Built in 1893, La Belle Epoque is indeed, an original Napa Victorian Painted Lady. With six elegantly appointed rooms in the main house this Queen Anne Victorian is on the National Register of Historic Homes. The sister property across the street houses four suites in the Buckley House. Guests may expect turn-of-the-century ambiance with modern amenities and first class concierge service.
“Very quaint and romantic and perfect for a getaway,” according to Mike Peffley of Leesburg, Virginia who was visiting with his wife Christine. “Not only was the inn convenient to downtown and an easy drive to wineries, I highly suggest this place for a romantic getaway!”
California cuisine
Fresh brewed organic coffee is ready at 8:00 a.m. with a three course gourmet breakfast served at 9 a.m. Fresh organic fruit, followed with an entree and freshly baked pastries round out the meal, in addition to home-made granola, juices and a variety of teas. All guests have breakfast in La Belle Epoque’s dining room. Special dietary requests are taken into consideration with advance notice. Guests are welcomed with homemade (and gluten free) peanut butter chocolate chip cookies and chilled sparkling wine in their room. Port and sherry are available after dinner in the living room, as are tea and bottled water.
Downtown Napa
In room spa services are available and relaxing and unwinding is encouraged, but there are plenty of things to do in downtown Napa that allow you to do Napa like a local. Take advantage of the personalized concierge service when you Visit Napa Valley; go wine tasting, walk to the Vintners Collective, take an early morning hot air balloon ride, catch a show at the Uptown Theatre or enjoy a cooking class at COPIA. The inn has a great downtown Napa location and you can easily walk to local restaurants and the Oxbow Public Market.
Need to know:
All rooms offer private baths, some with fireplaces and spa tubs. Each room includes a DVD and TV, as well as complimentary wireless internet. Suites include Whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, microwaves and refrigerators. During my visit I stayed in the Caroline Suite in the Buckley House. With its private entrance and patio, the room rents for $399-$499 depending on the season. La Belle Epoque loves children, however guests must be 14 years or older to stay at the inn. All rooms are non smoking and dogs are not allowed. La Belle Epoque is a member of Historic Inns of Napa. Inn rates range from $269 – $499 depending on the season. Check the website for special rates.
Check-in time: 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Check-out time: 11:00 a.m.
Afternoon tea in wine country
Insider tip: In training as a Certified Tea Sommelier, General Manager and Innkeeper Tracy Mahr offers guests and members of the general public an opportunity to experience afternoon tea. Served daily from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. a variety of Harney & Sons teas and freshly baked tea time favorites are available to enjoy at an additional fee ($40 per person during my visit).
If you stay at the inn, you’ll see taste that Tracy uses actual tea leaves in her granola and sometimes adds lavender or earl grey tea to her light and airy scones. I’m hoping she has her cookbook published on my next visit to Napa Valley wine country.
Insider tip: If you find yourself in Napa Valley wine country during the holidays, check out the Napa B&B Holiday Tour the first Saturday in December. For additional insider tips follow luxury travel writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter @nancydbrown and find La Belle Epoque on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @labelleepoquenapa.
If You Go:
UPDATE: La Belle Epoque is no longer in business as of November 2018
1386 Calistoga Avenue
Napa, California 94559
Napa bed & breakfast review, all photography and YouTube videos by travel writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of La Belle Epoque for review purposes, however all opinions are my own.
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