Historic Calistoga Hotel Welcomes All Travelers
As your walk into the front lobby of Calistoga’s Mount View Hotel & Spa (mountviewhotel.com), you’ll be transported into a different era – a kinder, gentler time devoid of traffic jams, Zoom meetings and text messages. Truly you’ll feel the stress just melt away as you pass the cozily grouped red velveteen settees and the fireplace framed by a peacock screen, and casually glance over at the cabinet of vintage cocktail shakers. In a way it’s hard to believe that you are in bustling Napa County as you survey the interior of this National Register of Historic Places property – but you are. And the good news is, thanks to some access modifications and upgrades, wheelchair-users and slow walkers can now visit, and even spend the night in this historic Calistoga hotel.
A Mount View Primer
Built in 1919, this historic Calistoga hotel was the brainchild of Johnny Ghisolfo, also known as “Mr. Calistoga” by the townspeople. Johnny served several terms as mayor, and was well liked, so the hotel became a natural gathering place for the locals. In 1938 he added two wings to the property, which he managed until 1964. He then turned over operations to his son Johnny Ghisolfo, Jr.
By the 1970s time had taken its toll on this grand old gem. In 1979 designers Jerry Roy and Paul Pilgrim transformed the mission revival property to an Art Deco gem for new owners, Carol and Tom Wenaas. Subsequently the Mount View Hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
In 1990 Michael and Stephanie Woods purchased the property and worked to add new features to this boutique hotel. Today guests at the Mount View Hotel & Spa have a choice of restaurants and relaxing amenities at this historic property that truly welcomes all travelers.
Wheelchair Access and More
Adding access features to a historic property can be a tricky, especially when the property is on the National Register of Historic Places. That said, the folks at the Mount View Hotel did an excellent job in preserving the past, while adding modern access features. Accessible street parking is located across the street from this historic Calistoga hotel, and the folks at the front desk are happy to offer luggage assistance. There’s level access to the lobby and plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair through the historic lobby to the front desk.
Accessible room 115 is located around the corner and up a ramp. Access features include wide doorways, lever handles and low-pile carpet for easy rolling. The room is furnished with a 28-inch high queen-sized bed, a table and two chairs, two nightstands and a coffee cart. There is wheelchair access to both sides of the bed, but the coffee cart (which is on wheels) or the table and chairs may have to be moved a tad. There’s also a refrigerator and even an espresso maker in the room.
The oversized bathroom includes a full five-foot turning radius and is equipped with a tiled roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a fold-down slatted shower bench. Other access features include a toilet with grab bars on the back and right walls (as seated) and a roll-under sink.
All in all it’s a comfortable and accessible garden room, that’s close to all of the hotel amenities.
Stay and Play
Not only is the Mount View Hotel & Spa a great place to base yourself for a Napa wine tasting adventure, but it’s also the perfect spot to sneak away for a relaxing getaway. And at the top of the list of relaxing amenities is the hotel’s “backyard”. There’s level access to this pool and spa area with lift access to the heated pool and the mineral whirlpool. You can relax in a cabana during the day and enjoy a drink around one of the poolside firepits in the evening. It’s the perfect place to just chill and recharge at this historic Calistoga hotel.
And when comes time to tie on the feed bag, there are two options right in the hotel. Johnny’s — named for the original owner — is open for brunch on the weekends and in the late afternoon for libations and casual fare. Amaro on the other hand, serves up some tasty Italian specialties and offers a full bar. You can’t go wrong with either one — your choice just depends on your mood.
Finally if you want to explore Calistoga, the Mount View Hotel is just steps from wine tasting, Thai food, ice cream, galleries, gift shops and even a beer garden. The town is level, and the sidewalks are in good repair, so wheelchair-users and slow walkers will have no problems getting around, And if you have troubles deciding where to go or what to do, just ask the hotel concierge as he is well versed in everything nearby. Bottom line — you can do as little or as much as you want on an accessible Mount View Hotel & Spa getaway.
Accessible Fun Nearby
Jack London State Historic Park
