Showing posts with label Napa Valley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Napa Valley. Show all posts

Thursday, 4 August 2011

Silverado Resort in the Napa Valley

If you’re looking for a true escape in the Napa Valley, look no further than the Silverado Resort. While California wine country is full of luxurious inns, some lack the abundance of amenities that a world-class resort provides. The Silverado in Napa Valley offers the best of both worlds: the relaxing environment of wine country, combined with the variety of amenities that travelers have come to expect from a contemporary resort. It is also within easy reach of more than 200 wineries, leaving you plenty of options for days of tastings and winery tours.

Another special feature of this hotel is the two championship golf courses on site. Sometimes known as Silverado Golf Resort, this hotel offers challenging and varied play for gold enthusiasts. The south course is the more challenging of the two, as golfers face many obstacles including more than a dozen water crossings. For the more casual golfer, the north course is known as being a bit more forgiving, while still surrounded by the beauty of Napa wine country. A complete pro-shop is available at Silverado Golf resort, and if you’re looking to improve your game, the professionals on staff are ready to help.

Other adventure activities at the Silverado resort include ten swimming pools, seventeen tennis courts, a variety of hiking and biking trails, and bocce ball. After an active day, relax in the on-site spa. One of the top amenities that the Silverado in Napa Valley has to offer, this 16,000-square-foot spa is the largest in all of wine country. The architecture of the building was inspired from soothing Roman classical spas. Guests can relax in the garden courtyards or indulge in the fitness, spa, or salon packages on offer. Saunas, the indoor pool, and Swiss showers are just the beginning of luxury at this private resort spa.

After a long day on the course, Silverado golf resort provides plenty of opportunities to relax. Spend the afternoon in the spa and in the evenings, indulge in the culinary creations of a masterful team of chefs. There are two main dining options at the Silverado resort: The Royal Oak and the Grill at Silverado. The Royal Oak serves steak and seafood alongside an extensive local wine list. An award-winning chef has infused classic favorites with a new twist. The Grill at Silverado has an Asian flair, and serves meals all day. Overlooking the golf course, this affordable option is great for anyone visiting Napa. The resort even offers free parking to diners.

The guest rooms at the Silverado in Napa Valley are just as luxurious as the rest of the resort. For guests who require a bit of extra space, junior suites along with one and two bedrooms suites are available. With fireplaces and cozy living space, these suites are a worthy indulgence. Balconies and patios allow guests to enjoy the stunning views over the golf courses. Comfortable yet sophisticated, the rooms of this 1200-acre resort tempt guests to return year after year.

Mount View Hotel and Spa, Napa Valley

Calistoga has been luring visitors to Northern California for more than a hundred years. The hot springs of this small town are known for both relaxation and their medicinal effects. The Mount View Hotel and Spa is an ideal spot to stop for a breather during your whirlwind Napa Valley tour. The spa town of Calistoga, and specifically the Mount View Hotel, take relaxation very seriously: In fact, they go as far to say that relaxation is an art. With a tempting menu of spa treatments, this hotel provides options for individuals, couples, and groups. Once you enter this spa, it may be so hard to leave that you find yourself missing a winery tour or two.

The Mount View Calistoga offers facials, body wraps, massages, and hydrotherapy baths to ensure your relaxation. This area of California has a certain attitude towards wellness, and the Mount View Hotel has the aim of helping guests achieve this. From an indoor dry sauna to a massage room designed specially for couple’s, there are many ways to pamper yourself at the Mount View Hotel and Spa. Reservations are recommended in advance for all treatments, especially during the weekends. If you’re looking for a package as a gift, or for individuals or groups, there are a few options to choose from.

The theme of wellness extends beyond the spa at Mount View Calistoga. All guests have access to the wellness library that includes yoga mats, fitness DVDs, and even art supplies. Understanding that wellness is also about privacy, relaxation, and connecting with families and partners, the hotel also offers a special breakfast-in-bed service. Pastries are delivered from a local bakery upon request, and terrycloth robes, iPod docking stations, wireless internet, and soothing back products make sure you’re comfortable and entertained.

For the creative-minded traveler, the accommodation options at Mount View Hotel are quite tempting. Artist cottages provide a queen bed, private patio with Jacuzzi, and an art easel with canvas paints. This private accommodation allows the artist to receive inspiration from the beautiful surroundings. Other options include balcony suites, winery suites, and traditional guestrooms. Touches such as a claw-foot tub and feather duvets create an indulgent environment. Located on Lincoln Avenue in the center of this historic town, Mount View Hotel and Spa allows guests to easily explore the town of Calistoga and local restaurants, such as the internationally known French Laundry.

