Calistoga Inn Boasts Wheelchair-Accessible Cottage
Located in the heart of California wine country, Calistoga makes a perfect home base for a romantic wine tasting getaway. And there’s no better lodging choice than the turn-of-the century Calistoga Inn (www.calistogainn.com). Granted the standard hotel rooms that have shared bathrooms don’t really lend themselves to romance; but the nicely appointed cozy cottage certainly fills the bill. Added in 2013, this comfortable retreat is also wheelchair-accessible, which makes the Calistoga Inn a good pick for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Sleeping in Napa Valley
Nestled on the banks of the Napa River along the main drag, the Calistoga Inn has a decidedly European ambiance. There’s one step up to the front office, but a wheelchair-accessible entrance is located in the attached brewpub. Parallel parking is available on the street, and although there aren’t any designated spaces, there’s room to deploy a ramp on the level sidewalk. And with curb-cuts at the corners, it’s easy to get to accessible cottage 9.
There barrier-free access to the cottage, which features a wide front door and a level threshold. Other access features include lever handles, a lowered closet rod, and low-pile carpet for easy rolling. It’s furnished with a 24-inch high open-frame queen-sized bed with wheelchair-access on both sides, a desk with a chair, an easy chair, a chest of drawers and a night table. And if you’d like to sip some wine on the front porch, there are two Adirondack chairs out there.
The bathroom includes a full five-foot turning radius and is equipped with a roll-in shower with grab bars, and both a hand-held showerhead and a standard showerhead. There’s no fold-down shower seat – although there’s evidence that one was there – so be sure to bring along your own portable shower chair. Other access features include toilet grab bars on the back and left walls (as seated), a roll-under sink, a lowered mirror, and a pair of lowered robe hooks.
A Brewery and More
Although there are several restaurants and cafes within rolling distance, the Calistoga Inn also operates a brewery and a top-notch restaurant. In fact Bon Appetit included the Calistoga Inn on their list of the country’s top 10 hotels for beer lovers.
There’s barrier-free access to the brewpub, which is located in front of the office. The Napa Valley Brewing Company (www.calistogainn.com/brewery.html), which is located on-site, brews up a number of local favorites including Calistoga Wheat Ale and West Coast IPA. And there’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair or scooter around the tables. It’s a pleasant spot to stop for a beer flight and enjoy an appetizer, or even order from the restaurant menu.
The Calistoga Inn Restaurant (www.calistogainn.com/restaurant.html), which is located next door, is also wheelchair-accessible. There’s barrier-free access to the inside and outside dining areas; with accessible restrooms located between the restaurant and the brewpub. The Calistoga Inn Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and also offers a weekend brunch menu.
And if you’d just like to kick back and enjoy the outdoor space, there’s also barrier-free access to the Back-Forty beer garden, which is located behind the restaurant. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a hard day of Napa Valley sightseeing.
