Andaz Napa Opens as First Andaz Hotel in Northern California 

(MENAFN Press) Dubai, United Arab Emirates (September 17, 2012)-

The first Andaz hotel in Northern California, Andaz Napa, makes its debut this week. Formerly Avia Napa, the newly rebranded Andaz Napa is centrally located in Napa's revitalized "West End," providing an ideal setting for visitors to explore, with convenient proximity to Napa's premier tasting rooms, gourmet dining, shopping and the famed Oxbow Public Market.

Known for distinctive and friendly service, Andaz provides an uncomplicated and unique guest experience in a social yet casual hotel environment. The transformation of Andaz Napa draws creativity from surrounding agricultural practices, with unique touches of inspiration and indulgences from the local trade and its vineyards, creating an approachable and sophisticated "agri chic" vibe. The restaurant, Andaz Farmers Table, and the bar, Mercantile Social, feature "Napa-to-Table" heritage dining with a menu designed for sharing.

"Our location in the epicentre of downtown Napa creates a welcoming destination for guests and locals to enjoy Andaz's stylish and well-appointed guest rooms, along with a rustic epicurean experience in a vibrant country setting," said Greg Nomura, general manager of Andaz Napa. "The new service standard of Andaz Napa provides guests with a customized guided journey in this destination, unlike any other hotel in the area, while showcasing all that Napa Valley has to offer."

New Arrival Journey
As with all Andaz hotels, guests of Andaz Napa are greeted by hosts in the Andaz Lounge upon arrival, and throughout their stay, hosts accommodate, guide and assist guests. Removing barriers is a key attribute of the Andaz brand, and at Andaz Napa, hosts greet guests and check them in by iPad and offer them a glass of a local beverage to enjoy in the relaxed seating area. The transformation of the hotel's lobby into a lounge adds in regionally inspired design elements from California architecture and design firm Bishop Pass, and features rustic furnishings and an intricate, wall-length map of Napa Valley.

Guest Room and Stay Experience
Reflecting the local scenery, 141 well-appointed guest rooms and suites feature modern furnishings and hardwood floors with an earthy colour palate. Bathrooms include white marble floors and spacious walk-in showers with waterfall shower heads, along with special bath amenities from Lydia Mondavi's 29 Cosmetics, named after Highway 29, the picturesque road that runs the length of this world-famous grape growing region.

Exceptional in-room dining options are creatively packaged in antique tool boxes with rustic ranch-style accoutrements, including beverages served in mason jars. Guests of Andaz Napa, like all other Andaz hotel guests, also enjoy complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages in their room throughout their stay.

Local Flavour
Drawing inspiration from the surrounding community, the hotel's signature restaurant, Andaz Farmers Table, and bar, Mercantile Social, showcase a "Napa-to-table" philosophy, with produce sourced from a local community garden as well as select Northern California ranches, orchards, mills, and farms that built the valley into what it is today. Executive Chef Sarah Linkenheil presents a dinner menu designed for sharing, which focuses on heritage cooking techniques and rich flavour combinations created from fresh herbs and spices to suit modern palates.

Andaz Napa also provides a selection of locally-made artisanal snacks, including cookies, candy and jerky, perfect for a day of wine tasting.

Andaz Napa's wine list features high-end boutique wines from Napa Valley with a focus on limited production, artisanal producers. The bar and restaurant menus also include an impressive list of locally-sourced craft beers. Resident "cocktail maven" and Bay Area native Caitlin Laman creates unique concoctions using liquor from small-batch distilleries including: Napa Valley's Charbay Vodka and Bay Area-based St. George Spirits.

Andaz Studios and Additional Amenities
Meetings and events are customized to accommodate groups of up to 100 guests in three dynamic Andaz Studio venues. Individualized and inventive menus complete the experience. A spacious outdoor terrace at Andaz Napa provides a casual setting for sunny afternoon drinks or a cosy spot for light bites next to the outdoor fireplaces. Other hotel amenities at Andaz Napa include free parking, access to Exertec Fitness Centre, a rotating art gallery showcasing works from local artists, and Andaz Salon event programming.

Andaz Napa is located at 1450 First Street, Napa, Calif. 94559. For more information regarding the hotel, please visit www.napa.andaz.hyatt.com