Avia Hotel Napa

Capturing the romance and heritage of its surroundings with a rustic elegance and casually refined charm, the Avia Napa hotel boasts 141 rooms and suites in downtown Napa, only steps away from world-class wine tasting venues and “Cali” cuisine.

The hotel is centrally situated downtown within walking distance to tasting rooms, restaurants, local hotspots and some of the world’s best vineyards, including the highly regarded Joseph Phelps Winery and Cain Vineyards. Other nearby sites include the shopping, wine and artisanal food of the new Oxbow Public Market.

Designed by New York's Colum McCartan, Avia Napa Valley has called on the city’s most interesting and personable residents for their not-to-miss insider recommendations. Napa’s tipsters currently include Leslie Rudd, Proprietor of Rudd Winery and Vineyards and owner of Dean & Deluca, Greg Cole, Executive Chef and Owner of celebrated restaurants Celadon and Cole’s Chop House, and Janet Fletcher, Food Author and Journalist with the San Francisco Chronicle.

Among AVIA’s signature services are a 100 percent smoke-free environment, fitness rooms, complimentary internet stations with printers, concierge services with tips from locals, and an ever-changing menu of imaginative packages for groups and individuals to tap into the best of what the city has to offer.

Other facilities at AVIA Napa include the 1,900 square-foot Great Room designed for hosting stylish events and productive meetings; a second-floor 4,500 square-foot Outdoor Terrace, with beautiful landscaping, intimate seating nooks and secret gardens; and Presidential and Governor Hosting Suites, with extended space and amenities for easy entertaining.

Another highlight? Tasting and pairing classes on the second floor terrace, offering hands on training and one-on-one interaction for a fun epicurean experience.

At the AVIA Kitchen and Wine Bar, led by Chef John Alexander, the dining experience begins in the morning with a breakfast menu generously seasoned with local touches. Fresh market fruits and breads as well as meats, cheeses, chef-prepared eggs and local signature dishes are complemented by espresso-based drinks, signature blend organic certified coffees, teas and seasonal juices, served by a barista.

 In the evening, the accent is on grazing. The opportunity to sample small plates and tastings that feature imaginative recipes, regional and local favorites and signature desserts.

The Wine Bar offers an impressive selection of wines and beers, emphasizing lesser-known, small-production wineries from California and the Northwest as well as an interesting selection of craft beer. Signature Prosecco-based cocktails are also on the menu, served by knowledgeable, friendly staff who sometimes secret recipes on request.

Guests returning or arriving late and famished – or those who have the late night munchies – are treated to a satisfying After Hours menu. Whether it’s a salad or wrap or even a mini-crockpot of mac and cheese delivered quickly to the room, it is more than likely to hit the spot.

Alexander most recently served as Executive Chef and Dining Room Manager at the Doubletree Hotel in Sonoma Wine-County where his specialty dish – Bourbon Braised Short Ribs –won two double gold awards and an overall Best use of Beef award at the 2008 Sonoma County Harvest Fair.

Alexander comes to AVIA Napa with a lifelong passion for cuisine inspired by the biggest names in the business – Alain Ducasse, Michel Richard and Ferran Adrià, who Alexander affectionately calls the “mad scientist of the culinary world.”

Avia Hotel Napa Valley is located at 1450 First Street, Napa, California 94559-2843; 866-644-2842; http://www.aviahotels.com/hotels/napa/