We stayed at Appellation Healdsburg for two nights last week. It’s a beautiful new hotel and you can tell they’re aiming for that upscale wine country feel — a step below Montage pricing but still high-end. There’s definitely potential here, but it still feels like they’re working out the kinks.||The property itself is modern and clean, but there’s a lot of concrete and not much greenery yet. It gives the place kind of a stark, unfinished vibe. Maybe the landscaping just needs time to grow in, or maybe it’s fire code related, hard to tell. Either way, it doesn’t have that lush, resort feel yet. There’s also some construction happening right across the street (looks like part of the same development), which takes away from the peaceful atmosphere.||The staff were mostly great — friendly, attentive, and clearly trying hard to make guests feel welcome. But a couple of the younger staff at the restaurant and bar seemed pretty disengaged. Nothing terrible, just not what you’d expect for a place positioning itself as luxury.||Our room was spotless, but we couldn’t get it to cool down enough at night. Even with the thermostat turned down, it got hot and stuffy — probably because the windows don’t open and there’s limited airflow. We didn’t sleep well either night, which was a bummer because the bed itself was comfortable.||We both booked massages. The therapists were excellent, but the overall spa setup felt like an afterthought. There’s no dedicated spa area or lounge — it’s basically just a treatment room near the fitness area. The woman at the front desk seemed unsure of what to do and didn’t add much to the experience. Not bad, just not what you’d expect for the price as compared to Cavallo Point or Solage.||Pools were large and nice with lots of seating, but no pool bar or pool service takes away from the lounge vibe. ||We ate dinner at Folia one night. The space is beautiful, and the service was friendly, but they surprised us with a pre-fixe menu we didn’t know about until we sat down. The food had good ideas but was too saucy and heavy — the grilled fish came swimming in sauce, which kind of drowned the flavors. You can tell they’re aiming high though, and I think it could become a real highlight with a few tweaks.||Couldn’t quite figure out what the upstairs bar was going for. Music was super loud and had a clubby feel. ||Overall, I’d give Appellation about a 6.5 or 7 out of 10. It’s a nice spot if you want something new and modern without paying Montage prices, but it’s not quite a true luxury experience yet. My guess is that in a year or two, once the landscaping matures and the staff has more experience, it’ll be a lot closer to the vision...
Read moreWOW! What an unforgettable five-star experience from the moment we arrived to the moment we left.|The atmosphere from check-in onward is unlike anything we’ve ever experienced — seamless, warm, and genuinely welcoming. The entry area feels more like a vibrant social lounge than a traditional hotel lobby, creating an immediate sense of excitement and ease. The design and ambiance strike the perfect balance of elegance, comfort, and contemporary style.|With Charlie Parker overseeing the dining experience, it truly doesn’t get better. Every meal was a masterpiece — creative, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious.|You step right into the lively heart of the hotel, where every corner offers something inviting — plush couches for relaxing, a high-energy bar, and beautifully set tables perfect for dining or sipping a cocktail. Every detail has been thoughtfully curated to create a sense of effortless luxury.|Our room was stunning — spacious, beautifully appointed, and filled with thoughtful touches that made our stay feel both indulgent and personal. The ADA-compliant room was exceptionally well designed, combining style and accessibility with ease. As a wheelchair user, I was so impressed by how comfortable it was to navigate the entire property. The ramps throughout the hotel made every area — including the spa and fitness center — completely accessible and enjoyable, which is something you rarely find even in high-end properties.|The service was extraordinary across the board. Every staff member was friendly, professional, and genuinely dedicated to making our stay special. We truly felt cared for at every turn.|This will now be our home away from home — it’s so special that we no longer feel the need to travel abroad for a comparable luxury experience. Appellation Healdsburg deserves recognition on the level of Relais & Châteaux, as it exemplifies the same impeccable standard of hospitality,...
Read moreWOW! What an unforgettable five-star experience from the moment we arrived to the moment we left. The atmosphere from check-in onward is unlike anything we’ve ever experienced — seamless, warm, and genuinely welcoming. The entry area feels more like a vibrant social lounge than a traditional hotel lobby, creating an immediate sense of excitement and ease. The design and ambiance strike the perfect balance of elegance, comfort, and contemporary style. With Charlie Palmer overseeing the dining experience, it truly doesn’t get better. Every meal was a masterpiece — creative, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious. You step right into the lively heart of the hotel, where every corner offers something inviting — plush couches for relaxing, a high-energy bar, and beautifully set tables perfect for dining or sipping a cocktail. Every detail has been thoughtfully curated to create a sense of effortless luxury. Our room was stunning — spacious, beautifully appointed, and filled with thoughtful touches that made our stay feel both indulgent and personal. The ADA-compliant room was exceptionally well designed, combining style and accessibility with ease. As a wheelchair user, I was so impressed by how comfortable it was to navigate the entire property. The ramps throughout the hotel made every area — including the spa and fitness center — completely accessible and enjoyable, which is something you rarely find even in high-end properties. The service was extraordinary across the board. Every staff member was friendly, professional, and genuinely dedicated to making our stay special. We truly felt cared for at every turn. This will now be our home away from home — it’s so special that we no longer feel the need to travel abroad for a comparable luxury experience. Appellation Healdsburg deserves recognition on the level of Relais & Châteaux, as it exemplifies the same impeccable standard of hospitality,...
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