Age policy and family rules — who can use what and when

Carneros Resort and Spa is an all-ages property: the minimum age to check in is 21, children are welcome across most of the property, and the resort maintains an adults-only Hilltop Pool reserved for guests ages 16 and older. The spa is reserved for overnight guests ages 16 and older; many family-friendly facilities (Otto’s Pool, cottages, in-cottage dining) are available as well.
In this guide
Check-in, check-out and minimum age
Standard check-in at Carneros Resort and Spa begins at 4:00 PM and guests must present a valid photo ID and credit card at arrival. Early check-in or late check-out can be requested at the front desk and are handled subject to availability.
The minimum age to check in is 21 years old. The property requires a deposit equal to 100% of the room rate, resort fee, tax and any package charges at the time of booking.
- Check-in: standard from 4:00 PM (available until midnight)
- Check-out: typically between 11:30 AM and 12:00 PM (varies by booking channel)
- Payment: credit cards accepted; cash is not accepted
| Policy item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to check in | 21 years |
| Deposit at booking | 100% of room rate, resort fee, tax and packages |
| ID required | Photo ID and credit card at arrival |

Pools: who can use which pool and when
Carneros Resort has two heated outdoor pools with different intended uses. Otto’s Pool is the family-friendly pool where children are welcome and families typically gather.
The Hilltop Pool is an adults-only infinity-edge pool reserved for guests ages 16 and older; it includes a hot tub and poolside food and drink service from Hilltop Dining.
- Otto’s Pool: family-friendly — children allowed
- Hilltop Pool: adults-only, reserved for guests 16 and older
- Both pools are heated year-round
| Pool | Age policy | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Otto’s Pool | All ages | Family hub; lounge seating and shaded umbrellas |
| Hilltop Pool | 16+ only | Adults-only infinity edge with hot tub and poolside service |

Spa access and age limits
The Spa at Carneros is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is available only to overnight resort guests; there are no day-pass or outside bookings. Spa treatments and use of spa facilities are reserved for guests 16 and older.
The spa offers indoor and outdoor treatment suites, relaxation lounges, a sauna and a eucalyptus steam room. Guests are encouraged to book spa appointments in advance to secure preferred times.
- Spa hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (daily)
- Spa access: overnight guests only
- Minimum age for treatments and spa area: 16 years
| Spa item | Policy |
|---|---|
| Day-pass bookings | Not available; spa reserved for overnight guests |
| Minimum age for treatments | 16 years and older |
| Booking recommendation | Reserve treatments in advance |

Rooms, sleeping arrangements and family stays
Accommodations at Carneros Resort and Spa are cottage-style units with private decks or patios. Several room types are suitable for families because they include sofa beds or multiple beds.
If you are arranging a stay for a family, check the exact room name and bed configuration when booking to confirm capacity and bedding.
- Many units include a private deck or patio and living area
- Some rooms list a Double Sofa Bed for additional sleeping capacity
- Confirm the exact room name and bed layout at booking
| Room name | Beds (as listed) |
|---|---|
| Garden Cottage | 1 King Bed or 2 Double Beds |
| Premier Garden Cottage | 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed |
| Harvest Cottage | 1 King Bed |
| Premier Harvest Cottage | 1 Double Sofa Bed and 1 King Bed |
| Wellness Suite and Sofa Bed | 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed |
| Garden Suite 2 Kings | 2 King Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed |
| Suite, Multiple Beds | 2 King Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed |
| Carneros Residence | 1 Double Sofa Bed and 2 King Beds |
Pets, pool and dining restrictions
The resort allows up to two dogs per guest room for a one-time non-refundable cleaning fee. Dogs are welcome in many outdoor public areas but are not permitted in certain indoor spaces and some outdoor facilities.
Specific exclusions apply: dogs are not allowed in the spa, pools, the Market indoor area, or indoor restaurant dining rooms. Some outdoor dining areas and the FARM Pavilion allow dogs.
- Allowed: up to two dogs per room (one-time cleaning fee applies)
- Fee: a non-refundable cleaning fee per dog is charged (policy lists $150 per dog plus tax)
- Not allowed: spa, pools, Market indoor area, indoor dining rooms
- Allowed outdoors in specified spaces: FARM Pavilion, Town Square, Hilltop patio, Kelso’s Dog Park
| Item | Pet policy |
|---|---|
| Maximum dogs per room | Up to two dogs |
| Cleaning fee | One-time non-refundable fee per dog (policy amount listed) |
| Where dogs are not permitted | Spa, pools, Market indoor area, indoor dining rooms |
Activities, fitness and age rules for equipment
The resort has a 3,000-square-foot fitness center with 24-hour access and free daily group fitness classes such as yoga and Pilates. Guests may also reserve private classes or personal training for an additional fee.
Loaner bicycles are provided free on a first-come, first-served basis but are restricted to guests ages 14 and older.
- Fitness center: 24-hour access; Peloton bikes and strength equipment available
- Group fitness classes: complimentary daily (yoga, Pilates, guided runs, etc.)
- Loaner bicycles: available for guests 14 years and older, first-come, first-served
| Activity or item | Age requirement |
|---|---|
| Fitness center | No stated minimum; 24-hour access |
| Group fitness classes | Varies by class (check with front desk) |
| Loaner bicycles | 14 years and older |
Dining access and age-related rules
Carneros Resort operates several on-site dining venues with differing access rules. FARM Restaurant and Bar and Boon Fly Café are open to the public; the Hilltop Dining Room is reserved for overnight resort guests.
In-cottage dining is available daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The resort is not an all-inclusive property: meals, alcohol and room service are charged separately; the resort fee does not cover standard restaurant meals or drinks.
- Hilltop Dining Room: reserved for overnight guests (breakfast and lunch service hours listed)
- Boon Fly Café and FARM Restaurant and Bar: open to the public (check hours for brunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch)
- In-cottage dining (room service): available daily 7:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Resort fee: covers items like Wi‑Fi, bicycles, fitness access and Cadillac car service, not meals or drinks
| Dining venue | Access |
|---|---|
| FARM Restaurant and Bar | Open to public and guests |
| Boon Fly Café | Open to public and guests |
| Hilltop Dining Room | Reserved for overnight guests |
| Market and POST Tasting Lounge | Open to public and guests (POST offers tasting events) |


