where to stay in napa valley ( best towns & hotels)

What town is best to stay in Napa Valley?

By Carles Barcelo. Updated October 27, 2023

The wine producing region of Napa Valley is located in Napa County, California in the United States and is visited by around five million people every year. The region features some four hundred wineries with the most popular grape varieties being Zinfandel, Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

From north to south some of the most popular towns to stay in Napa Valley are Calistoga, St. Helena, Rutherford, Yountville and Napa to the east. A wine-tasting tour of the fifty kilometre long Napa Valley is recommended for couples and friends rather than families with young children. St. Helena, Rutherford, Yountville, Napa, Rutherford are some of the towns dotted along the valley offering treats for the taste buds which might not be appreciated by younger members of the family.

If you are planning on staying in Napa Valley as a family the town of Calistoga is your best bet or head east to Lake Berryessa where children can let off steam in and around the beautiful lake. Options of places to stay in Napa Valley range from lakeside campsites to five star luxury hotels. Many visitors plan a route of the particular vineyards they would like to visit and then choose accommodation close by.If you are interested in where to stay in Napa Valley, you may also be interested in where to stay in Sonoma and where to stay in San Francisco.

Best towns to stay in Napa Valley

Calistoga

Winieries / Spa’s / Restaurants

If are touring Napa Valley with children, Calistoga is a more family orientated place to stay as it doesn’t have the snooty feel that some of the other towns have. The town itself is small and easy to get around with galleries, shops and an Art Walk. The Sharpsteen Museum tells you the history of the town and examples of local art and architecture can be seen in the grounds of Villa Ca’Toga.

Children will love the hiking trails of the Robert Louis Stevenson State Park and taking a family bike ride through the natural wonders of the petrified forest and to see the geyser. After all that physical activity a visit to the Dr. Wilkinson’s Hot Springs Resort will have you feeling rejuvenated and a mud bath will leave you with the softest skin imaginable.

Some of the most popular wineries in Calistoga are Castello de Amorosa which is set in a reconstructed Italian castle and Chateau Montelana. Sterling Vineyards is situated at the top of a hill and a novel way to get there is to take the vineyard’s own aerial tram which will whisk you to the top in five minutes. Accommodation in Calistoga can be found in intimate small inns, on a ranch or in any number of B&B’s, hotels and resorts many of them offering family friendly rooms.

Accommodation in Calistoga

Recommended hotels in Calistoga:

Indian Springs Resort & Spa: For Bohemian luxury, look no further than The Indian Springs Resort & Spa which resides on the North end of the Napa Valley. This Bohemian retreat is a favorite among celebrities and music festivalgoers alike, thanks to its secluded location, five-star amenities, and social scene.

Resort’s accommodation collection includes standard rooms and suites, and a number of cottages, bungalows, and houses that feature modern Bohemian décor and all the amenities of a luxury resort. The lush olive trees, manicured grounds, and bubbling fountains of Indian Springs Resort & Spa create a feeling of old-world elegance, while the modern accommodation, on-site restaurants, and full-service spa keep guests comfortable and pampered throughout.

Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection:

For ardent wine lovers, there can be no greater destination than Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection. Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, this secluded retreat offers the perfect setting to celebrate your love of wine.

Both at Pico bar and Solbar you can unwind over leisurely dinners and share stories with friends. This vibrant retreat also boasts a world-class spa inspired by Calistoga’s bubbling natural hot springs and rejuvenating bathhouse rituals. With deep respect for nature, the resort’s suites and studios are designed to reflect the rustic elegance of wine country living. Each room features a patio or balcony that overlooks the resort’s beautifully landscaped grounds.

St. Helena

Upscale Boutiques / Storied Wineries / Luxe Lifestyle

There is much more to do in St. Helena than just taste the wines. Main Street is home to many independent shops where you can indulge in chocolate heaven or experience an olive oil tasting. Rent bikes and cycle off for the day to the old Bale Grist Mill or the shores of Lake Hennessey. The small Cameo Cinema in the town might be over one hundred years old but the films are all the latest releases. For anyone looking to learn about food and wine the Culinary Institute of America has an acclaimed restaurant in St. Helena and offers classes in culinary education. Other eateries include classic burger joints and places serving local Californian cuisine as well as independent retailers offering gourmet delights that are just waiting to be tasted.

