You know the saying “set it, and forget it” ~ that pretty much comes to my mind when I look back at our recent visit to the Westin Verasa Napa a couple of weeks ago.  We parked the car ~ and forgot about it.  Set in an idyllic locations  in the heart  of downtown Napa, a block away from the Oxbow Market, right across the Wine Train,  and a nice stroll to where you want to be:  wine tasting rooms, fine and casual dining, the cinema  and cool boutique shopping.   The weather was finally nice and this time of year, a light sweater was all I needed.

This time around, I was traveling to wine country with a unique companion, my beer loving husband who was off for the week.   Indeed, the short getaway was refreshing and thoroughly relaxing and he immediately sensed the friendliness and hospitality of the people, the more laid back feel and he loved the fact that it was so close to home.

The Westin Verasa Napa

We checked into this lovely 180 suite hotel and the lobby was buzzing with  a chartered busload of employees from a famous Silicon Valley company  in town of a team building event.  For a few shining moments after I chatted up with a few of them  (a huge HR department!),  I reminisced my own days in planning and participating in corporate sales and marketing out of towners.  It was nice to see incentives like this still in existence.   I was also thankful to be here on my own time.

The expansive lobby with living room comfy feel

The lobby was immediately welcoming.  Expansive yet warm and inviting.  Soothing music, scents, botanicals and lighting transform the welcome experience and make it truly inviting.    You’re immediately embraced by staff as soon as you pull up with your car, and registration was a breeze.  We were excited to check out our suite.

Westin Verasa Napa Heavenly Bed

Our room overlooked a very pretty courtyard

Every time I enter a room in a hotel, I feel like I’m going in for The Big Reveal.   I entered the room with a big smile!!  It was bright, airy, crispy and clean to the  max!  The Westin  Heavenly Bed was particularly tempting as the 4pm check-in was just in time for a short nap.  I was so pleased to see a little kitchenette that included everything you needed if you wanted to cook your own meals! It would have been the perfect feature had we planned on spending more than one night here.   In fact, we did use it to heat up some leftovers for early breakfast.

The resort includes additional Westin trademark touches that have raised the bar for upscale hotels worldwide.  Amenities designed to provide the ultimate getaway include an outdoor pool, hot tub, two bocce courts, easy access to river walking paths and 12,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor meeting space with banquet cuisine prepared by Ken Frank, one  of the country’s top chef.   Yes, the Westin Verasa Napa is where you will find Chef Ken Frank’s famous and Michelin starred La Toque Restaurant.   This visit, we opted for more casual dining at BANK Cafe and Bar,  Ken Frank’s casual and hip version of the more classically luxurious La Toque experience.  We were delighted by his visits to us and the amazing service by BANK’s staff.

There is a lot of the outdoor feel even as you are inside the hotel.  The pool is inviting and while the weather wasn’t that warm,  I could picture a lazy, chillaxing afternoon in one of the outdoor cabanas by the pool.

Come inside, it's fun outside: from the lobby looking out

Inviting pool with the perfect temperature

Outdoor's comfy and warm too!

The Westin Verasa Napa has all the facilities for a corporate getaway, small or large incentive meetings, couples or girlfriend retreat and even has a Westin Heavenly Dog program!  Even Rover gets a cozy bed and the concierge will be more than happy to tell you where you can take your pooch out for a delightful stroll.  My stroll around the property with Sales Manager, Theresa Ajari,  made me realize how personal touches are integrated into this hotel.  Artwork from various artists are on display in and around the hallways in the property.

The attention to detail in this facility is remarkable.  While it’s a Westin, the Verasa felt very boutique-like to me because of it’s ambiance.   It wasn’t too big that I got lost in.  It was spacious enough that I didn’t feel confined.  In short, it’s the perfect location for a short or extended get away from the daily grind.

I would love to be back at Harvest time.

Bank Cafe and Bar

Named for its location near the edge of the Napa River, which traverses behind the Westin, Bank Cafe and Bar serves as a meeting and greeting place where friends and associates gather to enjoy each other’s company.

By day, guests can savor the quintessential California outdoor breakfast or a relaxing lunch while taking in the views of the nearby nature preserve and mountains to the east.  During the early evening,  Bank hosts The Westin’s signature “Unwind” ritual, where guests meet for a refreshing experience to journey from day to night.

Early evening at Bank Cafe and Bar. Later on, the place is hopping!

Extensive collection of fine wine

In the evening, Bank’s hip cafe and lounge offers an extensive menu of small, easy-to-share plates for guests seeing a more casual dining experience.  One of its distinguishing characteristics is an extensive collection of half bottles of wine.

Click on images to enlarge the images of our small dinner feast at BANK Cafe and Bar

As the celebration continues into the night, Bank will provide a seductive atmosphere to “Wind Up” the evening with cleverly composed plates of miniature sweets featuring chocolates, nuts, and fresh fruits, all of course carefully paired with delicious dessert wines and a wide selection of liqueurs.

Bank’s extensive outdoor patio is situated next to the pool, and will lure visitors outside with views of the river, nature preserve, walking path and beauty of the Napa Valley

Please enjoy more photographs from our memorable stay at The Westin Verasa Napa.

Disclosure: We received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that we would mention it on our blog. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers and relevant to the nature of our blog.