Even if you don’t have a thing for lofts, the Inn is a good place to crash while exploring the Napa Valley. It’s clean, the staff is friendly, and you get free coffee in your room. There’s high-speed Internet access, a refrigerator, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, and satellite TV in each room, too. Breakfast is free; you can choose between fresh fruit and granola bars in the lobby and the Best Western breakfast menu at the Denny’s on site. If you don’t like the Best Western breakfast menu, you can swap your breakfast voucher for a few dollars off anything on their regular menu. There is an outdoor heated pool.

This Best Western Plus isn’t content to offer you only the basics, though by all accounts they do that well. There are a couple of specialty packages too, designed to help you get out and explore and enjoy the region. Our favorite of these is the Romance Package, which consists of either a suite or a room with a king-sized bed, plus a dozen red roses, a bottle of sparkling wine, and a box of chocolate truffles. The website helpfully points out that these may have nuts—a not-inconsequential warning for those with serious nut allergies. If you don’t have nut allergies, your mouth might be watering by now; mmm, chocolate truffles with nuts.

Ok, a four-star resort hotel this isn’t, but who wants to pay hundreds, or even thousands of dollars just to sleep? If you’ve got that kind of dough, spend it when you’re awake, buying world-class wines and eating in fancy restaurants. If you don’t have that kind of dough, at least you can still visit Napa. You’ll have a good time here.

And the Inn is pet-friendly! Not all rooms accept pets; you have to specifically reserve a pet-friendly room. If none seems to be available when you book, however, call the Inn and ask about pets and they may be able to help you out.

If you want luxury, you’re in the right region. Go and book yourself some treatments at the nearby day spas. Check out those fine Michelin-rated restaurants.  Explore the hundreds of world-class wineries that have made Napa Valley famous. Take a ride on the Wine Train, or drift silently over the green landscape under the bright bell of a hot-air balloon. If you want culture, there’s the Lincoln Theater, the Napa Symphony, and the Napa Opera House. The Napa Valley features several museums of history and art, and the nearby Culinary Institute of America offers a cooking demonstration almost every day. The valley has its own hot springs, a spectacular geyser, and a petrified forest. Not far away, you can choose from among several fine golf courses, or go a little farther afield to find a speedway and an amusement park. Or you can walk, jog, ride, or cycle away from culture and civilization completely on any of the region’s beautiful trails. There are miles of quiet, rolling roads perfect for cycling, too. If you prefer to paddle, you can pick your fancy—exciting whitewater or relaxing flatwater, depending on where on the river you go. The beautiful countryside is no accident; Napa County has worked very hard to preserve the rural, open, agricultural character that makes this region special.

Imagine; you get up early, grab a piece of fruit in the hotel lobby, and go trail running, your loyal dog running joyfully at your side….

Best Western Plus Inn at the Vines is a hotel from: Napa Valley Hotels napavalleyhotels.com

This is another of the places whose main attraction is their location in the Napa Valley, and whose primary function is as a place to store yourself at night so you can explore during the day—but sometimes this is exactly what you want. Depending on the season, you may be able to stay here for the week on less than what a single night would cost you anywhere else.

Amenities include a heated pool, table-tennis, video games, wine tasting, and barbecue grills—a low-key, something-for-everyone kind of place. There are billiards and a badminton court on site. There is a business center, a fitness center, high speed wireless internet access, and free coffee.

The Riverpointe Napa Valley Resorte primarily offers its trailers, called cottages, as time-shares. Short-term rental is secondary. Staying here means staying within a community, a place that many residents are familiar with. No, it’s not a resort—but it could be home for a few days or a week while you explore the area. You could come back here. A cheap, clean, cute, and friendly home base is exactly what a lot of people need.

From this home base you can hike, jog, cycle, or ride on the region’s many beautiful trails (the Silverado trail is nearby), or paddle the Napa River—you have a choice between flatwater and whitewater boating, depending on which part of the river takes your fancy. Some of the Riverpointe Napa Valley Resorte’s trailers give you a view of the river itself. Explore the hundreds of area wineries, either on your own or on your pick of wine tasting tours, or float silently over acres of lush vineyards in a hot-air balloon. If you want luxury, you’re not far from the region’ spas, not to mention many fine Michelin-rated restaurants.  The Culinary Institute of America is also nearby; you can take in a cooking demonstration almost every day. This region also offers the Lincoln Theater, the Napa Symphony, and the Napa Opera House. The Napa Valley features museums of history and art, hot springs, California’s own “Old Faithful” geyser, and a petrified forest.

