We were very excited to stay at the newly branded Hyatt Avia in Napa. Based on the pictures on the Hyatt and former Avia web sites, along with numerous Yelp and Trip Advisor reviews, we thought we were making a great choice of accommodation in Napa. My husband is a Hyatt Diamond Passport so our expectations are always high.

I had called the hotel manager about a week before the conversion to Hyatt (September 1st was their "live" date) asking if we could book using our Diamond suite upgrade awards for two nights and pay for the rest. She was very accommodating in obtaining a suite for us during high season.

Diamond Alert: Breakfast was included, the Diamond amenity was bonus points or a chef's snack. They couldn't tell us what that might be. No wine. Everyone gets free wi-fi, free parking in the lot behind the hotel. Valet is $15 per night.

Check in was smooth although the front desk is not quite Hyatt-savvy. The front desk agent was very kind, but really neglected to give us the dog and pony show to which we have become accustomed, especially when it is our first stay at a particular property. Although the manager was helpful with making the reservation, I really believed that as Diamond Passport, they would have pulled out all the stops for us. Not! Not even a welcome letter in our suite! The front desk agent said we have already blocked you a great room! Ha! We were given the lowest level of suite (a lux suite) with a view of the parking lot behind the property! It was also right next to the elevators! It would have been an insult to any Hyatt Diamond. It is important to note that this property is not a view property and a "premium" view would be overlooking First Street in downtown Napa, and maybe, it might have a balcony . . . Ours didn't.

Fortunately for us, we didn't need a view or a balcony, but for those who want to have accommodations that overlook the vineyards, gardens or even a pool or water feature, this is not the place for you! On the positive side, the property has a lovely patio area with fire pits where you can order your wine or BYOB and enjoy the crisp air in the evenings and relax after a long day of wine tasting. The hotel also offers some wine tasting events in the evening, a plus if you want even more wine.

Service was good, but not great. The concierge was definitely on her game when she was able to get us a much-coveted appointment at Pride Vineyards! I would definitely rely on their concierges for any and all information you might need. There was otherwise very little in personal attention for this boutique hotel.

Our suite was nothing about which I could rave. The bathroom does have a quasi walk-in shower with a rain shower head, but unless you tilt it towards the wall, all the water overflows onto the bathroom floor. You don't even realize it until you step out into a huge puddle! In our bathroom, the toilet faced the windows, so if the drapes were open and you forgot to close the sliding bathroom door, the entire parking lot can see you squat! In addition, the web site shows a lux suite with double sinks, but in ours, there was only one!

Breakfast service is very slow. We waited ten minutes for our server to offer us coffee. The weekend buffet is, however, lovely with lots of options including yummy hot items and an egg and omelet station. The applewood smoked bacon and chicken apple sausage are delish!

The location is perfect for exploring downtown Napa which has had a massive revitalization since our last visit over six years ago. You can walk to great markets, eclectic shops, wine tasting stores and fabulous four-star restaurants. I think that is the Hyatt Avia's strongest selling point since it definitely does NOT have any of the following amenities that one associates with the typical wine country experience.

Nothing near the quaintness and personality of a bed and breakfast or small inn.
No luxurious grounds to meander.
No spa, although they do have privileges with the fitness center next door.
No pool.
No hot tub.

For $400 per night (that is what we paid for a SUNDAY night stay), I think you can get a lot more bang for your buck in Napa Valley. We were so enamored by the fact that Hyatt finally had a property in the Napa Valley (they have a Hyatt in Santa Rosa which is too far from the main attractions) that I forgot to do my homework!

When we returned home, I looked up some of the rates and amenities of comparable properties, like the Westin Napa, and found the rates very similar for the last weekend in October, and the Westin has its own fitness facility, outdoor pool and spa.

Are we too spoiled? I think not, given that we stay pretty much exclusively at Hyatt unless there isn't a convenient location. We have expect a certain level of bend over backward-ness as Hyatt Diamond guests.

In conclusion, I would by no means discount the Hyatt Avia as a contender when deciding on a property in the Napa area of the Wine Country, but I would seriously consider what amenities are offered before I plunked down my credit card guarantee!