Solage, Auberge Collection — Hotel in Calistoga

We were on a road trip from San Diego to Napa and spent quite a bit of time deciding where to stay. It came down to two contenders: The Four Seasons or Solage, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection. Since we’ve visited Napa and Sonoma many times before, we wanted to avoid the winding drive across Highway 128 and stay right in Napa Valley proper. After diving into countless reviews and watching more influencer videos than we care to admit, we chose Solage - and we’re so glad we did!|From the moment we arrived, the service was top-notch. The valet greeted us warmly and directed us to reception, where check-in was swift and accompanied by a welcome glass of champagne. Interestingly, we were checked in by the Food and Beverage Manager himself (a front desk team member was out sick), and he couldn’t have been more friendly or helpful. He also walked us through our AMEX Fine Hotels & Resorts benefits. The valet then led us via golf cart to our studio and let us know we could either park right in front or take advantage of the complimentary valet. We chose the convenience of parking at our doorstep.|We stayed in Studio 202 - and honestly, it felt more like a private cottage than a studio. Completely detached and surrounded by greenery, it reminded us of our bure in Fiji. The space was spotless, beautifully designed, and included a lovely birthday surprise: a chilled bottle of champagne for my husband! The bed sits in the center of the room and faces double doors that open to a spacious lanai with a fountain and ample seating — a perfect spot for relaxing. The resort grounds are lush, peaceful, and wonderfully walkable, with fountains and plants everywhere.|As guests, we had access to the Bathhouse Spa, and it was incredible - truly a highlight. Floating in warm mineral waters, stepping into the saunas, and taking an invigorating dip in the cold plunge pool was exactly the kind of unwind we were hoping for. One minor gripe: some trees near the Bathhouse drop sharp, pin-like needles, which made walking barefoot a bit tricky around the lounge area.|Dinner at Solbar was absolutely exceptional. The service was flawless, and the food was phenomenal. A standout was the tableside Old Fashioned — not only delicious but also a fun, memorable experience you won’t want to miss. And don’t skip breakfast either — it was just as impressive. We loved the Old Fashioneds so much we returned to sit at the Solbar bar, where we struck up a conversation with a lovely couple staying across the street at the Four Seasons. When I asked why they were dining here instead of at their own resort, they didn’t hesitate: “The food and bar at Solbar are way better.”|Another perk we took full advantage of was the complimentary use of Mercedes-Benz vehicles for up to four hours. We took a quick (and stylish) trip into Calistoga’s charming downtown for a pharmacy run - and didn’t mind one bit that we were overdoing it in a luxury car. It’s Napa, after all!|On our last evening after stuffing ourselves at Bouchon Bistro, we stopped by Pico Bar for an after-dinner cocktail, based on a recommendation from the Solbar staff. Unfortunately, the drinks didn’t meet expectations -we left them at the bar and returned to Solbar, where the cocktails by Kelly were much better crafted and more enjoyable.|Sadly, our two-night stay flew by. At checkout, Danny made the farewell especially memorable. He personally walked us to our car, addressed us by name, handed us bottled water for the road, and gave us a warm sendoff. It was a simple gesture, but it truly elevated our entire experience.|We’re already missing it - and yes, our socks are still nowhere to be found after Solbar! We’ve been enthusiastically recommending Solage to friends, and we will...