One point of interest is a series of environmental initiatives designed to conserve resources and energy. The property features high efficiency lighting and high-efficiency pool pumps, green chemical standards, smart thermostats, recycling in the common area, faucet aerators and low-flow shower heads and toilets. The mattresses are made out of recycled materials. Perhaps most charmingly, the business’ website lists “feline pest control,” which presumably means there is a resident cat who likes to hunt mice, not that there are well-controlled but pestiferous felines.

Pet-owners should beware, however; the Riverpointe Napa Valley Resorte lists itself as “pet-friendly,” but specifies that this refers only to service animals. Since service animals must be allowed by law, welcoming them is not the same thing as being pet-friendly. There is nothing wrong, of course, with not allowing companion animals to stay at a facility, only that the way the policy is described in this case may cause confusion. Generally the website does not compliment the business; the list of amenities includes smoke detectors, pens, and floors, all items one certainly wishes to find in overnight accommodations, but they do look odd listed as amenities. The listing, “floors- 1” actually seems to mean that the accommodations have only a single floor. Customer reviews are predominantly glowing, praising the cheap, friendly, home-base this facility offers.

Sometimes you can’t judge a place by its website.

Riverpointe Napa Valley Resorte is a hotel from: Napa Valley Hotels napavalleyhotels.com

There are drawbacks; this is a definite instance of getting what you pay for. Customer service is inconsistent, and while you can reserve rooms of a particular size, there is no guarantee that you’ll actually get what you picked. The website may be out of date, which has the potential to cause confusion. But “inconsistent” is not a euphemism for “bad.”  You can get excellent service here. If you want convenient and affordable, if you want a quick in and out, perhaps a day touring the wineries without worrying about who is going to drive home, if you want to put your money into how you spend your day, not where you’ll be when you’re asleep, then the Chardonnay Lodge is the place for you. And you might find yourself pleasantly surprised.

It’s worth noting that the Chardonnay Lodge has won some definite official mention in recent years. The Lodge was nominated for, and won, “Best Hotel in Napa County 2009,” by Best of the Bay KRON TV 4. The Lodge was also awarded “Best Independent Hotel of the Year 2007” for attaining a high standard of excellence, by IAHI. The Lodge also appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle Newspaper, in 2007, as well as in India West 2009, in the Wedding Supplement and the Boston Chronicle, in 2009.

The Chardonnay Lodge is one of the places you go in order to spend time in the Napa Valley. Sometimes, this is exactly what you want. You come for the location, which is amazing. The weather is great, thanks to the soft Mediterranean climate. The landscape is beautiful, thanks to a county-wide commitment to conservation and rural character. The Lodge is perfectly placed for exploring the historic Victorian homes and little boutique shops of downtown Napa.

And remember, this is wine country, famous for its world-class wineries—hundreds of them! Feel free to taste your way across the valley as the mood takes you, or take your pick of tasty tours. You have a wealth of fine restaurants to choose from, too, and the Culinary Institute of America is nearby and offers cooking demonstrations almost daily. Don’t forget to check out cultural attractions, like the Napa Opera House, the Lincoln Theater, or the Napa Symphony. Or, maybe you’d actually rather forget culture, in which case there are miles of hiking trails to explore by foot. Or, borrow someone else’s feet and go horseback riding. The beautiful Napa River offers both flatwater paddling along its quiet, lower stretch and whitewater paddling through the wilder upper reaches. Napa County’s quiet, rolling roads are for perfect for cycling, or leave the roads behind and book a ride in a hot-air balloon. You can drift silently across acres of grapevines, waving to passersby below you as your brightly colored balloon canopy bells up above. Do you like golf? You have your choice of courses here. This is the region that has just about everything from hot springs and a petrified forest in the town of Calistoga, to art and history museums, to an amusement park.

And, when you’re done doing all that, you can come back to a nice, cute room to sleep.

