Best Places To Stay Near Downtown Napa

Jun 20, 2020
By Rebekah Stoltz Weeman

You've chosen Napa Valley as your ultimate wine country destination, now let's pick one of the best Napa hotels to book your vacation.

So you’ve packed your bags, lined up a few outdoor tastings in Napa Valley and made a few reservations at local wine country restaurants. Great job! Now all you need to do is decide on where to stay while you are in Napa. While there are many options up and down the valley (check out Best Places To Stay In Napa Valley for options outside of Napa proper), downtown Napa itself is the most affordable options. Being closest to the San Francisco Bay, downtown Napa experiences cooler temperatures in the Summer, whereas Calistoga about 20 miles to the north can easily be 10 - 15 degrees warmer. If you are anything like me, that matters a lot. If you are coming from chilly San Francisco, or even the Bay Area, wine country can seem especially warm.

Napa has grown a lot in the last few years. When I first came to live in Napa Valley, it was more of a place you drove through to get to the wineries and world-class restaurants, than a place to stay. Today, downtown Napa is a vibrant city, with lots to offer and a destination for tourists and locals alike. It always surprises me how long it takes to drive from one part of Napa to another- even after becoming a local. Depending on what other activities you want to add to your itinerary, you may want to consider where your hotel is, especially if you don't plan on renting a car or hiring a driver.

Essentially the two main areas with a higher concentration of hotels are North Napa and Downtown Napa. Aside from the new Vista Collina Resort and The Meritage Resort & Spa, the hotels you will read about fit into these two key areas in the town of Napa.

Vista Collina Resort and The Meritage Resort & Spa are both in the same industrial area, south of Napa and near the tiny airport. While the resorts offer a lot of activities and are fully self-contained, they are far removed from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Napa. The prices at both resorts are significantly less than some other hotels, so if being out of the way doesn't matter to you, this may be the perfect place for you to stay. Both are comfortable and have everything you could need. Be sure to rent a car or have an Uber budget so you can get into town or go wine tasting with ease.

Downtown Napa has the biggest selection of places to stay. While my list of favorite Napa Valley hotels may be long, I have selected my "go-to" favorites in this blog posting for reasons that include a level of ease that I expect when I am on vacation.

The Archer Hotel Napa is a great place to call home. With shops, restaurants and tasting rooms just outside the door, one can find anything they need in a moment's notice. The hotel itself is five stories, holds the Charlie Palmer Steakhouse, has a great rooftop bar and sleek, spacious rooms. What more could you want right? Top-notch service? Archer has that too! You can’t go wrong when you get bedazzled at Archer.

Still downtown, but on the other side of the Napa River is a very popular place called the Westin Verasa Napa. Here you will be treated like royalty and still experience the comfort of your own home. Affordable, with sensational upgrades available, you will find the Verasa relaxing and surreal in its beautiful setting. Within walking distance to the Oxbow Commons, The Napa Valley Wine Train and much more, you won't feel off the beaten path at all. Be sure to try the Happy Hour out on the back patio for some awesome cocktails and nibbles. Summer is here and the Westin Verasa knows how to treat you right!

If country club life is your thing, your best bet in Napa is Silverado Resort and Spa. Established in the 50s Silverado has been a mainstay in Napa’s landscape. With two PGA ready golf courses, tennis galore, multiple swimming pools and a spa, there isn't much to want for at Silverado. The suites, cottages and residences are luxurious, well done and full of modern charm. Nestled beneath the Vaca Mountains the landscape is sprawling and green. While old growth Oak trees provide shade from the blistering sun, the onsite bistro offers farm-to-table fresh food with a flair. Not inexpensive in the least, Silverado offers value-packed packages toward the end of Summer, which I would recommend.

The Cottages of Napa Valley is Napa’s hidden gem. Located in North Napa, beneath a grove of sheltering trees, the Cottages of Napa Valley are second to none for privacy and relaxation. Rumor has it that back in the 40s Gable and Lombard came to the cottages and made it their secret hideaway. Enchantingly designed, the grounds are well cared for and lacking in nothing. Each cottage offers its own unique story and opens up to a beautiful garden. The finishes and amenities are over the top and the prices are not bad considering you are, after all, in the heart of Napa Valley! While there isn't a restaurant or bar on site, Yountville is close by and offers restaurants galore. Be sure to explore the options and select the right cottage for your stay. Be prepared to be doted on and spoiled by the caring staff round the clock.

With so much to do and see in Napa, some might say it's a bit like heaven on earth. I can certainly see why when I see so many smiling faces and happy people. It can't be just the wine! The outdoors and healthy food in Napa Valley lend well to good living. I think Napa is a great place to visit over and over again. I hope to see you around town this Summer, smiling and enjoying life to its fullest.

Cheers!