Shady Oaks Country Inn

If the bed doesn’t cause back pain, then the service dog hate will. After my owners came home, they received the following statement from the owners: «We have charged your credit card $ 200 for the dog you brought with you to our Inn. We do not allow pets which I am sure you are aware of. You also checked out late without prior arrangement. I hope in the future you will be more careful with stretching the rules to fit your own person at the expense of others.
Warmly, John» My owners responded with, «The rules and regulations on Expedia make no mention of the exclusion of dogs, but that is besides the point. Had someone from your facility approached us, we have all the credentials and supporting materials for Yoyo, our service dog, which we would have been happy to share. He is trained not to make messes, be quiet, and polite when working, and more over accommodates the needs of my wife, as Yoyo is trained in detecting allergens that are fatal to Jennifer if ingested. Discriminating against service animals including imposing punitive measures including the assessment you describe above is not only illegal, but a matter that ripens the act to litigation should we choose to act beyond reporting this incident to the fair housing administrators. I hope that you recognize that this was an oversight and mistake on your part and will adjust any charges accordingly and we may leave the matter as a general misunderstanding. We have already submitted a review to Expedia regarding your illegal conduct which they will post in 3 days, and will follow up with the appropriate civil authorities in the Napa valley if you so choose to continue with your discrimination against handicapped individuals. In the future, I suggest you collect all the facts before rushing to judgement and punishment, as you can see they do have some consequences which will negatively impact your otherwise charming hotel.» The response from the owners was not to rescind the charge of $ 200 but to tit-​for-​tat, with their own Expedia complaint — and another illegal demand, I have already reported you to Expedia for bringing a pet without our knowledge and no proof of it being a service dog. It states clearly on Expedia no pets allowed. If it is a service dog then why did you not inform us like all our other guests do when they bring their service dog? Please send me proof of your service dogs credentials. We never turn away service dogs when we are informed ahead of time and they show us proof. Please provide this and we will reconsider the matter.“
Note to Shady Oaks: Read this Post from the government and note Q7.
For Unilocal: Q7 states, «Q7. What questions can a covered entity’s employees ask to determine if a dog is a service animal?
A. In situations where it is not obvious that the dog is a service animal, staff may ask only two specific questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform? Staff are not allowed to request any documentation for the dog, require that the dog demonstrate its task, or inquire about the nature of the person’s disability.»
Looks like JOHN of Shady Oaks asked, «Please send me proof of your service dogs credentials. We never turn away service dogs when we are informed ahead of time and they show us proof. Please provide this and we will reconsider the matter.» What JOHN of Shady Oaks asked was «not allowed» and discriminatory towards us.
UPDATE 6÷24÷16
JOHN wrote:
«You do know there are penalties for passing your dog off as a service dog when all it is is that you purchased a certification on the internet which is what you did through United States Dog Registry which is not any type of governmental registry.
I am a Vietnam veteran and have a real service dog my disability. He is a wonderful black Lab named Roger. I have had 5 such dogs in my life and get really offended when someone tries to pass off a purchased certificate for a purchased one.
If this continues I will report you and then you can see what the fines will be.
Warmly
John [oddly]
Warmly, Lisa
Owner/​Innkeeper
» as well as commented on this post.
This was in response to our response:
«Attached you will find our service dog certificate which you demanded to refund the unauthorized charge of $ 200 on the Phillips/​Schweickert account. Your demand to see this documentation is neither required or allowed by law, but prior to our submission of a formal complaint on the matter, I wanted to resolve the outstanding expense on our card as we may incur unnecessary finance charges.»
We further responded on June 24, 2016, «I double dog dare you to report me. Mr. Y also double dog dares you too.
*drop mic*» to which JOHN responded with, «Take the review off of Unilocal or I will. By the way the fine can be up to $ 2500
John.»
The unfortunate fact is that any proof would be in violation of our privacy health rights.

I absolutely love this place! John and Lisa (The owners) are such a pleasure. The check in was simple the breakfast is like being at a 5star joint. You have to try the wine (John makes it himself). I personally prefer the sunny hideaway room. Its private and has its own balcony. There’s not much more to say but visit this place!