The Chardonnay Lodge is a hotel from: Napa Valley Hotels napavalleyhotels.com

Wrong.

You can book a special romantic package that features sparkling wine waiting for you when you arrive, free breakfast for two or a discounted dinner, and a late check-out time. There’s even a whirlpool in some of the rooms. And you can go next door to the spa and take advantage of all of their luxurious goodies. There’s a 24 hour fitness center, and the coffee in the morning is free.

Is this starting to sound good yet?

The Hilton Garden Inn makes a point of saying that it has rooms available for the mobility and hearing impaired– something that all hotels should have, but it’s still good to know. There’s a heated pool, and a business center, and the Inn’s restaurant, the Napa Valley Bistro, offers both breakfast, dinner, plus evening room service. If you happen to get a bit peckish in between times and want to buy a snack or a drink, the Pavilion Pantry is on hand. There is a wine bar serving local wines by the glass, and complimentary wine tasting Fridays and Saturdays. You can even get married here; they help you plan.

No, this is not a four star resort. It’s not the most posh hotel in the valley, but it’s not a shabby place to stay, either. In fact, the Hilton Garden Inn is a good place to pamper yourself, and, yes, it’s good place to stay on a business trip, too. Customer reviews particularly rave about the excellent service. This is what we mean by a little of everything. You get the great service, the comfy room, and the spa access of a major resort, but in a little, affordable package. It’s a good place to make your home base as you go out to explore wine country.

And you did come to the Napa Valley to explore, didn’t you? There are the wineries, of course—hundreds of them! You can taste your way across the valley on your own, or take your pick of tours. You can have your pick, too, of fine restaurants, and the Culinary Institute of America is nearby and offers cooking demonstrations almost daily. If you like a bit of high culture, there’s the Napa Opera House, the Lincoln Theater, or the Napa Symphony. Or, if you want to escape from culture, this region boasts miles of hiking trails, both flatwater and whitewater paddling, and quiet, rolling roads for perfect for cycling. Remember to look up; another option is to book a ride in a hot-air balloon and explore the region from the sky. If you’re not in a balloon yourself, you’ll want to wave, and maybe make a mental note to take the balloon tour text time. There are also multiple golf courses to choose from. This region has just about everything from hot springs and a petrified forest in the town of Calistoga, to art and history museums, there’s even a nearby amusement park!

Hilton Garden Inn Napa is a hotel from: Napa Valley Hotels napavalleyhotels.com

Rooms include either kitchenettes or fully equipped kitchens, plasma TVs (note the plural), wireless internet, a balcony, and a shower with five heads. You get a complimentary bottle of wine for your stay, and the hotel features two heated pools, a water playground for children, and a free shuttle into town. There is wine tasting text door at The Meritage every Friday in the early evening. There are even in-room spa treatments available. The four stars show, and yet rooms start at only $134 per night.

An interesting feature is that the Vino Bello Resort is one of the few hotels in the City of Napa listed by a third party as gay-friendly. Vino Bello does not focus on that market specifically, so presumably this means simply that the staff will not be rude to you based on the sex of your spouse. Of course, the staff will not be rude to you anyway; customer reviews praise the friendly, helpful staff. Time shares are available, and you will likely hear a sales pitch, but if you are not interested in a time share and say so firmly they will take the hint. If you are interested, of course, you have come to the right spot.

Customers also rave about the large, beautiful, clean rooms, the extensive movie collection (if you request a movie you’ll be offered freshly popped popcorn. Really!) and the convenient location. You do have to go through a business park to get here, but once you’re here you’ve got the vineyards, and even the Grape Crusher statue to admire. You may want to request a room with a view of the vines. Please do note that, unlike at the Meritage, pets are not welcome; that’s either a perk or a drawback, depending on your perspective. The only drawback many reviewers mentioned is that the walls are rather thin; you may want to speak quietly, in deference to your neighbors.