In St. Helena you can take a tour of the Beringer estate, which is the longest continuously operating winery in the Valley.  Charles Krug is another very famous name to be found in St. Helena and in the award-winning Redwood Cellar Tasting Room you can sample some of their most exclusive wines. You can sleep in peace in renovated mid-century motels, in hotels with stunning vineyard views or in cosy B&B’s. No matter where you choose to stay in St. Helena you will receive a casually elegant hospitality and rest peacefully full of good food and wines.

Accommodation in St. Helena

Recommended hotels in St. Helena:

Alila Napa Valley:

Just a short walk away from the vibrant Mainstreet of Napa Valley, lies the idyllic Alila Napa Valley. Surrounded by picturesque vineyards, The Resort & Spa is a peaceful haven, where you can unwind in luxury and enjoy the simple things in life.

Offering an array of in-room facilities and services, Alila Napa Valley is an adult-only resort providing the perfect setting for a romantic getaway or a relaxing break with friends. Resort’s Spa Alila is an integral part that provides a haven of peace and tranquility. Enjoy American cuisine at The Acasia House Restaurant or take a swim in the infinity pool while enjoying the stunning views of the valley.

Harvest Inn:

Nestling in the Heart of Napa Valley’s St. Helena, the Harvest Inn is a serene getaway. The Inn’s acres of vineyards provide grapes for some of the best wines in the world. The picturesque scenery and the Inn’s elegant Vineyard rooms and Harvest Inn rooms make it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the fruits of the harvest.

Their personalized culinary experience includes a farm-to-table approach, using the freshest local ingredients available. For those seeking the art of relaxation, Inn’s Spa Partner offers an array of treatments, from hot stone massages to microdermabrasion. Guests can enjoy the stunning views of the vineyards while relaxing in the warm California sun.

Yountville

World-class restaurants and accommodations

This is a good central Napa Valley location and most of the wineries are in easy driving distance. There are several excellent restaurants in the town and more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere else in North America. Intimate restaurants are led by renowned chefs who create culinary masterpieces with the local fresh produce and serve them accompanied by the Valley’s best wines.

The town is small and can be wandered around on foot quite easily. There is a restored winery complex called Ma(i)sonry that now houses galleries, boutiques and stores inspired by gastronomy and wine. The Napa Valley Museum is great for some culture and afterwards you can enjoy a cocktail or two by the rooftop pool of one of the local bars.

Wineries in Yountville include Cliff Lede Vineyards, Domanine Chandon, the Chiarello Family Vineyards and Cosentino Winery. There is a superb five-star hotel in Yountville as well as a selection of motels and B&B’s. Some places offer spa treatments for the ultimate in relaxation, or you can immerse yourself in French charm at one of the most romantic inns in the town.

Accommodation in Yountville

Recommended hotels in Yountville:

Bardessono Hotel and Spa is an intimate luxury boutique hotel situated in the heart of Napa Valley, California’s Wine Country. The Bardessono experience begins the moment you arrive, with an all-inclusive approach to service and amenities. The hotel’s luxury accommodation options as Villas and Suites are the epitome of modern luxury, appointed with organic materials, crafted furnishings, and state-of-the-art technology.

The B Spa offers an array of treatments reflecting the hotel’s philosophy of environmental consciousness and respect for the surrounding area. The cuisine at Bardessono is a reflection of the hotel’s commitment to using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. The pet-friendly hotel elevates the typical hotel experience to perfection.

If you’re looking for a luxurious and relaxing vacation, look no further than Hotel Villagio. This five-star hotel is located in Yountville, just steps away from Union Square.

The standard rooms, villas, and the vintage house are spacious and elegantly appointed, with plenty of amenities to make your stay comfortable. The Estate’s restaurants; Bottega, Conqueta, and Ottimo, are all top-notch, and the on-site spa is the perfect place to unwind with a therapeutic massage after a long day of exploring Napa Valley. Whether you’re in town for wine tasting, golfing, shopping, or just relaxing, Hotel Villagio is the perfect choice for your next vacationin Napa Valley.