Just got back from our visit to Napa and stayed here on a Groupon deal. This was my second B&B experience. It was my GF’s first. Location was great. Just off the main highway and very close to V. Sattui (our go-​to stop while in Napa). We arrived about an hour before check-​in. We found our note and proceeded to move into our Wine Tasting room. It was a nice place. Not high-​end hotel quality, but nice and cozy. Liked the gas heater — warmed up the place very quickly. The bed was a comfy king size bed and we had great nights of sleep from it. Plus one nap. Missing: a chair for my GF to do make up in the bathroom’s vanity.
We met the innkeeper (Lauren) for wine and cheese. Very nice lady and we sat for about half an hour and enjoyed a bottle of Zinfandel (from John — the owner). (It was a great wine and we ended up purchasing two bottles.) We met John the first morning where he provided a quick breakfast for us (croissants, coffee, and fresh/​juicy fruits). Normally, the breakfast would have been bigger, but we had a spa treatment that morning and we certainly didn’t want to deal with fullness during a massage. We got our big breakfast the next day (with Lisa). Eggs Benedict. Now, I’m not an eggs fan, but this was top notch. More croissants to fill our tummies. Yeah, it was all good.
Perhaps B&B’s are not for everyone. My GF is more of a fancy hotel kind of gal. (Think Meritage in Napa.) The ones where you don’t interact and do your own thing. For me, I like the interaction and the chit-​chatting that goes with B&B’s.
From my GFs perspective, she was thinking more up-​to-​date and fancier-​type of place. Again, she would have wanted a chair to do her make up. The shower drain was slow which bugged her.
Overall, we enjoyed our stay and I would visit Shady Oaks again. My GF would have to think about it. But this is my review, so I’m giving it from my perspective.

What a wonderful place, I was so excited when we arrived, I did not want to leave. A beautiful and peaceful place to stay, warm and cozy.
The breakfast was incredible, fresh fruit, freshly baked pastries and wonderful eggs Benedict!
Can’t wait to go back,

This is the best hotel I can get is like home far to may place great People’s and wonderful service I love this place

I made a reservation for a room here for a special occasion last week through their website. I was surprised that it didn’t ask for a credit card, but as it was my first trip there and a B&B, I thought maybe they did things differently. I got my confirmation email and thought my wife and I were all set. Yesterday, I got a voicemail message from John stating that my reservation was strange because it didn’t have a credit card so they canceled it and gave the room to someone else. Really? They could call me to cancel after they had given my room away but not to ask for a card before doing that? That is extremely unprofessional and lacks integrity. After all, it was their website’s mistake, not mine. Needless to say, I will take my business elsewhere as I can’t trust that they will honor their reservations.

My boyfriend and I stayed here a few nights ago on a two day trip to Napa. It was easy to find, centrally located, and very charming ambiance. John was there to greet us when we arrived to check in with wine and cheese. He sat with us and chatted for an hour, providing lots of advice on wineries and restaurants. Other than that, we were mostly left to do our own thing, which suited us perfectly. In the morning, we were served a lovely, fresh and delicious breakfast by Lisa. The whole experience was very nice and all of the details of booking, checking in and out, etc. were very easy and convenient. There was even some port in our room for our enjoyment and a refrigerator and freezer for any food you may have to keep overnight. So grateful for a lovely first experience in Napa!

Our second time with Shady Oaks and again not disappointed. Brought 3 other couples with us who share our very positive opinion. Location is perfect for wine tasting and the breakfast was fantastic each day. Lisa and John went above and beyond to assure that we have a perfect experience. Would highly recommend it to others and will stay again with our next visit to Napa.

My boyfriend and I found shady oaks on groupon. We’re looking for just a couple of days to get away together. We looked at a couple of places but shady oaks looked the most promising. After a long day of driving we get to shady oaks. We got to shady oaks and we arrived with a note telling us our room is all ready. We get to our room and wow I was amazed. The room was exactly like in the pictures. We got the rose room which from the reviews said was the best room with view. And they were right! One window you get a view of the vineyard and the other you a view of the patio and more of the vineyard. You can see all colors of the leaves and acres of vineyard. They have great restaurants all around the b&b. Your about 20 — 30 minutes from downtown Napa and 10 minutes from st.helena. So it’s right in the middle of everything. And every night we had a wine tasting with 1 red and 1 white wine and cheese and crackers. The staff was so sweet really told us about the area and she recommended restaurants and great places to see. We champagne breakfast every morning. The first morning we had waffles and apple cinnamon with walnuts! Mouth watering! The second morning we had eggs Benedict with a 3 berry cranberry sauce! Both ladies can do some serious cooking! All in all this is best bed and breakfast I’ve been to! And for my first time in Napa i definitely enjoyed my stay! I would recommend this place to anyone!