But you don’t want to stay on the grounds of a hotel all day long; you came to the Napa Valley to explore! This region has more than its share of hiking trails, both flatwater and whitewater paddling, and miles of quiet, rolling roads for cycling. Or, book a ride in a hot-air balloon and float silently over the countryside! There are multiple golf courses within reach, and the Culinary Institute of America is nearby and offers cooking demonstrations almost daily. Or, head into town to get some culture at the Napa Opera House, the Oxbow Public Market (where you can buy fresh produce to prepare in the kitchen in your room, just in case you get tired of room service), the Carolyn Parr Nature Museum, the Lincoln Theater, or the Napa Symphony. Go a little farther afield, and check out the hot springs and a petrified forest in the town of Calistoga. You’re not even that far away from an amusement park.

And none of this even counts the winery tours. This is Napa, after all, remember?

The Vino Bello Resort is a hotel from: Napa Valley Hotels napavalleyhotels.com

But, we digress. The point is that the four stars show. Amenities include wireless high speed Internet access, a 24 hour gym, the option to rent shoes and other workout gear for a small fee, and a heated outdoor pool, plus a kitchenette in most rooms and a balcony or patio in the majority of rooms. There are various in-room services you can order as well, from bouquets of white or red roses to sports packages complete with beer and chips made in-house. The hotel also boasts of its La Toque Restaurant and its chef, Ken Frank. La Toque has a Michelin star, and wins The Wine Spectator Award of Excellence every year. Chef Ken Frank’s other contribution to the Westin Verasa Napa is the Bank Café and Bar in the lobby, where you can get drinks and delicious food in a casual setting even late into the night. Or, if you’re a home-body (and frankly, we all are, sometimes) you can order in and get all the advantages of the hotel’s award-winning restaurant right in your own room.

A nice touch is the “green choice” option; by declining maid service (a choice which saves water and electricity, and minimizes the use of cleaning chemicals) you can earn vouchers for participating restaurants. You get more vouchers every day that you make the green choice, except, of course, for check-out day. More extensive “green” programs would be even better, but this option represents a good start.

Customer reviews are consistently excellent, and praise the large, clean rooms, friendly staff, and yes, the beds really are that nice. Some reviews commented that the hotel seems pricy; given that rooms start at just $118 per night, one can assume that once various perks and premiums are added, actual prices depart from this starting price pretty quickly. But, no matter; this is the hotel that will even pamper your dog! And, you are in the beautiful Napa Valley, on the banks of the Napa River. A quick walk takes you to the Oxbow Market, where you can buy fresh, local produce to prepare in your kitchenette, just in case you ever get tired of that Michelin star at La Toque. Take in an opera at the Napa Opera House, or check out the Napa Symphony. Or, if you’d rather, you can leave the elegant, civilized world behind for a day and go hiking, cycling, flatwater paddling or whitewater kayaking. Don’t worry; the elegance will be here when you get back.

Westin Verasa Napa is a hotel from: Napa Valley Hotels napavalleyhotels.com

“Bel Abri” is French for “beautiful shelter,” a reputation the Inn makes every effort to live up to. Slate floors, handcrafted wood furniture, down comforters, and deep, comfy sofas are among the elegant details that greet you when you arrive. Your room will have a fire place and a deep, granite soaking tub. Two suites boast Jacuzzis.

When you plan your stay, remember that the inn is not continuously staffed, though someone is always on call. Check-in is during a fairly narrow window in the afternoon and early evening; if you want to arrive earlier or later, you must make prior arrangements two days in advance by calling ahead. The staff is friendly and helpful, however, and once you arrive and get settled in you can join the other guests in the lobby for an evening glass of wine, complete with cheese, crackers, fresh fruits and vegetables, and olives. If you plan ahead, for a small fee the staff can make sure that when you get to your room a bouquet of flowers, chilled Champaign and two glasses, or even two dozen milk chocolate dipped fresh strawberries will be waiting for you. Did we mention that the showers are designed for two occupants?

Rooms start at $109 per night, though steep discounts and specials may be available in the winter off-season. Any time of year, you can purchase packages that add wine tasting tours or sessions at a day spa to your stay. Or, the concierge service can make sure you are well informed about your choice of area amenities, including a wide variety of spas and wine tours and dozens of excellent restaurants, such as the famous French Laundry, or the Wine Spectator’s Greystone Restaurant. You can also always explore the region’s wineries on your own; there are hundreds to choose from.

