Review: Arbor Guest House in Napa Valley

Arbor Guest House is a revitalized colonial home with five unique guest rooms in downtown Napa. The wrap-around porch, gazebo & gentleman’s vineyard are ideal places to relax and enjoy a glass of wine or perhaps challenge your friends to a game of bocce ball on a sunny afternoon. As I was visiting in the fall, the fireplace in the common room caught my attention, as did the garden views. Next to the gazebo in the backyard, a redwood sequoia towers over the Guest House and Carriage House. It was planted in 1905 and dates back to the Rumble family – the home’s original owners. Now the husband and wife team of Dan and Candy Cocilova operate the family-run inn. The couple left San Francisco in 2001 to begin their next stage of life as Napa valley innkeepers.

“This was my dream,” said Candy Cocilova. “From the very first time we stayed in Napa, I knew I wanted to do this. In March 2008 we started looking for a bed & breakfast to buy. Eventually, we came across the Arbor Guest House. On February 24, 2009 my dream came true. With five rooms, we’re one of the smallest bed & breakfasts, so people get that home away from home experience. We kept the charm of the 111 year old house, but brought in modern amenities.”

Gourmet Breakfast

A full three-course gourmet breakfast is served from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. at private bistro tables. Freshly ground coffee is ready every morning, in addition to tea and hot chocolate available throughout the day. Dan and Candy share the cooking duties and bake the pastries daily. They are happy to accommodate special palates and dietary needs with advance notice. A casual evening wine and cheese reception takes place from 5:00-6:00 p.m.

“The breakfasts are lovely,” said Rick Lampert of Washington, D.C. “We appreciated the generosity and legitimate hospitality and generous spirit of our hosts.”

Magnus & Pernilla were visiting the Napa Valley from Gavle, Sweden. “This was a nice, family guest house with friendly staff and great atmosphere in a quiet area,” noted Pernilla. “Napa is a pleasant small town with several nice restaurants.”

Garden Room

I stayed in the Carriage House behind the Arbor Guest House. Once home to horses, the lower level Garden Room gave off a very romantic vibe. Those seeking privacy will appreciate the private patio entrance, queen bed and cozy fireplace. A Keurig coffee maker was available in room, as were wine glasses and bottled water. The spa tub and bath salts made for a relaxing way to start my morning.

Need to know:

All five tastefully decorated rooms offer modern amenities, romantic fireplace, flat screen tv, elegant furniture and free Wi-Fi. In room massage is available with exclusive massage therapist Diane Barbosa. Bathrooms offer Tarocco soaps, lotions and bath salts for the rooms with spa tubs. Guests have access to iPads, wireless printing and free parking. During my visit I stayed in the Garden Room which rented for $249 plus tax during the winter season. Rooms range from $189-$309 depending on room and time of year. All rooms are non smoking and pet-free. Check the website for special pricing.

Check-in time: 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

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

Insider tip:

The Cocilova family has relationships with many wineries. During Lisa Kahn’s visit from Washington D.C., she was recommended to Jessup Cellars and had a terrific wine and cheese tasting. (Tell ’em Dan and Candy sent you!) For additional insider tips follow luxury travel writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter @nancydbrown and find Arbor Guest House on Facebook. The bed and breakfast is a member of Historic Inns of Napa and participates in the yearly Napa B & B holiday tour the first Saturday in December.

If You Go:
Arbor Guest House (707) 252-8144
1436 G Street
Napa, California 94559

Napa bed & breakfast review, all photography and YouTube video by travel writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of Arbor Guest House for first-hand review purposes, however all opinions are my own.