I liked the laid-back but refined aesthetic of the El Dorado. Chic with a bohemian rustic charm. Other area places try to evoke some kind of fake "Mission" style or pile on the potpourri. Not the El Dorado. It's a unique, hip, casual place that doesn't lose site of its historic character -- the majestic old fig tree grounds the very cool spa-like pool area, for example. We were thrilled with the excellent restaurant. Put yourself in the hands of Thomas, the terrific, knowledgeable and vivacious wine steward. Adventurous and delicious food. Warm friendly service all around -- from the front desk person to the generous hotel manager. Can't beat the location. Try this place if you are looking for something less ordinary, but still comfortable and welcoming.

The hotel and location are very beautiful, but we were continually disappointed with the lack of knowledge and basic courtesy of the staff. They misinformed us about the location and estimated travel times to area attractions and did not appear to know the town and available amenities very well. The rooms are nicely (if starkly) appointed, but the saltillo tiles (no rugs) plus thin walls make for a cold-feeling and noisy stay. Our room was directly above the bar and might as well have been in the bar itself. When we called the front desk late at night to ask that the music be turned down or to seek other options, we received a cold, off-putting response. The restaurant and retaurant staff were fantastic, however.

For a chef who hails from the French Laundry, the food at El Dorado Kitchen is comfort-foody at best, and just plain under-thought at worst. Plus, though I tried (honestly) not to get caught up in the swirl of condemnation around the El Dorado's service, it was really terrible! Five of us dined in early November 2005. It took almost three-quarters of an hour to get our first cocktail; the music was so loud we had to ask twice to lower it; the room was so dark we had to pull out magnifying glasses and hold up candles to read the menu. (We weren't the only ones -- some poor fellow two tables down had to stand up and walk over to a sconce to read his. And I should point out that I'm not some octogenarian and love dark, loud restaurants like Foreign Cinema.) Then, out comes the bread in a cool, cage-like iron basket, but there are four tiny pieces. The polite among us passed until we could get the busboy to bring us some more--twice. The pumpkin gnocchi was bland, the caesar salad confused (cucumber?), and the fritto misto, pork, and lamb satisfying but boring. Two highlights: a bottle of "Rock and Gravel" Rhone-style wine from Edmunds St. John, and the Signorello pinot grigio, which I have to take credit for since I chose them from a slim (for a wine-country restaurant)list. Finished with some burned coffee.

We were hesitant to stay & dine the the Hotel El Dorado after reading the reviews on trip advisor. But my husband & I just returned from a brief stay. We live less than 20 miles from the hotel but thought we would spend the night. From the minute we arrived at the hotel until we checked out the hotel staff treated us like royalty. Our room was not ready when we arrived since we were early, not only did they hold our bags but took them to our room & had a bottle of sparkling wine chilled & waiting. Angie could not have beeen more helpful. We had one of the most memorable meals at the the Kitchen. Patrick was our waiter & he went above & beyond. The food was wonderful & the staff attentive. We will return as soon as possible