There’s a long list of places to sleep well in Napa Valley wine country. Deciding where to call home in this popular Northern California destination isn’t an easy decision, but after settling into your room at Milliken Creek Inn, you’ll quickly know you made a great choice.
The inn called Napa home long before grapevines took root; its main house serving as a stagecoach stop during the California Gold Rush. After the dream of striking it rich faded, a gifted horticulturalist moved in and began planting, creating the wooded, lush three-acre setting that still thrives today.
Overlooking the Napa River, Milliken Creek Inn offers just 11 guestrooms. Renovated in 2021, each is a bit different from the next, but they all offer a sophisticated feel that naturally encourages guests to relax. Many boast river views, private decks or patios, and four now have their own fire pits that turn on with the twist of a dial. The front desk is located in the main house, Milliken Creek’s take on a lobby, but a majority of check-in is easily completed online, prior to arrival.
I stayed in room 11, in what’s called a Brookwood guestroom. Along with a king bed decked out with lovely soft linens, the huge room featured a freestanding soaking tub, spacious shower, fireplace with sitting area, and a private outdoor deck with a fire pit and views of the Napa River.
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The outdoor deck is the type of place that makes you want to linger longer and question whether you’re still interested in those wine tasting appointments and dinner reservations. And the same could be said for many of the property’s public spaces, a majority of which are located outdoors. Shady paths lead the way to riverside lounge chairs, a koi pond, and seating areas with fire pits. Complimentary s’mores kits sweeten the desire to gather fireside.
Guestrooms offer a number of welcome modern touches like iPads, televisions with Apple TV, Nespresso coffee makers, Bluetooth Tivoli speakers, and easy to access USB ports, but thanks to abundant natural light and a color palette of pale earthy hues, a calming feel prevails.
There is no onsite restaurant, and with dozens of delicious eateries less than a mile away in downtown Napa, it truthfully wouldn’t make any sense for the property to try and compete. However, a breakfast to remember is included with every stay. Think options like a Belgian waffle, mushroom, spinach, and feta frittata, egg, bacon and cheddar sandwich, and steel-cut oats. Turn in your order before heading to bed and staff will deliver it to your room (or anywhere on property you’d like to dine) the next morning at the time you select.
Each evening from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., guests are invited to pick up a complimentary wine and cheese picnic from the main house. Along with cheese, crackers, and fresh-baked cookies, it often includes nibbles like nuts and olives. Complimentary cordials are also available for guests craving a nightcap.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, daily housekeeping is currently not being offered, however, guests are encouraged to call or text guest services with any needs. I was impressed how quickly staff responded to text queries. It also made checking out a breeze. There’s need to head to the front desk anymore. Simply leave your keycards in the guestroom, and call or text guest services when you depart.
Guestrooms at Milliken Creek Inn start at $495. Wi-Fi and parking are included. See more information and rates at the official website. You can also compare rates and book through Expedia or Hotels.com.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by Milliken Creek Inn, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
