Yountville's Hidden Gem: North Block Hotel's Unforgettable Stay
North Block Hotel: My Chaotic, Glorious Yountville Escape (A Review That Isn't Afraid to Be Real)
Okay, let's be honest, planning a trip to Napa Valley can feel a little intimidating. All those perfect vineyards, all those Michelin stars… it's enough to make you feel like you need a trust fund just to order a glass of water. But then you stumble upon a place like North Block Hotel in Yountville, and suddenly, the whole experience softens. It’s not pretentious; it’s cool. It's the kind of place you want to Instagram, but also – and this is key – the kind of place you actually want to, you know, stay.
And let me tell you, I did stay. And I'm still processing the experience, in the best possible way. So, buckle up, because this isn't your average, perfectly-polished review. This is a rambly, opinionated, occasionally-oversharing account of my North Block adventure.
Accessibility & Safety: The Calm Before the Wine Storm
First, the essentials. Accessibility: North Block seems pretty solid. I didn’t have any specific accessibility needs myself, but from what I saw (and the fact they list "Facilities for disabled guests"), it looked well-considered. Cleanliness and Safety? Top-notch. Seriously. The whole place felt… gleaming. They’ve clearly invested in anti-viral cleaning products, and the staff are definitely trained. They had this whole setup with hand sanitizer everywhere, and I appreciated the daily disinfection of common areas. Felt secure; felt looked after. I’m a germaphobe at heart so this was a win for me. I checked it, too!
Rooms & Amenities: My Personal Oasis (with a Few Minor Quirks)
My room? Oh, my room! Honestly, it was a sanctuary after a long day of… well, drinking wine. (Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.)
The Wi-Fi was blazing fast. Seriously. Important, because I need to be able to get good memes off. Speaking of, the blackout curtains were a lifesaver. Seriously… the sun in Napa? Brutal. The bathrobes were plush (I may or may not have worn one for the majority of my stay), the coffee maker was easy to use – and I needed a lot of coffee, as you can imagine. (Oh, the complimentary tea was a nice touch!) I loved having a separate shower/bathtub because, yes, I want both.
The only "complaint"? The in-room safe box. Great, but I forgot my password and had to call down. (Embarrassing!) But they were super helpful, and I’m not blaming them for my memory short-circuit; the delicious food was to blame.
Internet & Connectivity: Stay Connected, But Put Away Your Phone
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas. Seriously, it was everywhere. Easy to connect, and very reliable. It was so good, that it was tempting to ruin my very relaxed vibe by constantly scrolling. But I'll admit, I actually wanted to disconnect. This place just makes you want to live in the moment.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach's Personal Heaven
Alright, prepare yourselves. This is where things get, well, deliciously messy.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, etc.
The Restaurant (a.k.a. My Second Home): The North Block restaurant, is just… chef’s kiss. The A la carte selection was incredible, and the happy hour was a daily necessity. I'm not the kind of person who usually goes for Asian Breakfast, but I did on this trip and was very happy I did. The desserts… oh, the desserts. Seriously, I may have accidentally ordered three one night. (I did share… eventually.) The bar was stylish and fun, and the poolside bar was clutch for those lazy afternoons.
But what really stood out? The service. The staff were just… lovely. They were friendly, attentive, and actually seemed to care if you were enjoying your experience. They accommodated my (very) picky eating habits with grace, and always had a smile. They were all on point with how quickly they were at the pool bar at the right time.
Services and Conveniences: More Than Just a Hotel; It's a Haven
Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
The concierge saved my bacon a few times, helping me with restaurant reservations and insider tips. Contactless check-in/out was a breeze. And the daily housekeeping… my room was always spotless; they made me feel like royalty. Not gonna lie, I may have accidentally left a trail of crumbs during my afternoon snack. The doorman was absolutely fantastic and always greeted me with a smile and a friendly hello.
"Things to Do": Relaxation as a Fine Art
Things to do, ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
Okay, so I went a little crazy with the relaxation. Starting with the pool with a view: Absolutely stunning. I spent hours lounging by the pool, drinking rosé, and actually reading a book (shocking, I know).
Then, the spa. Okay, confession time: I'm not usually a spa person. I tend to feel awkward and like I'm not "doing it right." But the spa at North Block? Seriously magical. The massage was divine (I may have drifted off to sleep… more than once). The sauna and Steamroom? Pure bliss. I never did the foot bath (what is it about putting your feet in water that's so weird?), but I'm guessing it was also relaxing.
And the fitness center and gym? I walked past them. Looked at the equipment. And then went back to lounging by the pool. Hey, a girl's gotta prioritize, right?
Getting Around: Ease of Exploration
Getting around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
Car park [on-site], Car park [free of charge]: Parking was a breeze (which is a blessing in Yountville). The valet parking also was nice.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun
For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
I don’t have kids, so while I didn't need to test them out, I saw families there. North Block feels like it welcomes families.