Napa

Wineries / Restaurants / Arts Culture

Napa has to be the ultimate culinary destination in Napa Valley with some 70 restaurants all within walking distance. There are some very good restaurants with price tags to match, but equally so there are some inexpensive ones as well. For shopaholics, the town is filled with delightful retail outlets offering something for everyone. There are antique emporiums, clothing shops, home furnishings and gift shops and many food and drink shops. Wineries to visit in Napa are the Dahl Vineyards, Bouchaine Vineyards, Sequoia Grove Winery and Silenus Vintners.

For entertainment, The Napa Opera House puts on very good live shows several times a month and serves excellent food in an intimate setting. The Napa Valley Wine Train departs from Napa on its fifty kilometre or so round trip through the Valley to St. Helena. With two engines and a random collection of 20th century rail cars guests can enjoy various regional foods and wines on board while the antique train chugs through the countryside. There are several excellent B&B’s in Napa to choose from as well as brand name luxury hotels and in a riverside setting an independent hotel owned and operated by locals. Cosy and individual self-catering cottages can also be rented complete with fire places and jacuzzi tubs.

Accommodation in Napa

Recommended hotels in Napa:

To experience top-notch wining and dining in the iconic wine region of Napa Valley, look no further than Hotel Indigo. This hotel boasts an impressive in-house culture that’s perfect for indulging in all the best that Napa Valley has to offer.

From fine dining at The Restaurant at Hotel Indigo to exploring world-renowned wineries, you’ll find everything you need for a perfect getaway right at your fingertips. Soak up the Napa Valley sun from the rooftop pool deck on your private balcony with stunning vineyard views. With a pet-friendly policy, your furry friend can come along to enjoy all the hotel has to offer.

Archer Hotel Napa is a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Napa. This stylish and modern hotel offers guests a variety of amenities and services, including an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and spa. The Archer Hotel Napa also features a rooftop pool with stunning views of the surrounding cityscape.

Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar offers stunning panoramic views of Downtown Napa and the surrounding vineyards. The bar features an extensive list of local wines, craft beers, and creative cocktails.Guest rooms and suites at the Archer Hotel Napa are spacious and well-appointed, with all of the modern conveniences one would expect from a luxury hotel.

Rutherford

Scenic Countryside / Wineries

The Rutherford area produces a unique wine that has an almost spicy element and this comes from the famous “Rutherford dust”. Once a dry riverbed the soil gives the fruit and herbs in the famed Cabernets a distinctive character and they have a passionate worldwide following. The wineries in Rutherford include Caymus, Beaulieu Vineyard and Elizabeth Spencer. The restaurants in Rutherford are naturally experts when it comes to pairing foods with the Rutherford dust wines. There are Italian restaurants where rustic food is served in hearty portions, a superb grill restaurant for the best in burgers and ribs or go a short distance out of the town for Michelin-starred food served with amazing views.

The Inglenook wine estate in Rutherford is home to the Niebaum-Coppola winery and museum owned by film director Francis Ford Coppola and gives a fascinating insight into the birth of cinema. The grand old estate is perfect for a stroll round and the magic lanterns and antique zoetropes on display are fun and fascinating. To end your day of wine country  hospitality you can choose to stay in posh hotels that offer yoga and fitness classes along with luxury spa treatments, small intimate B&B’s or stay in the ranch in the centre of town where you can relax by your in-room fireplace!

Accommodation in Rutherford

Recommended hotels in Rutherford:

This hotel is one of the most unique and special places to stay in all of Napa Valley. Set atop a sun-drenched hillside with sweeping views of the valley below, this boutique hotel is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. The accommodations are top-notch, the food is incredible, and the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful.

The French Inspired accommodation ensures that every guest feels like royalty. Dining at Auberge du Soleil features a menu of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients that are expertly prepared by the talented culinary team. The hotel offers wellness retreats, weddings, and much more. Whatever your reason for visiting, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.