During the Napa fires in October, the owners and staff of the Poetry Inn sat, waiting anxiously at the bottom of a hill in the Stag’s Leap District. The smoke was so thick and the fires so close that, for days, they could not tell if the inn had burned to the ground or survived unscathed from the damage. A crew of convicts was able to protect the Poetry Inn and miraculously the boutique Napa Valley resort remains today. If you’ve never heard of the hotel, don’t worry, until recently I had not either. It’s an under the radar sort of place that’s so small—there are only five suites—it can’t hold too many guests.
The people who are lucky enough to reserve a room at the Poetry Inn are in for a rare treat. It’s a luxurious, intimate, and romantic experience. The inn, which is a part of Lede Family Wines and is owned by Cliff Lede, is nestled into a hillside off of the Silverado Trail. Each of the rooms is named after a famous poet and have stunning sunset views of the vineyards and valley.
Upscale amenities—king beds with plush Italian linens, marble bathroom with oversized soaking tub and heated floors, Apple TV and Netflix, fresh flowers, a well-stocked complimentary mini-bar—make a stay at the hotel instantly comfortable. With private terraces, outdoor showers, wood-burning fireplaces, and a neutral color palette, it’s easy to relax and feel at home in the gorgeous rooms.
Another thing that makes the Poetry unique? The Innkeepers. Prior to arrival, the innkeeper reaches out to inquire about your preferences. Do you require special pillows? Or want to book a massage with the spa’s on-call therapist? Wondering if you should pack a swimsuit? (You should). Let them know now—all questions will be answered. Then, when you get to the Poetry Inn, a delightful and dedicated staff member welcomes guests with a glass of wine and cheese plate. The lobby is actually a living room with plenty of lounge areas, stunning views, magazines and books. Think of the accommodating and friendly innkeepers as your personal concierge during your stay. They will set up a wine tasting appointment at Cliff Lede Vineyards and provide restaurant recommendations.
Although there is no restaurant on property, the hotel employs a sensational chef, Lynn Vita. Guests can arrange for dinner to be served in house and are invited to experience Vita’s wonderful cooking every morning. Poetry offers a sumptuous three-course breakfast, complimentary to guests, daily. It’s an indulgence that ensures each day starts off on the right foot. The meal begins with coffee, tea, freshly-squeezed juices, and pastries from nearby Bouchon Bakery being delivered to your door. Then guests select two items off of Vita’s seasonal daily changing menu. Fresh grapefruit, vegetable and cheddar quiche with bacon, smoked salmon eggs Benedict, broiche French toast are some of the delicious items that may be available for breakfast.
The meal is a meaningful touch that many other resorts overlook and it’s another reason to reserve a room at the Poetry for your next trip to Napa. With its proximity to world-class wines, thoughtful extras, and generous staff, the inn is a hidden gem who’s brilliance only shines more brightly now that it survived the devastating fires.
