Victoria Lupascu 
Planning a little escape to California’s wine country? Then hop on this guide on where to stay in Napa Valley.
After thorough research, I’ve come up with this post featuring the best towns in the region and the top hotels as well (for all budgets).
In short, Downtown Napa is the best area to stay in Napa Valley, as that’s an amazing starting point for your holiday here! Plus it has lots of attractions and wineries! But if that’s not your scene, then also check out the other areas.
I’d recommend booking your hotel here fast as you might be lucky to score a cheaper price (hotels are quite pricey in this region).
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Here’s a short round-up of the best hotels in Napa Valley, all set in Downtown Napa:
Contents
Check out this map of where to stay in Napa Valley, California to get an idea of where the areas I will be talking about in this blog post are:
- Downtown Napa: for first-timers
- Yountville: for foodies
- St. Helena: for vineyards
- Calistoga: for relaxation
1. Downtown Napa – where to stay for the first time
There’s no better place to start your adventures than Napa’s Downtown area!
This city is the region’s main area and lots of first-time visitors choose to stay here or just start their adventures from here.
Downtown is a gorgeous area filled with buildings from the 1800s and early-1900s!
Here you can just walk and walk and stop at all the amazing attractions like the Oxbow Public Market (map) where you can indulge in delicious local products, at the art galleries and of course do a bit of shopping too!
You’ll find some cute, small spots here like Napa Bookmine (map) where all book lovers will want to search for hidden treasures and the CP Thrift Shop (map).
PRO TIP: The best way to get around Napa Valley is by car (you can easily rent one or bring your own) as that way you can easily go from one winery to the next or explore multiple towns. However, if that’s not an option, you could hop on the Napa Valley Wine Train which goes around the region. They offer different experiences, most of which include food and drinks. You can check them out on this website
The Downtown area is also packed with so many restaurants! Some really fab ones that you should check out are Cole’s Chop House (map), Zuzu (map) and Angele Restaurant & Bar (map).
Such an amazing hotel where you can relax after a day of exploring Napa Valley and drinking wine! The accommodation has rooms with comfy beds and a tub where you can chill. You’ll also find a rooftop terrace and 2 on-site restaurants that specialize in American cuisine.
Other accommodation options in Napa City
Set in a historic building, this hotel is decorated with original artwork and a restaurant
This stylish hotel has an on-site spa, spacious rooms, free parking, and a good breakfast
This Airbnb has spacious rooms for the whole family and it features a nice garden and a bar
Things to do in Downtown Napa
- Catch a sunset by the Napa River
- See a performance at the historic Napa Valley Opera House
- Go shopping and eat some tasty food at Oxbow Public Market
- Enjoy gourmet food and good wine on the Napa Valley Wine Train
- Check out the Eleven Eleven Winery (map)
- Get some souvenirs from Napa Bookmine and CP Thrift Shop
2. Yountville – where to stay in Napa Valley for foodies
Situated 9 miles (12 km) North of Downtown Napa, Yountville is a heaven for foodies!
You will not only find great wine-tasting rooms but also famous Michelin-starred restaurants such as The French Laundry and Auberge du Soleil, which serve delicious food in the most elegant settings.
Start your day by visiting the city’s major attractions like the Napa Valley Museum to learn about the history and culture of Napa Valley. From there you can walk down the streets and check out the countless art galleries and the wineries. The town’s downtown area is super walkable so you can easily get where you want on foot.
Jessup Cellars (map) is definitely a spot you should check out as besides wine tastings it also hosts different art exhibits.
Yountville is surrounded by green areas, so if you need a break from all the wineries and shops, head to Yountville Park (map) or Vintner’s Golf Club (map) for a round of golf.
Chill by the swimming pool of this hotel and enjoy the Californian sun before heading out to explore the wineries at this amazing hotel that offers bikes and a hot tub. Their rooms are super cozy and some even have a fireplace!
