There are destination hotels and there are convenience hotels—and then there are nice convenience hotels. Best Western Premier Ivy Hotel Napa is definitely in that third category. There’s no spa, the room service is not 24 hours, and the (mostly very positive) customer reviews focus on how affordable and clean the place is. This hotel takes care of the basics—but they do it very well, with a couple of extra perks besides. The three stars are not there for decoration only, and there is a reason why the prices start a little higher ($126 Per night and up) than some of the other clean and convenient sleeping places in town. You get do what you pay for.

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.