AAAAHHH SPIDERS!!!
Stayed in 2 different rooms in 2 nights due to low vacancy. Found one large, hairy spider in each room. I wasn’t looking hard, they were just crawling around the bathroom, so I’m sure there were more to be had.
Rooms are dusty due to high quantity of lace and disjointed kitsch — those with allergies beware.
Ceiling in 2^nd room looked like it was going to cave in!
No stopper included with what looked like a nice bathtub. Oh well…
Dead bees crawling around on front porch.
To top it all off, there’s never anyone around to help you! When I arrived, there were a couple notes on the hotel’s front door for me. They were confusing but basically communicated I was moving rooms the next day. 2 rambling, long notes and not even a room number printed anywhere (even on the keys!) to differentiate the keys (I thought they were both for Room #1).
When I got back the second night, there was no note telling me which room to go to! I had to call the cell phone (not listed anywhere on the website or in the hotel). I only had the cell phone number because they called earlier that day to leave an angry voicemail about the spider a friend had found in his room the night before. They assured me they had pre-​cleaned my room of spiders. But if they had not called from the cell, I would have been stuck at 10:00 at night in the dark rainy Napa with nowhere to stay! So, if you ever have any trouble there, you’re SOL.
I got an extremely rude voicemail after I checked out, telling me they were «blown away» by why I couldn’t figure out where I was staying. Well, I’m blown away by your lack of hospitality and understanding. If I’ve already checked out, why bother to leave me a nasty voicemail? Clearly, just to be vindictive and mean. Hospitality? Customer service? I think not…
Oh yeah, and the SPIDERS!!!

Absolutely loved our stay here. Such a great b&b. No, there isn’t a person on staff here at night but I mean, really people, it’s a b&b, so it’s not uncommon. Besides, if anyone ever needed anything, the owners were a phone call away. We felt totally safe anyway. John, the owner, was so hospitable and informative. In the main house, the Rose room and Blue room have views of the vineyard. We stayed in the Brooke Room of the main house. It was quiet and had views of their backyard and partial of the detached winery retreat rooms. Every room has a hair dryer and iron which is not so common at b&bs, so that was a bonus.
We are so glad we were able to make it to their sit-​down breakfasts at 9ish. Truly delicious and kept us satiated until lunchtime. If you are expecting diner-​sized portions, you’ll be disappointed. Portions were more than enough for us though with fruit and their delicious cream sauce to start, followed by their daily breakfast special. One day we had croissants and eggs Benedict, another day we had walnut waffles with a maple syrup and a warm peach topping. Loved chatting with all the other guests. It was like a morning social. We were there for the wineries, but felt so at home at Shady Oaks and could not have been happier with our choice. Thank you, John! Hope to see you again soon! xoxo Marisa (Jamie) and Aaron Hajart
P. S. This place is at such a central location. Can’t beat it!

Simply amazing! My first b&b experience. We arrived late at night after the check in time and were left with a note explaining which room we were staying in which was super welcoming, considering we didn’t want to bother anyone late. The bed was nice and comfortable and fitted with extra blankets. The bathrooms were clean and tidy. Room included free wifi, cable tv, an iron, blow dryer, and some free wine. Both mornings we spent were with great breakfast meals that surpassed our expectations. It’s almost as if you are staying with family here. I will definitely be a repeat customer.
The location is very close by proper st. Helena and some great wineries such as v. Sattui and the Raymond vineyard.

Wonderful place to stay for a romantic weekend. Beds were comfortable, place was clean, warm, and the food was amazing!!! The location was close to town and had easy access to main roads. we will be back this summer!

This was my first B&B stay and it really was a unique experience. I went to Napa for the first time with my best friend and we both had a good time. If you’re looking for something cozy with a great location then this is a great choice. We ended up having the whole house to ourselves which was pretty cool.
The only thing that was a little disappointing was the wine passes. We bought the groupon which said that the room would come with four tasting passes per person but most of the passes are either for «upgrades» or 2 for 1. So just keep in mind you will still be spending $ 20−30+ at each winery!
Other than that, everything was wonderful. Breakfast was great and staff was friendly.

