Lodging

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Horses at Carneros Inn

Located midway between Napa and Sonoma Valley, the Carneros Inn is the place to go when you just want to get away from San Francisco, or anywhere, for that matter.  A scenic 45 mile drive from the City, the Carneros Inn is surrounded by 27 acres of grape vines and farmland, yet offers the sophistication and polish of a luxury resort.

My husband and I stayed at the Carneros Inn to celebrate my birthday.  We started our Sunday morning adventure with a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train and then checked into the Bartolucci Garden Cottage, one of 86 private cottages sprinkled throughout the property. I was having a full circle moment as Andrea “Buck” Bartolucci was one of my first clients during my food and wine public relations days.  His Madonna Estate wines are well known in the Carneros region.

Carneros Inn Cottage

Being the blogging geek that I am, I was excited to learn the entire property provides high speed wireless access. I was looking forward to a dip in the adult only, infinity edged Hilltop pool and hot tub, but it was out of commission during our visit.  Fortunately, there was a second pool, designed for families and fitness, with a functioning hot tub. For those traveling with children, the family suites feature two separate bedroom cottages with a large private patio. The Carneros Inn, a member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts, welcomes children and is pet-friendly. If you are hoping to experience Napa Valley on a grand scale, the Carneros Inn also offers 2,400 square foot wine country homes. 

While breakfast is not included with the price, I highly recommend a stop at the Boon Fly Cafe for the homemade cinnamon sugar covered donuts.  At $1 a piece, these hot, tasty rings of fried dough disappear fast. 

Prices range from $480 for garden cottages to $2,700 for Carneros homes.

Carneros Inn Reservations 888-400-9000

4048 Sonoma Highway, Napa, CA 94559

Skier at Squaw Valley Photo courtesy of Squaw Creek Resort

The Resort at Squaw Creek is offering a ski deal you can’t pass up. Stay for four nights or more, between January 4th through April 30th, 2009, and receive 25% off. Or try their special 3-Day Ski Gourmet Getaway, combining world-class skiing with delicious dining. The package includes:

• Deluxe Accommodations
• Free daily lift tickets for up to two adults
• Free daily dining credit up to $100, to be used at any one of the four restaurants at the resort
• Free valet parking (a $25 a day savings)
• Free ski valet

Packages start at $289 per night per person. A three-day minimum stay is required to receive package rates.

While you’re getting such a good value for your ski vacation, pamper yourself at the all new Squaw Creek Spa. Their health and fitness center provide the ultimate spa experience where you can relax in comfort to the sound of cascading water.

The Resort is one of few California Ski and Spa Resorts, and is located in beautiful Lake Tahoe, California’s favorite playground. Experience their warm hospitality and sophisticated elegance.

Cablecar heading up the slopes Photo by Nathan Kendall

Squaw Valley was home to the 1960 Winter Olympics. It is one of the largest ski resorts in the United States and has continued to be a favorite, attracting over 600,000 skiers a year.

Take advantage of the Ski Packages that the Resort at Squaw Creek is offering. Ski, Spa, and Gourmet dining by Lake Tahoe…it doesn’t get any better than that!

Squaw Creek Resort and Spa
400 Squaw Creek Road
Olympic Valley, California
(800) 327-3353