Other accommodation in Yountville, Napa Valley
This hotel offers spacious rooms with a fireplace, a swimming pool, a hot tub, and a good breakfast
Such a cute little inn that offers a free breakfast, wine in the evening and rooms with a fireplace
A nice cottage that’s great for a romantic getaway and which has a garden and a fireplace
Things to do in Yountville, Napa Valley
- Learn new things at the Napa Valley Museum
- Have a glass of wine at Hill Family Estate (map)
- Explore the beautiful vineyards at Bell Wine Cellars (map)
- Go for a walk at Yountville park
- Buy a good bottle of wine from Jessup Cellars Tasting Gallery
- Take a trip to Skyline Wilderness Park (map)
- Have a fine dining experience at the Michelin-starred restaurant The French Laundry (map)
Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!
3. St. Helena – best area in Napa Valley for wine-tasting
St. Helena is a 30 min drive North of Downtown Napa and it’s an absolute haven for wine lovers (and nature lovers) who want to immerse themselves deeply in the wine culture.
Just imagine spending your days here wandering through charming vineyards and olive groves and tasting tons of delicious wines! Who’s already super excited?
It might be hard picking one place to start your wine tasting (since there are so many) but I’d definitely recommend starting with Beringer Vineyards (map) which is set on some gorgeous grounds!
PRO TIP: Make sure you book your tours and wine tastings anywhere you go in the whole region of Napa Valley in advance. These days, you can’t just do a walk-in visit so book your spot.
If you want a break from wine drinking (and maybe to cure your hangover) you can explore the nearby green areas like Moore Creek Park (map).
This incredible hotel has everything you need from golf courses to tennis courts and it offers many fun activities such as cooking lessons, hiking tours, and wine tastings. Start your day with a cup of coffee by the pool, and then head to the spa and relax with a long message.
Other accommodation in St. Helena, Napa Valley
Overlooking the vineyards, this hotel offers 2 swimming pools and a restaurant
A great hotel for those on a budget with comfortable rooms and easy access to the vineyards
This Airbnb has a spacious room, a fully furnished kitchen and a nice terrace area
Things to do in St. Helena, Napa Valley
- Enjoy a wine tasting at Beringer Vineyards (map)
- Go for a hike in the Bothe-Napa Valley State Park (map)
- Check out the Rutherford Hill Winery (map) known for its Cabernet Sauvignon
- Take a golf lesson at Meadowood Golf Club (map)
- Visit the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
- Take a trip to see Lake Berryessa (map)
4. Calistoga – best area in Napa Valley for relaxation
Calistoga is a 40 drive away from Downtown Napa and it’s the best place to stay in Napa Valley for those who just want to relax.
This town is actually famous for its hot springs, mineral pools, and luxurious spas
So if you want to pamper yourself with nice treatments and chill while enjoying the beautiful nature, Calistoga is exactly your place!
Another popular spot in Calistoga is the Old Faithful Geyser of California (named after its bigger brother in Yellowstone National Park), which you should definitely check out!
Some other cool attractions in this town are the Sharpsteen Museum and the Mount St. Helena Golf Course (map).
Of course, there are lots of wineries here too which you can visit in between your spa days, like the Tank Garage Winery (map) and Sterling Vineyards (map).
Enjoy a cocktail by the outdoor fireplace at this hotel which has a lush backyard with an outdoor heated pool, a wine lounge and a restaurant. They also offer different suites (including some spacious ones for those traveling with kids) and cottages with an outdoor spa bath.
Other options in Calistoga, Napa Valley
The Inn on Pine has an outdoor pool, comfortable rooms with a kitchen, free parking, and wifi
Relax in the deep soaking tub of your room at this hotel that offers breakfast
A luxurious cottage perfect for couples that has a private patio and an indoor fireplace
Things to do in Calistoga, Napa Valley
- See the impressive Old Faithful Geyser (map)
- Join a wine tasting at Clos Pegase Winery (map)
- Visit the Sharpsteen Museum to learn about the area’s history
- Take a golf lesson at Mount St. Helena Golf Course
- Have a cup of coffee at Soul Rebel Coffee (map)
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$600 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | US$350 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$200 |
| 📍 Best area: | Downtown Napa |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Archer Hotel Napa |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | R Inn Napa |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | The Napa Inn |
BONUS: Best boutique hotels in Napa Valley
Napa Valley is absolutely packed with incredible boutique hotels! Although I included some great ones in the areas above, as well, I wanted to offer you a couple more options, in case you’re looking for something a bit more unique.