It was a cute place and the service was great. But not worth the price:
Pros:
–cute and cozy, nice and quiet
–friendly staff
–wine and cheese at 5pm and free homemade breakfast (really good!)
–convenient location
Cons
–way too pricy ($ 300 after tax for a very small room)…of course it is Napa in August so take that with a grain of salt
–You can’t control the air conditioning… the house has central but not room-​specific A/​C.
–not that secure… front door is left unlocked 24 hrs and only room doors lock… no inkeeper on site at night

We were visiting Napa and before I bought the Groupon offered, I contacted the business to confirm that the dates we were going to be there would work with the Groupon. They said, «Yes.» so we bought the Groupon then waited a few days for them to confirm that we had a room. «Sorry — that room is taken but we can upgrade you … for another $ 49.00!» Whaaaattt? I didn’t want a $ 200 bed & breakfast room for a night that we were going to get in late and possibly miss breakfast (due to only one seating for breakfast per day at 9:00am! Whaaat?!)
But we had already bought the Groupon — so we were locked in.
Arrived at the B&B to check in at 4:00pm. No one was there — the door was wide open! There was an envelope on the mailbox with our «Coupons for free tastings» though most were 2-​for-​1. We left a note that we would be back LATE! They left the front door unlocked for when we got back after the Mondavi Gala at 2am. Hubby was worried about leaving our luggage there, but there was a lock and key to our room.
The Groupon included «a Bottle of Wine» — they left a carafe with ½ a bottle in it on the desk! Whaaat?!? Who knows when that wine was opened? Who knows what kind of wine it was! It was just leftovers!
I understand it is an old farmhouse, but really — rusted out drains and handles for $ 200? I took pictures I was so appalled!
We decided to be late to our morning appointment and stay for breakfast which was served by an elderly lady and a young man. The rest of the guests were sitting in the living room — not offered coffee or anything until she presented herself and said breakfast was served. There was a small cup of yogurt and fruit, home made croissants (which deserved 5 stars!!) and a single Egg Benedict — one half an English muffin, one egg and a little Hollandaise. Really?!?
We packed up and headed out — saying «Good riddance!» to that B&B.
Napa Valley has much more to offer for our next visit!

Shady Oaks was one of the best things that happened to our trip to the Valley. The staff was great, Hope was warm and welcoming, and Lisa was basically our personal concierge. The breakfast was fantastic!
I wouldn’t hesitate choosing Shady Oaks again. We will be back!

Shady Oaks is a nice little quite place away from the busy highway in St. Helena. The room itself was nice and since we were at St. Helena for a wedding, all we needed was a place to crash at the end of a tiring wine charged day. Shady Oaks served the purpose and more. The breakfast that was served every morning was delicious.

We stayed at the B&B for 2 nights, having booked the most expensive room for a special occasion. Anticipating an exceptional room, with security and overlooking the vineyards, as advertised, we were very disappointed.
Our room, on the second floor of a very old building next to the B & B
had rickety stairs, a door that easily could have been broken into (no safety lock), leading to a somewhat musty room with a bathroom door that would not close, and some windows without screens, left us surprised. NOT AS ADVERTISED.
There were no owners or their reps on the premises overnight (we were not informed of this) and no recent detailed information on B & B security or fire safety… a serious security issue, especially in that the Inn is located directly off a main road.
Isn’t it conventional wisdom that a B & B implies an owner or a rep of the owner be on the premises overnight? Based on our extensive experience with B & B’s in this country and Europe we expected that.
Breakfast? Very good. Hope recommended worthwhile restaurants.

Love, love, love this place. The inn keeper was super friendly. And those breakfast they served you, OMG! Best stuffed french toast, best egg benedict (even my hubby fall in love with it and he’s not a benedict kind of guys). Our room was the Rose room, it was very cozy. I peeked inside the blue room and it look very charming, all white and blue décor, I think I will request that room next time.
B&B can be expensive so it’s important to find one that offer good quality service so your get away can be as stress free as possible. This one is a winner. Just hided away enough but still centrally located to some really awesome wineries. Keep this charming B&B in mind next time you plan on going away for a romantic getaway.