Okaeri Calistoga — Hotel in Calistoga

From the moment you turn onto the driveway leading to Okaeri Calistoga, you sense a shift. The noise of the everyday world fades, replaced by the scent of damp earth and pine, and a palpable sense of calm. This isn't just a place to sleep; it's an immersion into the tranquility and thoughtful hospitality inspired by traditional Japanese inns, adapted into an intimate Bed & Breakfast setting.

Arrival and Atmosphere: The entrance is unassuming yet deliberate. A simple wooden staircase leads onto a path winding through a meticulously maintained, yet natural-feeling garden. Moss covers stones, Japanese maple trees rustle gently, and a small pond invites a moment of pause. The moment we walked in, it immediately signals a transition into a different, more mindful space. The hostess, Leslie, welcomed us with a warm, genuine smile and quiet efficiency embodying the spirit of omotenashi (wholehearted hospitality).

The Room: Our room, the Fuyu No Tsuki and Aki No Mori was a sanctuary of minimalist elegance. Polished wooden floors felt smooth underfoot, reminiscent of traditional spaces. Sliding shoji screens connected the two-rooms with privacy and at night, they ensured privacy and darkness.

The centerpiece was the bedding – a low platform bed with a high-quality, comfortable mattress dressed in crisp, natural-fiber linens, evoking the simplicity of a futon setup without requiring guests unaccustomed to sleeping directly on the floor. The decor was sparse but intentional: a single, beautiful piece of calligraphy hung in the tokonoma (alcove), alongside a simple ikebana flower arrangement that changed daily.

The ensuite bathroom was a highlight. Clean lines, natural stone tile, and best of all, a deep, ofuro-style wooden tub. and it was deep enough for a truly immersive, shoulder-high soak – pure bliss after a day exploring. High-quality, subtly scented toiletries were provided, along with soft cotton bath robes and towels.

Grounds and Common Areas: Beyond the rooms, the B&B offered small pockets of peace. A shared sitting area featured comfortable chairs and floor cushions overlooking the main garden. There was always a pot of complimentary tea or coffee available. The property boasts a collection of Kanpai Wines in their subterranean wine cellar. Adjacent to the wine cellar is the Music and Karaoke room equipped with magic mikes and a collection of various musical genre in vinyl. The highlight was the small Zen garden at the rear – meticulously raked gravel, artfully placed rocks, and pruned Japanese maple trees creating a perfect space for quiet contemplation.

The Breakfast: This is where the "Bed & Breakfast" aspect truly shone, with a distinct Japanese touch. Served in a serene dining area overlooking the garden, the breakfast was a multi-component delight, changing slightly each day. One morning featured:

Red Wine poached pear

Perfectly steamed Japanese rice.

Freshly baked croissant and blueberry scone

Light and Fluffy egg souffle

Fresh fruit, fresh squeezed fruit juice, a variety of tea  and coffee. It was nourishing, beautifully presented, and a far cry from typical B&B fare. It set a peaceful, mindful tone for the day. They also thoughtfully inquired about dietary restrictions beforehand.

Service: The service was impeccable – attentive yet unobtrusive. The hosts seemed to anticipate needs without hovering. Recommendations for local sights were offered thoughtfully, respecting our desire for a quiet retreat. The respect for guest privacy was paramount, contributing significantly to the restful atmosphere.

Overall Impression: Okaeri Calistoga B&B is a rare gem. It successfully captures the essence of Japanese aesthetics and hospitality – simplicity, harmony with nature, mindfulness, and exceptional service – within an accessible B&B format. It's ideal for couples seeking a romantic and tranquil escape, solo travelers needing to recharge, or anyone who appreciates quiet elegance and cultural immersion. It's not a place for loud parties or those expecting...

I recently had the pleasure of staying at Okaeri , which just opened its doors, and let me say. it was an unforgettable experience! From start to finish, my stay was filled with warmth, charm, and exceptional hospitality.

Arrival and Ambiance: Upon arrival, I was warmly welcomed by Leslie the lovely hostess who created a beautiful atmosphere throughout the B&B. The entrance adorned with beautiful inviting Japanese decor, set the tone for what would be a relaxing retreat. The hosts took the time to give me a tour of the property, showcasing their dedication to creating a welcoming space filled with character. Having arrived at 5pm I was also greeted with a glass of Kanpai wine as well as a freshly made cheese and tomato bake with toasted baguette. I was thrilled to see the karaoke room and wine cellar on site.

