As a black woman who recently experienced firsthand discrimination at the Archer Hotel in Napa, CA, I feel compelled to share my disheartening encounter.
Despite being gifted a two-night stay by my employer this past weekend with a recommendation directly from the owner, my excitement turned into utter disappointment upon check-in. When I arrived, I let the front desk attendant (I believe her name is Karen) know that I was checking in and shared my ID to look up my booking. The attendant then requested for my debit card for what should have been just incidentals but at this point I realized they were charging the full booking. I let her know that this should have been paid for and was booked online as a gift from my job and there should have been a card on-file, since it was booked online. She then suggested to me that her manager is the one who made the arrangement and that I could come back the next day to resolve the matter. She was very dismissive and again, this was booked online. Throughout this process she kept calling to the back office and whispering to whoever was on the other end of the call. At this point I called the cardholder who arranged my trip to confirm if she put her card on file, since they suggested that there was no card on file. This was the start of my 45-minute demeaning wait.
I asked if she could give the card over the phone or send over a credit card authorization. The front desk attendant shared that we could complete a credit card authorization form to the cardholder. I provided the company email address that contained the cardholders first initial and last name. The company cardholder then completed the information and sent it back. The staff displayed a lack of urgency in confirming whether the authorization had been received or processed. I waited about 10 minutes before the attendant went back to her computer and let me know that she received the authorization back and that she was going to the back to “process the transaction.”
Finally, after waiting more countless minutes in the lobby I was finally approached by the attendant who let me know that there was something wrong because there was no ID provided. I then called the cardholder who let me know she misplaced her ID and was looking for her passport to provide. But instead of receiving the courteous service expected at a luxury hotel, I was then confronted with baseless accusations. The assistant manager Bridgette came out and informed me that there were concerns about the legitimacy of the credit card being used for the reservation, insinuating that it could potentially be stolen and that there was no way to help me. I let her know that this was not stolen, it was booked with a company card and that I felt insulted that she would insinuate that I would be checking in under false pretenses. Her tone was unprofessional and accusatory, not the hospitality one would expect from an Assistant Manager at such a nice hotel.
The implication was clear: I, a black woman, was automatically suspected of fraudulent activity. It was a blatant display of racial profiling and discrimination, tarnishing what should have been a memorable experience.
In a city known for its hospitality and inclusivity, the Archer Hotel's conduct is utterly unacceptable. Discrimination has no place in any establishment, let alone one that prides itself on providing exemplary service.
My experience at the Archer Hotel Napa was not only disappointing but also deeply troubling. I urge the management to address this issue promptly and implement measures to ensure that such discriminatory behavior is never repeated. Until then, I cannot in good conscience recommend this hotel to anyone, especially individuals from marginalized communities who deserve to be treated with dignity...
Read moreReview edit: Since writing the review below, I’ve returned for another stay and I’m genuinely impressed by how much better the experience was. The hotel has made several thoughtful updates that really elevate the overall stay. Check-in was smooth and welcoming, and this time I received all the info I needed upfront, from in-room dining options to hotel amenities and hours. The QR codes were easy to use, and everything felt much more guest-friendly and intuitive.
The atmosphere of the hotel has been refreshed in a way that feels more high-end without losing its charm. Even small touches, like clearer minibar pricing and in-room convenience, made a big difference. I could tell that real care went into addressing past feedback. Angela, the manager, was lovely to interact with and genuinely committed to making sure guests have a great experience. Her attention to detail helped create a much more relaxed and enjoyable visit.
Since then, I’ve found myself coming back just to enjoy the rooftop bar for brunch or sunset cocktails with friends and family... the view is gorgeous, the food is great, and the vibe is just right. Whether you're planning an overnight stay or simply want a great spot to unwind, I absolutely recommend checking this place out. It’s clear they’re committed to making every guest feel welcome and cared for.