We were on a road trip from San Diego to Napa and spent quite a bit of time deciding where to stay. It came down to two contenders: The Four Seasons or Solage, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection. Since we’ve visited Napa and Sonoma many times before, we wanted to avoid the winding drive across Highway 128 and stay right in Napa Valley proper. After diving into countless reviews and watching more influencer videos than we care to admit, we chose Solage - and we’re so glad we did! From the moment we arrived, the service was top-notch. The valet greeted us warmly and directed us to reception, where check-in was swift and accompanied by a welcome glass of champagne. Interestingly, we were checked in by the Food and Beverage Manager himself (a front desk team member was out sick), and he couldn’t have been more friendly or helpful. He also walked us through our AMEX Fine Hotels & Resorts benefits. The valet then led us via golf cart to our studio and let us know we could either park right in front or take advantage of the complimentary valet. We chose the convenience of parking at our doorstep. We stayed in Studio 202 - and honestly, it felt more like a private cottage than a studio. Completely detached and surrounded by greenery, it reminded us of our bure in Fiji. The space was spotless, beautifully designed, and included a lovely birthday surprise: a chilled bottle of champagne for my husband! The bed sits in the center of the room and faces double doors that open to a spacious lanai with a fountain and ample seating — a perfect spot for relaxing. The resort grounds are lush, peaceful, and wonderfully walkable, with fountains and plants everywhere. As guests, we had access to the Bathhouse Spa, and it was incredible - truly a highlight. Floating in warm mineral waters, stepping into the saunas, and taking an invigorating dip in the cold plunge pool was exactly the kind of unwind we were hoping for. One minor gripe: some trees near the Bathhouse drop sharp, pin-like needles, which made walking barefoot a bit tricky around the lounge area. Dinner at Solbar was absolutely exceptional. The service was flawless, and the food was phenomenal. A standout was the tableside Old Fashioned — not only delicious but also a fun, memorable experience you won’t want to miss. And don’t skip breakfast either — it was just as impressive. We loved the Old Fashioneds so much we returned to sit at the Solbar bar, where we struck up a conversation with a lovely couple staying across the street at the Four Seasons. When I asked why they were dining here instead of at their own resort, they didn’t hesitate: “The food and bar at Solbar are way better.” Another perk we took full advantage of was the complimentary use of Mercedes-Benz vehicles for up to four hours. We took a quick (and stylish) trip into Calistoga’s charming downtown for a pharmacy run - and didn’t mind one bit that we were overdoing it in a luxury car. It’s Napa, after all! On our last evening after stuffing ourselves at Bouchon Bistro, we stopped by Pico Bar for an after-dinner cocktail, based on a recommendation from the Solbar staff. Unfortunately, the drinks didn’t meet expectations -we left them at the bar and returned to Solbar, where the cocktails by Kelly were much better crafted and more enjoyable. Sadly, our two-night stay flew by. At checkout, Danny made the farewell especially memorable. He personally walked us to our car, addressed us by name, handed us bottled water for the road, and gave us a warm sendoff. It was a simple gesture, but it truly elevated our entire experience. We’re already missing it - and yes, our socks are still nowhere to be found after Solbar! We’ve been enthusiastically recommending Solage to friends, and we will...

I love a great resort. We typically stay in Yountville when in the Napa Valley area but we decided to split our stay between there and Calistoga, hoping for a peaceful, relaxing part of our trip. I'm not sure why I didn't love Solage ... There are a few things that stand out but overall it is a beautiful spot. We ended up springing for the Orchard Suite with sizable room & huge outdoor living area. Our room was gorgeous as was the outdoor area but with temps being 100+ (unseasonable) and no fans or outdoor respite/shade, we were barely able to use it. The biggest issue for me, personally, was the service & the food. Many weeks and months before we arrived, I reached out to ask about the ability to accommodate celiac/ gluten-free travelers. This is a very common request at upscale resorts and in California in general. I was assured that the Mexican restaurant was a great option as well as the dinner and breakfast items. (I don't have a food preference - I break out in hives all over my body if exposed to gluten so it ruins a vacation.) The first thing I asked when we arrived at the front desk was about their options or menus for gluten-free. The attendant stammered and said "Oh, I'm not sure we have much of that." When I was visibly annoyed, they found another person who said they weren't sure but would talk to the chef. So it didn't start off on the right foot. Then, we are ushered to lunch by the pool where we are told by the server at their restaurant that 1) most of their tacos are not gluten free, 2) their chips are cross contaminated so they are not gluten free. So we had about 100 calories of food and again - were very disappointed. How hard is it at $2000 a night to have a few bags on non cross contaminated chips? (see, now I'm getting worked up :) )...

Dinner was the same. While other people were eating deep friend schnitzel and munching on bread, we had about 4 options all very low calorie, very low carb and not filling at all. The exception was the risotto that while delicious, can't be eaten every single day. We were offered zero modifications.

Breakfast was the bright shining moment - smoothies, eggs, bacon, BREAD (the most delicious bread, gluten free) all available to us. How do you have bread at breakfast but it is impossible to get at dinner? (and side note, I do not ever eat bread at dinner but the meals were so light I needed to). It was probably the best breakfast option anywhere we were. But it also took 2 days to find this out because the staff was constantly confused about how to accommodate food allergies.

So I'm waxing on about food, but it's an important part of a trip. The pool was nice. The spa was nice. The grounds were nice. But nothing felt super authentic or personal, which is how I expect to feel at a resort like this; which is how I feel in Yountville. I hope this review brings someone else some much needed information and leads to some culinary program changes for those of you who are dairy free, gluten free, nut free, or have kids who are. For us, and for these reasons, I probably would give this a 3* but also want to value the property....