How to Drive a Luxury Car for Free On Your Next Vacation

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When it comes to luxury travel, many don’t think beyond the airplane and hotel. But what if you could extend that first class experience to the car you drive? The Auberge Resorts Collection and Mercedes-Benz are adding three new properties to their existing partnership, which offers guests access to a fleet of high-end Mercedes-Benz vehicles for use during their stay.

To celebrate the launch, each property—Stanly Ranch, the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, and Wildflower Farms—will host an exclusive Mercedes-Benz weekend test drive event. Book a stay to get behind the wheel of a Mercedes-AMG SL or Mercedes-EQ model accompanied by a product specialist, shop Saks’ event-exclusive virtual pop-up store to stock up on road trip essentials, and experience the unique special events held at each property.

Stanly Ranch: Napa, California

Stanly Ranch is a 712-acre resort surrounded by the serene Napa Valley wine country. The ranch invites guests to unwind with regional adventures such as botanical cocktail classes and hot air balloon rides. Enjoy the property’s own sprawling vineyards, interspersed with walking and biking trails, or relax at the two separate on-site spa facilities.

Test Drive Weekend: April 28th-30th

Special Event: Guests are invited to participate in a workshop with fashion brand Lingua Franca, known for their hand-stitched cashmere sweaters and subversive slogans. 

Inn at Mattei’s Tavern: Los Olivos, California

Built in 1886 as a stagecoach stop, The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern remains a historic fixture on the Central Coast. Travelers can opt to stay in individual rooms in the Guest House or book an entire cottage, original to the property and restored to bring travelers modern comfort and privacy. While there, don’t forget to book your llama farm tour or grab a bite to eat at paella night.

Test Drive Weekend: May 12th-14th

Special Event: In this two part event, guests will sample local wines from the Santa Ynez region and create their own infused olive oil with ingredients from the inn’s onsite garden.

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Wildflower Farms: Hudson Valley, New York

With 60 cabins and cottages and 5 luxury suites set on 140 acres, guests will feel totally immersed in the surrounding nature of the Hudson Valley. Experiences at Wildflower Farms are tailored to connect guests to nature, teaching them the art of foraging, cooking with local ingredients, and giving a behind-the-scenes look at their namesake farm.

Test Drive Weekend: June 9th-11th

Special Event: Join fellow guests for a class in floral arrangement or botanical baking with ingredients sourced from Wildflower Farms.

When Can Guests Register for the Test Drive Event?

Registration for the test drive event opens April 10th. Guests that do not pre-register will be able to sign up on a first-come, first-serve basis. Special events are open to general hotel guests as well as test drive participants.

How Can Guests Reserve a Car?

Each property will have a fleet of five vehicles in a variety of models, from sedans and coupes to Cabriolets and SUVs. There is no reservation system—cars are available on a first come, first serve basis. Guests simply need to contact the property and fill out a waiver to take out a vehicle, free of charge. 

Perks for Mercedes-Benz Owners

Those lucky few bringing their own Benz on vacation have access to an additional suite of perks. Mercedes-Benz owners receive special benefits during their stay, which vary by property but include amenities like complimentary spa treatments, free room upgrades, credits toward amenities, and more. 

What Other Properties Offer Mercedes-Benz Rentals?

Other Auberge properties within the partnership include:

• Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley, CA
• Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection, Napa Valley, CA
• Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection, Austin, TX
• The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection, Park City, UT

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