I’d also recommend checking out our post on the top boutique hotels in Napa Valley, where you’ll find many more options:
- Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection ($$$)– one of the best luxury hotels in the Napa Valley that has an outdoor pool, a fitness studio, a spa center and a restaurant.
- Auberge du Soleil ($$$) – you’ll never want to leave this resort that’s set in St. Helena! Tucked away between the trees, the hotel comes with a spa center, 2 on-site restaurants and a pool.
- Alila Napa Valley, a Hyatt Resort ($$$) – boasting an infinity pool and a great location in St. Helena, this hotel has some charming rooms with balconies that overlook the lush garden, an outdoor pool and a restaurant.
- Milliken Creek Inn ($$) – set in Napa City, this amazing inn has a great location, rooms with large windows that overlook the garden and a spa center.
- Rancho Caymus Inn ($$) – I love the design of this resort in Rutherford that comes with a spa center, an outdoor pool and a bar.
FAQs about where to stay in Napa Valley
🗺️ What is the best part of Napa to stay in?
Downtown Napa is probably one of the best places to stay in Napa Valley, as that’s the best starting point to explore the region and an area where you’ll find many attractions and wineries.
🤔 Is it better to stay in Napa Valley or Sonoma?
Napa Valley offers more wineries and restaurants compared to Sonoma so if you’re going mainly to do wine tastings and visit vineyards, I’d pick Napa Valley.
☀️ What is the best month to visit Napa Valley?
If you want to check out vineyards and wineries, August to October and March to May are the best times to visit Napa Valley.
❓ Should I stay in Napa Valley or San Francisco?
It depends, if you’d prefer a more urban experience where you can visit cultural attractions then head to San Francisco, but if you want to explore small towns, wineries and spend time in nature head to Napa Valley.
🛎️ What are the best hotels in Napa Valley near Oxbow Public Market?
The Napa Inn and Andaz Napa by Hyatt are some of the best Napa Valley hotels that are set near Oxbow Public Market.
🏨 What are the best hotels to stay in Napa?
Archer Hotel Napa and R Inn Napa are some of the best hotels in Napa City! These 2 places have a great design and offer amazing facilities.
Final thoughts on where to stay in Napa Valley
Who’s eager to visit all those incredible wineries and eat yummy food?
I hope that this guide on where to stay in Napa Valley, helped you decide which town and hotels to pick for your stay.
I’d highly recommend booking them in advance as this region is super popular and it gets so many visitors.
If you’re still not sure which hotels to pick, here are my 2 favorites, both set in Napa City:
- Archer Hotel Napa – a gorgeous hotel with an on-site spa and 2 restaurants
- R Inn Napa – set in a historic building this hotel is decorated with original artwork
This is where I leave you! But don’t worry, I’m still around for questions! Just drop them in the comment section below and I’ll answer as soon as I can.
Have an amazing holiday,
Victoria
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Hello I am planning a last minute trip to napa. Flying into San Fran on a late flight this Friday (in at 11:30 pm. )Should I stay in San Fran for the night or rent car and drive to napa. The hotels you suggested are sold out . Any advice appreciated
Hi Maria!
Too bad the hotels are sold out, that’s why we always remind people to book as much in advance as possible – the good hotels are rarely available last minute.
You could either find something yourself from whats available, but if it would be up to me, I would probably stay in SF overnight, probably somewhere close to the airport and then start from new day fresh. This way you will also not be super exhausted from the road (but as always, it is up to each individual preferences).
We have a hotel on Where to stay in SF, and a whole section there on where to stay near the airport, check it out here, hope it helps!