Artisan shops, antiques, and restaurants provide charm to the town. The Mount View Calistoga supports local wineries, and each of the winery suites features a different vintner. Many visitors choose to visit the Old Faithful geyser if they can pull themselves from the spa for an afternoon. A unique stop on the Napa Valley tour, Calistoga and the Mount View Hotel provide local hospitality, a serious attitude towards relaxation and wellness, and the indulgences of a culinary vacation.

Meritage Resort and Spa, Napa Valley

The Napa Valley is all about finding the right blend—of grapes, of cuisine, and of amenities in a hotel. Some towns specialize in charming inns, while some resorts offer world-class golf, but whatever your tastes, you can't go wrong at the Meritage. The Meritage Resort and Spa has found its own perfect blend, combining options for wine enthusiasts, a unique spa, and the area’s only private wedding chapel for your special day. If you’ve been considering a destination wedding in wine country, the Meritage Napa Valley has some tempting offers.

The Meritage Resort and Spa is located where Napa and Sonoma meet, at the southern end of Napa Valley. The hotel prides itself on an attentive staff, who ensure your relaxation in any way possible. The relaxation continues in the guest rooms, with features such as oversized terraces, internet access, and your own refrigerator. Amenities outside of your room include a heated pool, fire-pit, and bocce ball court. The Meritage Napa Valley makes great use of outdoor space, including vineyard paths, and a covered terrace.

Perhaps the most unique element of the Meritage Resort and Spa is the Estate Wine Cave. This underground cave of artisan stone, tile, and woodwork has three special features. First, Spa Terra is the only underground spa in Napa Valley. The cave is also home to Trinitas tasting room, where you can sample wines by the glass or purchase a bottle to take back to your room. The most stunning aspect of the cave is the entertainment cave, where dinners, special events, and weddings are held. The private wedding chapel and entertainment cave provide the ideal background for an intimate destination wedding.

Inspirations of Italy can be felt at Siena, the restaurant of the Meritage Napa Valley. Local organic ingredients are featured along with artisan cheeses and farm-raised beef to mimic the flavors of Tuscany. Winner of a 2009 Wine Spectator Award, Siena offers a wide selection of wines that match their cuisine. If you’re looking for a more casual meal, the Meritage Bar offers cocktails and snacks. Romantic lighting and a flamenco guitar player on Thursday and Friday make this a popular gathering spot.

The Meritage encourages guests to mix business with pleasure. There are 22,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, appropriate for any conference or meeting. Packages are available to include food and wine as well. Take a break from work to bike in the vineyards, take a hot air balloon ride, or ride the Napa Valley Wine Train. Culinary classes at the Culinary Institute of America are another favorite option beyond winery tours. With the Meritage Resort as your home base, you’ll never be sad to see a day in Napa come to a close.

Meadowood Cottages, Napa Valley

Of all the St Helena luxury hotels, Meadowood Resort exudes something special. While it is important for hotels to have great restaurants, bars, spa treatments, and opportunities for activity—which Meadowood has all of—the most essential element to any hotel experience is the rooms themselves. At times this can be overlooked, but not at the Meadowood in Napa. Eighty-five cottages, suites, and lodges enjoy private views of the 250-acre forested estate. The Meadowood cottages offer a range of amenities, including fireplaces, cozy living space, private outdoor dining, and rocking chairs gazing up at the treeline. Accommodation options at the Meadowood in Napa range from $575 for the studio up to $3,000 for the Estate suite per night. There are many beautiful options in between these prices as well.

Meadowood cottages are the place where relaxation begins. It is immediate to visitors just how much thought and planning went into the décor and design of the suites and lodges. Soothing, simple tones are found across the board. Dark hardwood floors provide a rustic, refined feel to the rooms. Similar to Napa, the rooms aren’t fussy, but rather sophisticated and designed for pleasure. Guest favorites include the tree top room, which boasts wrap-around windows and vaulted ceilings. A wood-burning fireplace is a centerpiece of this sunny, airy room, and the bathroom offers a romantic pedestal tub. The Estate suites have one or two bedrooms, soaking tubs for two, and dining areas that scream for a relaxed country-style breakfast. Cottage-style furnishings immediately relax guests, whether they choose to head to the spa or curl up on the cushioned window seat with a glass of Napa wine. Meadowood is one of the most memorable choices among St Helena luxury hotels.

Meadowood Golf, Napa Valley

Meadowood golf is designed to be just one part of a magical day in Napa. The average length of time to play the nine holes at Meadowood is just under two hours, allowing time after for exploration of the rest of the 250-acre estate or venturing to local wineries, such as Frogs Leap and Quintessa.