Original Review: I loved the hotel and staff. The friendliness and helpfulness of the staff was great. The room was very nice and I enjoyed my stay but it was very pricey for a just ok experience. When you typically check into a hotel you receive key infomearion about the hotel and amenities as well as local activities or things to do. You also typically get a menu of hotel pricing for add on services.. mini bar, in room ordering etc. I checked in and received my hotel room key and and didn't get any of this information. I know with covid everything should be contactless or paperless, so I just expected an email or digital form. It seemed there were a few qr codes in the room on a tiny handout but it was shrunk down too small to scan.. or possible Pixelated or distorted. Nothing in the mini bar had a price on it and I wanted to open some of the wine, but didn't know how much it was. I also figured I could order in room dining but didn't get a menu. I didn't know what was open or not in the hotel, as nobody advised me. So I would suggest an update of current accommodations via email or printed out in rooms. I also noticed there was no clock radio in the room. Although it's not necessary for all hotels, it's expected in higher end ones such as your hotel. I imaged sitting in my room with the sun coming in and relaxing to some tunes on the radio. There was no radio or option for music at all in the room. I honestly expected even a cheap clock radio of some sort. Cheaper hotels now offer blue tooth clock radios. So I just expected something. I pre-ordered a charcuterie and cheese board and sparkling wine to be in room upon arrival.. that was on time. But the cheese was underwhelming. I thought maybe it would be a selection of cheeses, but the hotel chose and there was blue cheese chosen. Thats such a strong cheese I expect to be asked if I am OK with the choices. I couldn't eat the blue cheese as it was too strong and honestly a waste of money. I just wanted a bit more of a customized experience The rooftop bar was awesome and had amazing views but there menu was lacking. I am a vegetarian and the only option was the impossible burger.. which you were out of. So I asked if I could have pasta without the shrimp and it was just unslated butter with noodles. It was pretty bad and I got charged full price even with out the shrimp. Overall stay was nice, but for the price I paid I really...
Read moreWe stayed at the Archer Hotel Napa for five nights in August. The boutique hotel has a stunningly beautiful lobby, lobby lounge, and Charlie Palmer Steak all on the ground floor. There are ample seating areas and a pretty gas fireplace. It's in a great location that is walking distance to basically everything in downtown Napa and the river - very convenient. There is a rooftop pool and bar that has entertainment regularly.||We loved the ambiance of the hotel itself and our room, but we were really disappointed by the staff in the Valet and Front Desk. We paid around $3,500 for a five night stay, and for this price, we expected excellent customer service from the staff. We have had much better service at a cheap motel.||We booked an absolutely beautiful Archer's Den w/Balcony suite, which was almost 700 square feet (pretty huge) and had a four-poster canopy king bed, separate living area with a sofa & coffee table, wet bar w/mini fridge, two TVs (one mounted in the living area and one hidden in the bedroom - remote controlled to raise & lower). The bathroom was HUGE and had dual sinks, a gigantic soaking tub and walk in shower. We also had a very large balcony with two lounge chairs and a small table. The view was pretty bad though - rooftops and the roof of a shopping plaza. We were on the third floor. The black-out curtains and sheers were controlled by an electronic panel on the wall in the bedroom. They were manual in the living area.||Water and caramels were left in the room for us at check in. Housekeeping offers turndown service and left treats every night. We passed Housekeeping staff every day in the hallways and they were warm and friendly - never missing an opportunity to say hello or have a nice day.||Here is our experience with the other staff at the hotel.||Bellmen: I'm not really sure this hotel actually has Bellmen. The Valet people seem to do this when asked but it didn't seem to be second nature. They asked us if we wanted a cart when we checked in as we were sort of standing at the back of our SUV with the doors opened. We said we wanted a Bellman to actually assist with our luggage to our room. They seemed put off by this request but helped us anyway. It was sort of weird.||When we checked out, we just went down to the lobby and took a cart to move the luggage ourselves. We had called to have the car brought around (which was always pretty quick). Not one of the Valet staff offered to help my husband load the luggage into the car. There were two people there watching him but not helping.||Valet staff: Not one time did a Valet approach our car to open our doors or welcome us to the hotel. Not ever. Every single day for the five days we were there. We used the car daily (sometimes multiple times a day) and we ALWAYS had to walk over to them to hand them the keys at their little podium. We use Valet service regularly at hotels and restaurants and this is the first and only experience we have ever had where we were not greeted. The Valets were always at their stand interacting with each other. If we just walked in and out of the hotel without getting the car, they never addressed us either. Just hanging out and interacting with each other. ||Front Desk staff: Wow, is this a bunch of unfriendly people. When we checked in there was not one smile to be had from the two people behind the desk. Just a cold "Hello". Every day we walked by the desk several times and not one person acknowledged us. This too has never happened to us, even at a budget motel. Same at check out - never a smile or warm...
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