Solage Calistoga, Auberge Collection

Solage Calistoga, an Auberge Collection property in the picturesque Napa Valley, stands out as a luxurious and vibrant retreat, blending sophisticated design with the laid-back charm of wine country. As a Michelin Key Selected property, it is recognized for offering a notable stay experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Solage Calistoga is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a 5-star retreat and an exceptional luxury experience. It's particularly well-suited for couples and adults seeking a serene and rejuvenating escape. The resort is celebrated for its fresh, design-forward aesthetic and its ability to provide a "good life" experience to wine lovers, foodies, and wellness seekers.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise the outstanding service, beautiful location, and high-quality food. Key highlights include the attentive and friendly staff, well-maintained facilities, and modern accommodations. The resort's wellness focus is a major draw, featuring the 20,000-square-foot Spa Solage with geothermal pools and signature mud therapies. Other beloved amenities are the large main pool, complimentary cruiser bicycles for exploring the area, and a unique Mercedes-Benz program allowing guests to take out luxury cars. Many appreciate the ability to easily walk into the charming town of Calistoga from the hotel.

3. Room Quality

Solage offers spacious, design-forward studios and suites that evoke effortless wine country style. Accommodations feature clean lines, natural materials, and loft-like layouts with contemporary furnishings and vaulted ceilings. Each room includes a private outdoor patio, with some suites boasting outdoor showers, soaking tubs, jetted hot tubs, or cozy fire pits, emphasizing privacy and seclusion. Rooms come equipped with flat-screen TVs, coffee/tea making facilities, premium linens, down bedding, and bathrooms with pebble stone floor showers and all-natural bath products. While some studios have been noted as being on the smaller side, the overall comfort and design are highly regarded.

4. Dining Experience

The resort offers exceptional dining experiences through its two main restaurants. Solbar, the signature restaurant, is known for its inventive Californian cuisine with a strong focus on fresh, locally sourced produce. It provides a breezy, sunny, and serene atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor dining, particularly praised for its patio experience. While Solbar previously held a Michelin star for eight consecutive years, it lost the star in 2018 after a change in leadership, though it remains a highly recommended dining spot. Breakfast, which can be enjoyed at Solbar or via room service, is often included in room rates and features diverse and delicious options, including egg white omelettes with fresh ingredients and well-prepared bagels and lox. Picobar offers a more casual, modern Mexican dining experience poolside, serving tacos with homemade Napa-flavored tortillas and a variety of tequila and mezcal-based cocktails.

5. Service & Staff

Hospitality at Solage is consistently lauded as outstanding. Guests frequently highlight the staff as attentive, incredibly nice, friendly, and providing warm service. This dedication to guest satisfaction contributes to a sense of exclusivity and personalized care throughout the stay.

6. Location & Accessibility

Solage Calistoga is ideally situated on 22 sprawling acres in the northern end of Napa Valley, surrounded by scenic mountains and vineyards. It offers a peaceful countryside vibe while being conveniently located within walking distance of the charming town of Calistoga. Calistoga itself provides access to boutique shops, diverse dining options, and local attractions such as the Old Faithful Geyser of California and Castello Di Amorosa. While complimentary bicycles are provided for local exploration, a car is recommended for wider excursions throughout Napa Valley, as ride-sharing services can be scarce.

7. Value & Pricing

As a luxury property and a Michelin Key Selected resort, Solage Calistoga commands a premium price point. Room rates typically start from around $549, with an average room price observed around $992, significantly higher than the average for other hotels in Calistoga. Despite the higher cost, many guests consider it an "extraordinary value" due to the exceptional amenities, impeccable service, and stunning surroundings that contribute to an unparalleled luxury experience. Wedding venue costs, for example, begin around $39,372 for 50 guests, reflecting the high-end nature of the property.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have surfaced. Some guest feedback mentioned that the studio rooms could be on the smaller side for their price point. There were also some older comments suggesting that the spa and common areas might benefit from a refresh, although many recent reviews praise these facilities highly.

A significant concern that emerged in late 2023 involves a civil lawsuit filed against Solage, Auberge Resorts, by a guest alleging sexual assault by a massage therapist. This incident brought to light prior sexual harassment allegations against the same individual by former employees, raising questions about the resort's handling of staff complaints and guest safety. The therapist was reportedly removed from the schedule following the guest's accusations.

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