Meadowood St Helena has its own resident golf professional, Doug Pike, on staff as well. Private instruction is offered at the resort whether you are looking to improve your game or master the basics. Meadowood golf is available only to hotel guests, club members, and guests of members. Green fees do apply to hotel guests, but guests should enquire when making a reservation if a golf package is on offer. Golf clubs are available for rent if you didn’t bring your own clubs.

Some Napa golf resorts permit golf carts, but Meadowood St Helena does not. This walking course of nine holes allows pull carts only. One of the most memorable holes offered at this resort is the 2nd hole. A par 3 at 177 yards, players must skillfully lift the ball over two ponds. The best view on the course may be from hole 6, where an elevated tee-off point reveals magnificent views. While some Napa golf resorts offer a full 18 holes or even two courses, the Meadowood offers balance. Indulge in the spa, sample award-winning cuisine, and experience the best of what Napa has to offer: wine.

Meadowood Restaurant, Napa Valley

One of the top St Helena restaurants is located inside the Meadowood Resort. Everything you taste at the restaurant at the Meadowood Hotel is local and sustainable. The wine will be from a neighboring vineyard, and during your Napa trip you may even meet the winemaker. The hotel is proud to have its own orchard, where olives are picked, and its own hives, where the honey comes from. Produce arriving at the Meadowood restaurant doesn’t travel far: The tomatoes are picked just off the vine and brought into the kitchen. It is clear that the use of the best ingredients has earned executive chef Christopher Kostow some accolades. Food & Wine magazine recently named him one of the Best New Chefs and featured one of his recipes in its pages. This Meadowood restaurant has earned two Michelin stars, an honor the restaurant shares with only five others in Northern California.

The Meadowood Hotel welcomes guests and the public to its dining room Monday through Saturday. Reservations are recommended and can be made over the phone or online. This fine-dining experience expands on Napa traditions, and the chef delivers a contemporary, enlightened, as they say, approach to cuisine. Beyond the main dining room, adorned with flowers and rows of wine glasses just waiting for a drop of local Napa red, the Restaurant Bar offers an intimate gathering area. A pre-dinner or post-dinner drink can be enjoyed here, next to the large stone fireplace. The Grill features ingredients from the Meadowood Garden and serves three meals a day. If you’re looking for privacy, in-room dining and picnics on the ground can be arranged. The variety of picnic menus is so enticing you may find yourself spending more than one afternoon picking through a gourmet basket. No matter where you say, though, it's worth the trip to eat here; of all the St Helena restaurants, the one at Meadowood is among the best restaurants to try in wine country.

Carneros Inn, Napa Valley

The word retreat has been reinvented with a sophisticated twist at Carneros Inn. The Carneros wine-growing region in Napa Valley is home to a 27-acre oasis, designed to showcase the charm of the region. From the seat of your rocking chair, overlooking blooming flowers to the rows of grape vines and apple orchards, the wine just might taste a bit better. Napa Valley Carneros Inn was intended to do just that: "to make absolutely everything feel better," as they say. Named one of the top 25 romantic getaways in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine, Carneros Inn attracts sophisticated travelers looking for the space and time to enjoy some of the finer things in life.

The hospitality of the Napa Valley is shown in the genuine interest of Carneros Resort Spa to share with guests the healing properties of the earth. This extends from the right environment that is comfortable, stylish, and soothing, to spa treatments that will help guests get over that final hurdle on the way to real relaxation. The combination of landscape, interior design, and amenities makes it impossible to stay stressed during a visit to the Napa Valley Carneros Inn. The spa features local ingredients, to immerse guests even more deeply in the environment of California. From minerals to flowers, water from flowing creeks to goat butter from the farm, the Carneros resort spa features a uniquely local spa approach.

Lodging at the inn was influenced by the surrounding Napa Valley. Touches of the countryside can be seen in the form of barns and ranchers’ cottages. The accommodations at Carneros Inn are anything but basic: The modern interiors of these classic buildings exude regional charm, while modern amenities meet the needs and expectations of even the most discerning guests. Cottages include luxurious features such as a wood-burning fireplace, spacious bathroom, and the coveted al fresco shower. Through French doors, your private patio and garden provide an excellent backdrop for an intimate brunch or quiet breakfast reading a book over a glass of Napa wine.

Suites are also available for families or groups of friends looking for a spacious retreat to enjoy Napa. With luxurious living space, both indoors and outdoors, you’ll be able to reconnect with family and loved ones while gazing at the vineyards and countryside. Napa Valley Carneros Inn is also a popular location for weddings. Understated luxury could come to describe your wedding, amongst apple orchards and vineyards. The rustic charm of the Inn lures couples for intimate destination weddings taking advantage of the dependable, beautiful Northern California weather, and it's a lovely location to start your honeymoon as well.