Room Experience: I stayed in the Aki No Mori suite which was nothing short of a sanctuary. The room was tastefully decorated, blending Asian charm with modern comforts. The king-sized bed was incredibly comfortable, with luxe linens that made it hard to get out of bed in the morning! The ensuite bathroom featured a spacious walk-in shower and deep soaking tub, adding a touch of luxury to my stay. The small details, like plush complimentary bathrobes, in room fridge, and a few pieces of artwork, truly elevated the experience.

Breakfast: Now, let’s talk about the breakfast! Each morning, I was treated to a delightful spread that highlighted local and seasonal ingredients. The first morning, I enjoyed a mouthwatering soufflé accompanied by a freshly baked croissants, blueberry scone, red wine poached pear, and a fresh glass of apple pear ginger juice. The hosts also provided a variety of beverages, including fresh pour over coffee and a selection of herbal teas. It felt like dining at a gourmet café!

Service: The level of service at Okaeri is truly commendable. You can tell the owners went above and beyond to ensure that I felt comfortable and had everything I needed. They offered insightful recommendations for nearby attractions and even made sure I kept on schedule for my birthday events. There is a genuine passion for hosting that was evident and made my stay even more enjoyable.

Location: The B&B is conveniently located in Calistoga close to several local attractions, shops, and cafes. I appreciated the serene surroundings, which allowed for peaceful mornings on the grounds. The combination of tranquility and proximity to bustling local culture made it the perfect getaway.

Conclusion: Overall, my experience at Okaeri was absolutely exceptional. The perfect blend of cozy ambiance, delicious food, and outstanding service made for a memorable stay. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a peaceful retreat, or a home base for exploring the area, this Bed and Breakfast is a must-visit! I’m already looking forward to...

Calling Okaeri Calistoga a Bed and Breakfast is like calling a Ferrari a ‘car’. Certainly it is, but that name in no way prepares you for the experience offered. From the moment you step foot on this excellent property you realize you are in for something very special. The petite Japanese garden at the entry sets the experiential tone. In those traditional gardens paths gently meander and every turn begs the visitor to stop and take in that scene. So it is at Okaeri too. Every room and seemingly every turn within a room, offers a visual delight. Whether a picture, shoji screen, plant, tree, koi pond or simply gorgeous wood and wallpaper. Nothing is overdone. There is symmetry here yes, but also something much more. There is Balance. Balance that is inherently felt as well as seen. And it is this Balance of all those wonderful things that creates the notable peace and restfulness of this place. The owner and staff are gracious hosts in a casual and very comfortable manner. There are 6 rooms here each named for one of the wines from the owner’s Kanpai wine vineyard. And each unique in its decor. Our stay was in Hi No Tori, an exquisite, light filled, spacious domain of bamboo floors and windows framing colorful Japanese maple trees with Napa mountains in the near distance. Elegant. Restful. Balanced. Dinner was a short 5 min walk in Calistoga and after a wonderful day in the wine country, a soothing soak in the large (for two if you like😉) Japanese Hinoki Ofuro soaking tub was a perfect prelude to nestling into the very comfortable king bed. Awaken at your own time and prepare your own pour over coffee in your room before breakfast at 9ish. Chef Giovanni will delight with daily surprises. Ours was a refreshing smoked Salmon on cucumber with just the right amount of Ziziki dressing followed by a generous portion of bacon and leak Quiche and micro greens. Fresh croissants and ginger, mixed fruit juice rounded off the breakfast in the bright, open dining room with a koi pond and Japanese maple tree at its center. Delicious. Filling. For both eyes and stomach. Time to go? All administrative tasks were handled promptly and with smiles. Directions and suggestions on things to see and do were eagerly provided if desired. We plan on returning with friends and next time to also enjoy a bespoke dinner in their subterranean wine cellar that is available to reserve if desired. Something to look forward to for sure. Okaeri Calistoga——why drive a car when you can spend some time in a Ferrari? Most Highly...