Napa Bed and Breakfast:
1801 First

The Napa Bed and Breakfast, 1801 First, is an award-winning romantic b&b near the center of Napa, with good food, and spa treatments available.

1801 First bed and breakfast inn in Napa Valley1801 First

All Photos (c) Donna Dailey

Visiting this acclaimed Napa bed and breakfast was part of a birthday treat, a small two-day diversion from our Pacific Coast Highway drive. 

After all, it is only 40-50 miles from, say, Bodega Bay to St Helena, and only an hour's drive from San Francisco to Napa city, so we felt justified in making the little side-trip. Lots of visitors to the site also ask about making the Napa trip, so we had to head for wine country – in the interests of research.

Our Pick of Napa/Sonoma Guides

Fodor-Napa-Sonoma-2023.png

After a lovely stay the first night in St Helena at the Wine Country Inn and Gardens, we checked out at the last possible minute because our room was so lovely and we wanted to enjoy it. We visited a few vineyards and arrived at 1801 First in the late afternoon, to a warm and friendly welcome.

Our Room at this Napa Bed and Breakfast

Our room at 1801 First was in fact one of their suites, the Bella Fresia, and it was gorgeous. The bathroom was a big hit, done on cool, clean, modern lines and cleverly designed to make use of one of the house's turrets.

Guest bathroom at 1801 First bed and breakfast inn in Napa ValleyThe Bathroom

The room itself had a classical elegance in keeping with the age of the house, which was designed in 1903 by one of Napa's leading architects, William Corlett. The owners have retained that period feel and style, while incorporating modern amenities like high-speed internet, Jacuzzis, and video and CD libraries.

We relaxed in the two easy chairs by the window (isn't it annoying when hotels only provide one easy chair in a double room?) till it was time for the evening wine tasting.

Guest bedroom at 1801 First bed and breakfast inn in Napa ValleyOur Bedroom

Wine Tasting and Hors d'Oeuvres

1801 First is an intimate inn with just five luxury suites, two cottages in the lovely garden, and the Carriage House for guests who want ultimate privacy.

I guess we were lucky that evening as the other guests we chatted to over the complimentary wine and appetizers were all really nice, friendly people. We got on so well we even got an invite to go visit one of the couples in North Carolina.

The wine and the hors d'oeuvres were both top quality, and we compared notes on where people had eaten, and got some recommendations from the hostess. We dined at the Bounty Hunter, which both the hostess and a barman at one of the vineyards had recommended, and we had a great time there. One of the advantages of 1801 First is that it's outside the centre of Napa in a quiet neighborhood, but just a short and easy walk to downtown.

Napa Bed and Breakfast

Well the bed part of the bed and breakfast got a thumbs-up, after a great, comfortable and quiet night's sleep, but what about the breakfast? Wow, now this was seriously good.

1801 First brings in a chef to prepare breakfast, with a changing choice of cooked options. We started off with a muffin and a chocolate croissant, then a bowl of yoghurt with honey and figs, and finally a soufflé of bacon and peppers with pesto. We'll say it again – wow!

Award-Winning Napa Bed and Breakfast

It doesn't surprise us at all that 1801 First made the shortlist for Most Excellent Inn in the USA and Canada in the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler Awards. Only five inns made the short list: one in Canada, two on the east coast, one in Seattle – and 1801 First. So you know it's not just us being biased when we say this is a really special place to stay if you're visiting Napa.

Before we left we read the Visitor's Book, which showed that lots of people had, like us, chosen 1801 First for a birthday break, a special anniversary, a family get-together, or a honeymoon. And no-one was disappointed.

Contact Details
1801 First

See some other Napa Valley Bed and Breakfast Inns

Other Napa pages

  • These Napa Valley Facts and Figures give statistics on California wine, Napa wineries, Napa grapes and vines in California wine country.

    Napa Valley Facts and Figures

    These Napa Valley Facts and Figures give statistics on California wine, Napa wineries, Napa grapes and vines in California wine country.

  • Ideas on where to stay when touring California's Napa Valley vineyards and wineries, including hotels, historic inns, a ranch, a resort and railway carriages!

    Napa Valley Bed and Breakfast Inns

    Ideas on where to stay when touring California's Napa Valley vineyards and wineries, including hotels, historic inns, a ranch, a resort and railway carriages!

  • The Napa and Sonoma Guidebook to California Wine Country is from the Moon Handbooks’ travel guide series with reviews of wineries,vineyards, and wine tastings.

    Napa and Sonoma Guidebook

    The Napa and Sonoma Guidebook to California Wine Country is from the Moon Handbooks’ travel guide series with reviews of wineries,vineyards, and wine tastings.

  • The Napa Wine Country Inn and Gardens in St Helena overlooks a vineyard and has free wine tastings every evening and offers guests help with booking wine tours.

    Napa Wine Country Inn

    The Napa Wine Country Inn and Gardens in St Helena overlooks a vineyard and has free wine tastings every evening and offers guests help with booking wine tours.

Recent Articles

RSS

  1. Popular stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway closing nightly due to storm damage

    Oct 04, 24 03:51 AM

    section of the Pacific Coast Highway in Ventura County is closing nightly for the indefinite future because of road erosion worsened by the recent winter storms.

    Read More

  2. Unassuming northern California town surprisingly ranked as the No.1 place in America for food and wine

    Sep 11, 24 03:58 AM

    A tiny northern California town has been named the best small town in America for foodies and wine lovers. The quiet idyll of Elk, which is located three hours drive north up the coast from San Franci…

    Read More

  3. Summer doesn’t have to end yet with these fall getaways

    Sep 11, 24 03:58 AM

    From surfing in the Great Lakes to neon-lit kayaking in Florida, these destinations offer autumn adventures without the chill.

    Read More