The Inn at Europa Village

The focus is on romance and relaxation -- SoCal wine country style -- at this quiet two-story Mission-style bed and breakfast on a hillside. Arriving guests are greeted with homemade Sangria in this rustic but chic property, which features exposed wood beams running along white stucco ceilings above terra-cotta-style tile floors. A large, intricately carved wooden mantel sits above the brick-framed fireplace in the lobby. This space also has a flat screen TV with satellite cable, as there are no TVs in the rooms. Leather upholstered chairs face the fireplace and rest on a large, Oriental-style rug and there are large country-kitchen-style pine tables and matching chairs around the corner, where a gourmet breakfast is served every morning. Large windows and French doors offer glimpses over the surrounding vineyards. Stained glass that’s brightly illuminated by the sun hangs in front of some windows. The expansive outdoor patio features panoramic views from tables covered by umbrellas, and there's an adjacent fire pit surrounded by comfortable chairs. Nearby, vegetables and herbs used at the Inn grow in wine half-barrels. The inn plans to add a restaurant, spa, amphitheater, and dozens of rooms in three separate European-theme buildings over the next four years.

This inn has a quiet and picturesque setting on a hillside overlooking the many acres of vineyards of the Europa Village’s winery. The Village is designed to resemble an Old World town and features live music on weekends, as well as other special events throughout the year. The property is in the heart of San Bernardino County’s Inland Empire at the beginning of the Temecula Valley Wine County. There are several wineries nearby, including Europa Village (a four-minute walk) and Baily Winery (a five-minute walk), which also has a restaurant. There are plenty of other wineries within driving distance, and Old Town Temecula is 13 minutes away by car. It's about a 10-minute drive to I-15. Pechanga Resort & Casino and the Promenade shopping center, with restaurants and a cinema complex, is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Nearby international airports and their approximate driving times include Palm Springs (85 minutes), San Diego (85 minutes), San Bernardino (60 minutes), LA/Ontario (80 minutes), and Los Angeles (two hours).

The Inn’s 10 rooms are spacious, clean, and individually decorated in a classy and comfortable fashion. Most bear names of various wine varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, etc.). Expect to see soft earth tones on the walls, drapes, and carpet, as well as lots of quality wood furniture -- including some antiques -- in dark or reddish brown finishes. Some rooms have exposed wood beams running along the ceilings, and many feature wine-theme art. A few rooms have fireplaces and private entrances, and most have private patios or balconies with sweeping views of the surrounding vineyards. All rooms feature king beds with white linens and decorative throws in earth tones. All rooms have air-conditioning and ceiling fans. With no TVs or even phones and an isolated hillside setting, the rooms are exceptionally quiet. Bathrooms vary in size and presentation, but expect to see nice tile floors and rustic wood vanities with granite or white ceramic tops. Some rooms have simple shower/tub combos framed by basic white tile, while others have two-person whirlpool tubs and small walk-in showers. The Cabernet Sauvignon Suite even has a heart-shaped whirlpool tub.

The Inn offers a free two-course gourmet breakfast included that changes daily to feature cuisine from various areas of Europe (France, Italy, Spain, etc.). It’s served in a lovely room with large pine tables, or outside on a covered patio overlooking vineyards. Other features include a whirlpool hot tub that's big enough for eight people, free and plentiful outdoor parking, and free Wi-Fi. Guests of the Inn receive discounts at Europa Village for wine tastings and purchases at the retail store, which sells wine and little gifts.