The Verdict: My Love Letter to North Block
Okay, okay, so maybe this review is a bit of a love letter. But honestly, North Block Hotel is the kind of place that deserves it. It's stylish, comfortable, well-appointed, and the staff are absolutely amazing. It's the kind of place where you can relax, recharge, and forget all about the stresses of everyday life. It's the kind of place that will make you want to come back.
**
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary isn't your average glossy travel brochure. We're going to Yountville, baby, to that swanky North Block Hotel, and this is gonna be less "perfectly curated Instagram feed" and more "slightly tipsy ramblings of a well-intentioned travel enthusiast."
Yountville, California: North Block Hotel – The Wine-Soaked Confession of a Wanderer
(Day 1: Arrival & The Glorious Calamity of Choice)
- 1:00 PM: Arrival at SFO (San Francisco International Airport). Ugh, airports. Don't even get me started. That pre-flight anxiety of: "Did I pack everything? Did I leave the stove on? Is my passport even… REAL?" Managed to navigate the labyrinth of baggage claim and, miraculously, found my rental car without bursting into tears (a personal victory, truly).
- 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: The Great Car Rental Cage Fight. Okay, maybe I did burst into tears a little at the car rental counter. Apparently, "compact" and "four suitcases crammed in by sheer force of will" don't always align with the rental agent's definition of "practical." Fought the good fight, upgraded (because, hey, vacation!), and finally hit the road. Thank you, little hatchback, for holding on!
- 4:00 PM: The Scenic Drive to Yountville. Ah, the Napa Valley. Majestic rolling hills, vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, the scent of grapes… and a sudden, desperate need to pee after the rental car drama. Pulled over at a charming little farm stand, bought a ridiculously overpriced peach (totally worth it, though) and enjoyed the views. Felt human again.
- 5:00 PM: Check-in at North Block Hotel. The hotel itself? Absolutely stunning. Chic, modern, with design choices that scream "I have my life together." (I, on the other hand, was currently battling a rogue suitcase zipper.) The staff was genuinely lovely, which is a BIG plus. Briefly considered living in the lobby for a week.
- 6:00 PM: Unpacking… and the Existential Dilemma of Wardrobe Choices. This is where the real fun begins, right? Stare blankly at said suitcases. I've packed for every scenario: hikes, fancy dinners, casual lunch, a zombie apocalypse (you never know!). Struggle and decide on something vaguely sophisticated and walk to the lobby.
- 7:00 PM: Aperitivo Time The first thing the staff told me was to enjoy the amazing cocktails the hotel had to offer. I can enjoy a cocktail, and I did! I sat on the patio soaking in the sun, the gentle breeze, and the faint scent of… money? (Just kidding! Mostly.)
(Day 2: The Wine Incident & The Pursuit of Perfect Croque Monsieur)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the Hotel. The hotel's breakfast was… look, if by "breakfast" you mean "a plate of perfectly poached eggs with avocado and a side of smug satisfaction," then yes, it was breakfast. It was delicious. I may have eaten two.
- 10:00 AM: Wine Tasting Extravaganza – Part 1: The "Beginner's Luck" Tasting. My wine knowledge can be summed up as "red or white?" Decided to be adventurous and tried a few local wineries. The first one? Amazing. The second one? Slightly less amazing, but the staff were lovely, so I drank it anyway.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at Bouchon Bakery (and a slight detour into the world of dessert). This bakery, by the renowned Thomas Keller, is a MUST DO. My stomach was about to explode from the deliciousness, and I'm not sorry in the slightest. I literally dream about this place.
- 1:00 PM: Wine Tasting Extravaganza – Part 2: The “Questionable Decisions” Tasting. Things got a little looser after lunch. More wineries, more wine, more… enthusiastically-declared opinions on the merits of Merlot. I may have bought a bottle I’ll probably never drink.
- 4:00 PM: The Croque Monsieur Quest Begins. I decided I needed a Croque Monsieur. The perfect one. I spent far longer than I'm willing to admit researching the best ones in town. This is where the messy part of the itinerary really took hold.
- 5:00 PM: Down time Took a nap. I needed it after all the excitement and wine.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a randomly selected restaurant. I could hardly walk or talk.
(Day 3: Farewell, Yountville (and a Promise of Return)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast (and a lingering sense of mild regret). Another great breakfast (thank god). Contemplated ordering the entire menu and starting life anew as a pastry chef.
- 10:00 AM: One Last Stroll Through Yountville. Said a sad farewell to the hotel, soaked up the last of the sunshine, and promised myself I’d come back and properly conquer the wine tasting experience.
- 11:00 AM: Head Back to SFO. Time to go back to the real world. But honestly, I'm leaving with a head full of memories and a suitcase full of wine (maybe). I'm already plotting my return. Honestly, this trip felt like a beautiful, slightly tipsy dream. And I'm already craving those Croque Monsieurs.
So, there you have it, my friends. A messy, imperfect, and totally wonderful trip to Yountville and the North Block Hotel. Go. Drink wine. Eat pastries. Embrace the chaos. You won't regret it.
