Welcome to Ponte Vineyard Inn, Temecula’s top-rated 4-star hotel! We are ranked number one on Trip Advisor, have been ranked a top-10 hotel in America (again, on Trip Advisor) and are recognized as one of the top winery hotels in the world. We’ve worked very hard to provide the level of service to our guests to garner such accolades.

So, then, where’s the 5th star?


Ponte Vineyard Inn | PC: Devon Donnahoo Photography

The age-old question in the hotel industry is “What is the difference between a 4 and 5 star hotel?” The variances may seem obvious when you look at certain, world-renowned hotels such as the Hotel Plaza Athenee in Paris, with its Eiffel Tower views and fresh fruit baskets that are replenished daily. Or the Ritz Carlton in New York City, with their Johnny Walker Blue bottles in the mini bar and caviar manicures in the spa. In case you didn’t figure it out, these are both 5-star rated hotels. Usually, though, the differences are a bit more subtle. We’ll focus on a few here.

Hotel and Room Amenities

A four-star hotel will usually include concierge services, valet parking, are refined, upscale and stylish in their décor and offer extras such as pillow-top mattresses and name-brand bath amenities (like ours, from L’Occitane). Five-star hotels up the ante with luxurious spas (no spa, but we can arrange spa services!), upscale restaurants (hey, we actually have one!), in-room surround sound systems and fresh flowers in Baccarat crystal vases, among others.


The Grand Suite at Ponte Vineyard Inn

Service

Four-star hotels provide excellent guest service from check-in to check-out. Concierge services assist in booking dining or activity reservations, acknowledge guests by name and are always polite and respectful. Guest needs are addressed quickly and thoroughly. A five-star hotel will meet all of the above criteria as well, but – shall we say – take it to a surprising level at times. Some five stars will personalize guest robes, offer private butlers and will accommodate (outlandish?) requests like last-minute midnight dinners for 20 or rare Amazonian Cupuacu fruit… but you’re gonna pay for it!


In-Room Spa Services

Location and Environment

Five-star hotels are often located in a distinctive environment like a larger, world-renowned city. The hotels surrounding area offers many entertainment, shopping and dining options – think Manhattan, Los Angeles, Paris, Dubai. On the other end of the spectrum, many five stars are also located in a location that offers pristine and unobtrusive natural environments – such as the St. Regis in Park City, Utah and the Ritz Carlton in Marana, Arizona. One of the best things about Ponte Vineyard Inn (in our humble opinion) is, in fact, the environment it’s in. Located in the middle of Temecula Wine Country, it is a spotless and serene environment with vineyard and mountain views. And yet, it is a mere 6-mile drive from a major highway, making it only about an hour outside of San Diego and Orange County, and just a tad further from Los Angeles.


Stunning Vineyard Views of Temecula Wine Country

Will we ever garner that 5th star? We don’t know. Our priority is and always will be creating an inviting atmosphere for our guests, providing top-notch service, and exceeding expectations, all at an affordable price.  We hope you book your stay with us soon! If you enjoy your stay, we’d appreciate a – ahem – 5-star review!

–Erica Martinez

–What is the best hotel you’ve ever stayed at?