Napa Valley is itself the best amenity of any hotel or inn in Napa Valley. Take advantage of the Napa Valley Wine Train, or jump on the chance to drift across the scenic valley in a hot air balloon.

Check out the hot springs of Calistoga, not far away, or take in a cooking demonstration at the Culinary Institute of America. More active fun is yours for the taking at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, or the Infineon Raceway. Get out and explore the region’s hiking trails, white water and flat water paddling opportunities, and the miles of quiet, scenic roads for cycling, or try your hand at golf at any of the region’s several golf courses. For a bit of culture, check out the Napa Opera House, the Oxbow Public Market, the Carolyn Parr Nature Museum, the Lincoln Theater, and the Napa Symphony. For something a bit out of the ordinary, don’t miss the diRosa, where the kooky conceptual installations indoors vie for attention with brightly colored sculpture gardens set against a backdrop of rolling, green vineyards.

The Bel Abri Napa Valley Inn is not a resort, nor does it attempt to offer its guests all possible services; there is no restaurant, for example, and no pool. What it offers is a place to stay in between doing other things, or simply a place to stay and do nothing for a while. What the Bel Abri Inn does offer, however, it offers very, very well.

Bel Abri Napa Valley is a hotel from: Napa Valley Hotels napavalleyhotels.com

Many customers rave about the beds, which are large and comfortable and perfect for the end of a long day. There is a fitness center, and outdoor heated pool and whirlpool, complimentary Internet, and free parking. You can get breakfast in the morning and wine and light snacks in the evenings, and the staff will be happy to direct you to excellent area restaurants for other meals. Actually, the staff will be happy to take care of you in general; all hotels claim to provide excellent service, but customers agree that this one really does. Notably, the service is multilingual; whether your primary language is English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Swedish, or Hindi, they will have you covered. Wine receptions may be offered weekly; you can check the hotel’s website to see if they’re offering this feature while you’re planning to stay.

As always, the best amenity of a hotel in Napa Valley is Napa Valley. Staying here puts you in easy reach of the Napa Valley Wine Train, or a scenic drift across the valley in a hot air balloon. And you can always explore the wineries on your own (ask at the front desk for wine tasting coupons to help get you started). Nearby eateries include the famous French Laundry, as well as Wine Spectator’s Greystone Restaurant—and the Mexican place next door to the hotel is reportedly good, too (hey, Michelin hasn’t rated all good places to eat!).

Just because the Ivy Hotel Napa does not have its own spa is no reason not to book some time at one of the nearby spas while you’re here. Remember, also, the hot springs of Calistoga are not that far away. If more active fun appeals to you, then Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is not that far away, and neither is the Infineon Raceway. Choose from among several golf courses, or get out and explore the region’s hiking trails, white water and flat water paddling opportunities, and the miles of quiet, scenic roads for cycling. For a bit of culture, check out the Napa Opera House, the Oxbow Public Market, the Carolyn Parr Nature Museum, the Lincoln Theater, and the Napa Symphony, or take in a cooking demonstration at the Culinary Institute of America. Check out the diRosa; part art museum, part preserve, part pure and charming “huh?” The conceptual installations indoors vie for attention with the brightly colored sculpture gardens outdoors set against a backdrop of rolling, green vineyards.

One caution to keep in mind; some online sources warn visitors not to expect any services specifically for the disabled, while others describe wheelchair-accessible elevators and other appropriate facilities and services. Visitors should ask about what services are currently available before booking. In the mean-time, we can give the Best Western Premier Ivy Hotel Napa the benefit of the doubt and consider it a comfortable and friendly place to stay while exploring an intriguing region.

Best Western Premier Ivy Hotel Napa is a hotel from: Napa Valley Hotels napavalleyhotels.com

For most intents and purposes, this is a motel; a decent place to sleep. There are some interesting extras, however. Some rooms have whirlpool jets in the bathtub, a welcome perk after a long day of travel. There is an indoor pool and hot tub, wireless internet access, and a 24 hour business center. Some rooms have an “Ergonomic Executive Chair,” which sounds comfortable, whatever it is. Cots are available for a fee, and cribs are free. The entire facility is non-smoking, and carries a respectable three-diamond AAA rating, out of a possible five. Since not all hotels or motels merit even a single diamond, three are not to be sneezed at. The list of amenities includes free fax and copy service, free local calls, free newspaper, free outdoor parking, free use of PC with high speed Internet—nothing extravagant, just simple, quiet convenience. You can read the paper, check your email, and make a couple of calls to plan your day before heading out to explore Wine Country. What more do you really want?

Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Napa Valley can and does boast of its location. Situated in the town of Napa itself, the hotel offers guests easy access to several golf courses, hiking trails, both white water and flat water paddling, and miles of quiet, scenic roads for cycling. Of course, there is fine dining at the many fine restaurants in the area, plus many world famous wineries, the Napa Opera House, the Oxbow Public Market, the Carolyn Parr Nature Museum, the Lincoln Theater, and the Napa Symphony. You could float over the countryside in a hot-air balloon, or take in a cooking demonstration at the Culinary Institute of America. Check out the diRosa, nearby; part art museum, part preserve, the conceptual installations indoors and the brightly colored outdoor sculpture gardens are equal parts beautiful and “huh?” in the most charming and thought-provoking way. Go a little farther afield, to Yountville and the Napa Valley Museum, if you like history with your art; their exhibits even include some geology. Or head into the town of Calistoga and check out the hot springs and a petrified forest. This diverse region even boasts an amusement park.

The Napa Valley is its own destination, and your decision to come here shouldn’t be affected by whether you can, or even want, to pay hundreds of dollars a night simply for the privilege of sleeping somewhere. No, you just want a safe, quiet place with good service, a safety deposit box, laundry facilities and an ironing board, and a nice, soft, comfortable bed. A good breakfast, on the house, and a fridge in your room for the leftovers from all those multi-star restaurants you’ll be dining at wouldn’t hurt, either. Oh, and a newspaper, so you can read the funnies while you eat your bacon and eggs. You can find all that here.

Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Napa Valley is a hotel from: Napa Valley Hotels napavalleyhotels.com

Customer reviews are, overall, positive, though unexpected fees and charges put some people off. The location, while a bit out of the way for Napa itself (the resort offers a free shuttle down town) is convenient for regional exploration. The neighborhood itself surprises some guests, as the resort is near a business park. Once you get inside, though, the Meritage lives up to its reputation, and the business park is at least a quiet neighbor. Many of the rooms overlook the cave and rows of lush grape vines. A short walk through the vineyards takes you to the foot of the Grape Crusher statue, which may be the area’s most iconic landmark.

Amenities begin with the basics, such as refrigerators and Internet access, and move on to the perks that might be expected at a resort, such as robes provided at the spa, an award-winning restaurant, and 24 hour room-service. Of course, there is wine tasting. There are a few surprises, such as the Our Lady of the Grapes chapel. Our Lady of the Grapes is a private wedding chapel, but it has been consecrated by Catholic priests and Mass is celebrated there frequently. The resort does not actually have a priest on staff, but traveling priests can stay for free in exchange for celebrating Mass at the chapel.

The Meritage Resort and Spa is proud of its participation in recycling, composting, and energy conservation programs. Printed materials use recycled paper, to-go containers and even pens are compostable, and some of the best parking spots are reserved for hybrid vehicles. How “green” a business is overall, of course, is a very complex question, and the resort’s website does not provide enough information for anyone to judge their efforts fairly. Still, the Meritage is to be commended for entering the green hospitality market.

But why stay on the grounds of a hotel all day? The resort offers bicycle rentals, and the rolling, rural Napa Valley offers miles of quiet, scenic roads. Or, you could float over the countryside in a hot-air balloon; the region offers plenty of opportunities for exploration, from golf courses to hiking trails. Or, you could head into town for some culture at the Napa Opera House, the Oxbow Public Market, the Carolyn Parr Nature Museum, the Lincoln Theater, or the Napa Symphony. The Culinary Institute of America is nearby and offers cooking demonstrations most days of the week. Go a little farther afield, and check out the hot springs and a petrified forest in the town of Calistoga, and even an amusement park.

So, if by some chance you think lounging around a spa, drinking wine is boring, be assured there are alternative possibilities.

Meritage Resort and Spa is a hotel from: Napa Valley Hotels napavalleyhotels.com