MCOGUY

I did a search, but only saw Andaz vs Hyatt Vineyard Creek.

We are making our yearly trip to the Napa/Sonoma area. This stay will be for a couple (no kids) in Napa for an extended Labor Day weekend. We've stayed at the Embassy Suites a couple times, but never the Andaz Napa. We will be using Hyatt or Hilton points at either property, so price is not an issue.

Leaning towards the Andaz as we haven't stayed there before, but understand there was earthquake damage and it may not be completely restored. Also, haven't stayed downtown Napa before, but it would be nice walking to restaurants even though we'll have a car.

Either property we will do one of the wine tours we have done previously, and the wine dinner train one night. We don't drink and drive, so will take a cab to the wine train, and escorted tours to vineyards.

Does anyone have experience at staying at both, and if so which you prefer? Or stayed recently at Andaz and the condition of the property? I like the relaxing poolside area at the Embassy, and not sure how relaxing and/or noisy if at all it will be downtown Napa.

Thanks for any input.

MSPeconomist

I've stayed at both the Andaz Napa and the Westin Verasa Napa (near Oxbow Market, so almost in downtown Napa, with a view toward the river from the pool terrace and many of the rooms) as well as the Hyatt Vineyard Creek and the Sheraton almost in wine country, all before the earthquake.

The Andaz pool is small and located on a second (?) floor deck area on the side and behind the building. The deck looks pleasant and stylish, with nice patio furniture and outdoor fire pits IIRC. When I stayed here, it was too cold to use the pool, so I can't evaluate it. Overall, the area has an adult somewhat sophisticated vibe.

There were interesting restaurants down the street and in the small mall across the street, but the Andaz also has an interesting restaurant (local foods, sort of creative American cuisine) behind the lobby. IIRC the bar also served smaller items and continental breakfast but Hyatt Diamonds of course get full hot breakfast in the restaurant.

PTahCha

The Embassy Suites is one of the nicer ones in the system. The bedding was upgraded a few years ago to the new Hilton bed. The courtyard has a pool for people, as well as a lagoon with swans. Full hot breakfast in the morning, and chips/cheese/crackers with wine for evening receptions. The trade-off is it's not walking distance to any nearby restaurants, so you will need to rely on the taxi if you need to go anywhere.

The Andaz is more of a boutique hotel. Based on the current information on the website, it's scheduled to reopen mid-February. Unless you are confirmed into a suite, the rooms will be smaller. However, there are many restaurants and tasting rooms within walking distance, including some next door to the hotel. The second floor outdoor bar should be open while you're there, and there's live music in the afternoon through 9pm I believe.

Self parking is free for both properties.

austin_modern

.... hopefully they fix the water damage on the floor on the corner "suite" I got at the Andaz last time I stayed there as a part of this renovation. Was a little bewildered at the time when I saw it.

MSPeconomist

Some of the Andaz suites (including in the DSU category) are very small but the hotel also has some nice big suites. I suspect that this is a location where the property can sell a lot of suites, so there might not be many left for upgrades close to the day of arrival.

speedytimmy

This isn't accurate at all regarding the pool. There is no pool on the deck (which by itself looks quite pleasant but has a view of the parking garage behind the property). Guests have access to the lap pool at the gym adjacent to the property. From the Andaz website:

Exertec Health and Fitness Center facilities are adjacent to Andaz Napa. Guests enjoy complimentary access during their stay.

The Lap Pool inside the Exertec Health and Fitness Center is available to adults and children 14 years and older during the following hours...

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from a downtown location on our first stay but enjoyed being able to walk to stores and restaurants. The Oxbow Public Market is a shortish walk, Oenotri (a nice Italian restaurant) is right across the street - seems to have a better rating on Yelp than TripAdvisor and there is a Safeway on the street behind the parking garage (West Clay Street) if you need anything. From the Andaz you could I assume easily walk to the wine train. A cab back may be a better idea depending on how much you enjoy wine on the train.

Concorde28

Looking forward to returning to the Andaz Napa in July. We enjoyed the location and the gym next door very much. We also like the Westin Verasa as suite upgrades are quite available there. The Embassy Suites is the best choice if you are bringing family along.