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Okay, Seriously, Is North Block Hotel REALLY That Good? I've Seen All the Pictures...
Alright, look, I'm gonna be blunt. Yes. It *is* that good. That Instagram-perfect aesthetic translates to real life. Think less "hotel room," more "chic, minimalist apartment you wish you owned." But here's the thing: the pictures don't capture the *smell*. And I mean that in the best way possible. That fresh, clean, slightly woodsy aroma when you walk in? Pure bliss. I almost asked if they could bottle it. (Probably would've bought it, no shame.)
The Rooms... Are They Actually Comfortable? Like, Beyond Just Pretty?
Comfort? Oh honey, they *nail* comfort. The bed? Cloud-like. I genuinely considered calling the front desk to ask about buying the mattress. (Maybe I should have.) And the bathroom? HUGE. I'm talking enough space to do lunges while brushing your teeth. (Don't judge. I was excited about the hotel, okay?) The only downside? You might not want to leave. I swear, I almost missed my wine tasting because I was enjoying the ridiculously luxurious bathtub. (Priorities, people!)
Must-Dos While Staying at North Block? Besides, you know, *sleeping*...
Okay, so first, *do not* skip the complimentary breakfast. It's not just "continental" garbage. We're talking fresh juices, pastries, and... (deep inhale)...the avo toast. Oh my god, the avo toast. I dreamt about it. Literally. And then there’s the Michelin-starred counter, Redd Wood. I went for dinner; then lunch; then I almost tried to sneak in for a sneaky pre-bed pizza. The truffle pizza? Don't even get me started. It's an experience, truly. Another must-do? Walk around Yountville. Seriously, it's charming. Like, Hallmark-movie charming. And if you’re into wine (duh), you're in the right place. Literally, everywhere is a winery there, but just in case, ask at the front desk for recommendations. They’re pros.
Let's Talk About Redd Wood, The Restaurant... The Pressure is On! Worth the Hype?
Okay, Redd Wood. This is where things get... complicated. Yes, it's Michelin-starred. Yes, the food is *amazing*. Yes, the pizza is life-altering (I still get cravings). But… here’s the thing. The first night, I went, and, well, the kitchen got slammed, and things were SLOW. Like, really, *really* slow. We were talking about ordering another bottle of wine (not a hardship, mind you) just to kill time. But, the staff, bless their hearts, handled it with grace. They acknowledged the delay, kept us updated, and even comped us a dessert. Redemption! So, yeah, worth the hype, but just be prepared for a possible wait. Pack a good book (or a friend to gossip with). The food, though? Completely justifies the wait (and the potential hangry-ness). And that truffle pizza? I'd wait in line for a *week* for that pizza. Seriously, I might.
Is it Kid-Friendly? Like, Realistically?
Hmm. This is tricky. While I saw a few families, North Block has more of a "romantic getaway" vibe. The atmosphere says, "Relax, indulge, and maybe don't bring a screaming toddler." The rooms are spacious, which is good, but there aren't a ton of kid-centric amenities. Plus, Redd Wood, while delicious, might not be the ideal place for a picky eater. So, yes, you *could*, but consider the vibe you're going for. Maybe a weekend away with *only* the adults? Just a thought...
Okay, the Price... Is it Worth the Splurge? Be Honest!
Alright, let's be real. It's pricey. No way around it. But, here's the thing: you're paying for an experience. The location, the service, the ambiance, the *food*… it all adds up. I walked away feeling like I actually *got* something for my money. Did I wince at the final bill? A little. But would I go back? Absolutely. In a heartbeat. Start saving now. You won't regret it. Think of it as an investment in your sanity (and your taste buds).
Are there any "Hidden Costs" I should be aware of?
Hmm. The complimentary breakfast is INCREDIBLE, but everything else you order out of the kitchen is not included. (Duh, I know but still... worth mentioning.) The parking is convenient, and there is a charge for valet. The mini-bar is tempting, but, you know, pricey. Okay, and this is super important: If you're planning on indulging in multiple bottles of wine (and let's be honest, you ARE), factor that into your budget. Wine in Napa is not cheap. But it IS delicious. So, priorities.
Any Downsides? Anything I Should Know Before I Go?
Okay, the truth? There are a few tiny things. The pool is small. Not a dealbreaker, but don't expect to swim laps. Also, the hotel is right in the middle of Yountville, which is fantastic for walking around, but it can also mean a bit of street noise if you're a light sleeper. But Honestly? Those are minor quibbles. The biggest "downside"? The post-vacation blues. You'll never want to leave. And you'll spend the next few weeks planning your return. (I'm already there.)
Okay, One Last Random Question: What's the best time of year to visit?
Ah, the million-dollar question. Honestly, anytime is beautiful. But, spring and fall are magical. The weather is perfect for exploring the vineyards, and the crowds are a bit thinner than in peak summer. Plus, let's be real: cozying up by the fireplace in your room with a glass of wine during a cool evening? Pure bliss. Just saying.
