservations for guests. I liked the walk in cards she handed us with map and walking directions to our restaurant.  She also left a flashlight at our bedside and suggested we take it along with us for our evening outing.

For additional insider tips follow Luxury Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter.

If You Go:

Inn on Randolph (707) 257-2886

411 Randolph Street

Napa, California 94559

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I was a guest of Inn on Randolph. All opinions are my own.