New LGBTQ-Welcoming Hotel Opens in Napa

On Saturday, February 21, The Charles Hotels celebrated the launch of its second location, The Charles Napa Valley, with a daytime grand opening event at the hotel and an evening after-party at the Q Restaurant and Bar downtown. The celebration featured live performances, a public toast, and remarks from partners Charles Gruwell and Ryan MacCarrigan, who spoke about the importance of inclusive, LGBTQ-friendly spaces in today’s political climate.

Many other distinguished guests spoke at the opening, including Napa Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Jeri Hansen, who praised the lively atmosphere of the event; Napa Mayor Scott Sedgley, who spoke passionately aboutthe property’s historic character; and District Representative Elizabeth Russell, who presented a certificate of honor on behalf of State Senator Christopher Cabaldon. Other notable speakers included Napa District 1 Supervisor Joelle Gallagher; Visit Napa Valley President & CEO Linsey Gallagher; Napa Valley Wine Train Marketing Manager Brittni McCorkle; Napa Pride Organizer Paul Thorp; and local business owners Kelly Sherman of The Q Restaurant and Bar, and Mark Casey of Deuce’s Market and The Dutch Door.

The grand opening also functioned as a fundraiser for LGBTQ Connection, a program of 501(c)(3) nonprofit On the Move Bay Area. It featured a silent auction with experiences donated by Raymond Vineyards, Napa Valley Wine Train, Gentleman Farmer, and Gay Wine Weekend. Fundraising proceeds totaled $2000. The Charles Hotels look forward to continuing to support local nonprofits that provide critical services to marginalized communities in wine country.

Located at 1301 Jefferson Street in the heart of downtown Napa, the property—formerly known as Cabernet House, an Old World Inn—builds on the success of The Charles Pacific Grove. It has received rave reviews since opening last year and will receive the Hospitality Excellence of the Year Award from the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce on March 13th. The recent Napa Valley expansion brings the brand’s signature blend of sophisticated design and heartfelt hospitality to the center of California’s celebrated wine country.

Gruwell and his partners selected the historic 1906 Victorian mansion built by renowned Napa craftsman E.W. Doughty as the setting for the brand’s next chapter. One of downtown Napa’s earliest inn properties, the building reflects the region’s longstanding tradition of welcoming travelers from around the world. With Napa Valley’s international reputation for wine, cuisine, and culture, the location provides a natural fit for The Charles’ values-driven approach to inclusive hospitality.

The design of The Charles Napa Valley carries forward many of the aesthetic elements that define its sister property in Pacific Grove. Gruwell incorporated the same fabrics, wallpaper, and carpeting as foundational design elements, while layering in repurposed antiques, artwork, and accessories sourced from consignment shops, antique stores, and estate sales. Sustainability played a central role in the design process, as did a commitment to creating “stylish interiors that reflect the timeless elegance of a bygone era—bringing design, art, and beautiful furnishings to the global traveler with an emphasis on approachability and comfort.” The result is a space that feels both familiar and distinctly rooted in Napa’s local character.

Partner Ryan MacCarrigan, an entrepreneur and UC Berkeley instructor with 15 years of experience in product innovation and service design, emphasized that authentic inclusivity is the foundation of The Charles brand. “From the beginning, we made a deliberate investment in inclusive hospitality training and scalable, replicable hotel operations,” said MacCarrigan, who has designed and facilitated training programs for dozens of companies and governments worldwide. “Our proprietary C.H.A.R.L.E.S. method provides a disciplined blueprint for growth. As we look ahead to future properties, our focus remains on thoughtful expansion that preserves the character, care, and sense of belonging that define The Charles.” This philosophy informs every aspect of the guest experience, ensuring that each traveler feels genuinely welcomed, comfortable, and seen.

Looking ahead, The Charles Hotels envisions adding properties in San Francisco and Los Angeles, with potential future expansion to New York City, Palm Springs, Provincetown, London, and Berlin. Gruwell hopes the brand’s growth will help set a new standard in hospitality—one where inclusivity and design go hand in hand. “Our main goal is to bring style and a safe, inclusive hospitality experience to the global traveler,” he said. “We want it to become a movement in the hospitality industry, inspiring others to create artfully designed hotels that celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

For reservations, rates, and design previews, visit www.thecharlesnapavalley.com