The Carneros Resort Spa is also known for its variety of dining options. Local, natural flavors blend to create comforting, sophisticated dishes. The Boon Fly café offers meals all day, including fresh baked breads and pastries. FARM offers an elegant dining experience Wednesday through Sunday. Fireplaces and outdoor dining make this a true wine country evening. Hotel guests, locals, and people visiting Napa all agree that the charm of Carneros Inn is a particularly bright spot among the memories of their visit to wine country.

Calistoga Ranch Pool, Napa Valley

Calistoga resorts have been known for more than 100 years for their hot springs. People are still arriving to this region of the Napa Valley for the healing qualities of the mineral waters, and the Calistoga Ranch Lodge has harnessed these waters in a new, sophisticated way. A luxurious stay at this resort will include all the amenities of its spa, The Bathhouse. The Calistoga Ranch pool has an unforgettable view of the resort’s private vineyard and dramatic ancient oak groves. This resort has achieved the feeling of a retreat, and the pool seems to be nestled amongst 140 acres just for you. This atmosphere encourages guests to really relax, as well as enjoy local food, wine, and adventure activities during their stay.

Many Calistoga resorts offer access to the hot springs, but none do it quite so intimately as the Calistoga Ranch Lodge. A private resort with 46 lodges, the ranch is a quiet, serene retreat, not a tourist attraction. No outside visitors will be filling the restaurant for dinner; no golfers will be disturbing the quiet of the morning. Soaking pools take advantage of this quiet atmosphere, and surrounded by the creek and oak trees, the pure relaxation of Northern California is found. The Calistoga Ranch pool keeps visitors coming back, for the intimate atmosphere, quiet surroundings, and that first restorative step in the mineral waters.

Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley

Auberge du Soleil offers cozy luxury along with a view overlooking the Napa Valley. Inspired by the Mediterranean, the Auberge Resort Napa features warm tones, original contemporary art, and private outdoor spaces. Guests may be initially attracted to this hotel for its view, spa packages, or restaurant, but they return for the fine details. At the Auberge du Soleil, fresh fruit is replenished daily in rooms, espresso machines make guests feel right at home, and a mini-bar is stocked with complimentary snacks and drinks. Plush robes and slippers make it easy to enjoy a movie on the plasma TV, or quiet night on the private terrace.

The rooms, or maisons, as they're called, are scattered across a 33-acre hillside in the Napa Valley. This olive grove provides privacy to the rooms. More than twenty years ago, the Auberge du Soleil restaurant opened its doors to great acclaim. Soon to be a Northern California favorite, this restaurant has now begun a new chapter. The Inn of the Sun has undergone a complete renovation, including a new chef and new amenities. The blend of sophistication and elegance of Auberge du Soleil has now been modernized. Since 1985, the Auberge Resort Napa has delivered an informal elegance to visitors of Napa.

The Auberge du Soleil restaurant opened its doors in 1981 to fulfill the dream of San Francisco restaurateur Claude Rouas. He wanted to create a tribute to his beloved Provence, France, in the heart of Napa. His locally sourced cuisine had a distinct French influence and was an instant hit with both locals and tourists. The resort followed after the success of the restaurant, opening in 1985. When the Auberge resort Napa opened, a European influence was immediately felt as well. Critics compared the secluded location, elegance of design, and focus on cuisine to great European hotels.

Today this legend continues at the modern Auberge du Soleil restaurant. For more than twenty years this restaurant has provided a fine culinary destination to people exploring the Napa Valley. Seasonal ingredients of the valley will be seen across innovative menus. Wine pairings are the center of any Napa dining experience, and the Auberge du Soleil restaurant will not disappoint in this department. If you’re looking for a special intimate dining experience, reserve La Pagode. This private dining experience provides a romantic setting for dinner for two, among the olive grove and vineyard. This package is available only to guests of the resort, though the restaurant itself is open to all.

After an intimate dinner, continue the indulgence over the course of your stay with the spa. A 7,000-square-foot stucco building is home to the spa of the Auberge resort, overlooking the Napa Valley. The philosophy’ of the resort features natural ingredients in all facial and body treatments. After your spa experience, relax by the fireplace in your suite or take in the view of the valley as the sun sets. Guests can sleep soundly knowing that the hotel practices ecological awareness and is continually taking steps to become even more green.

Bardessono Hotel and Spa, Napa Valley

The newest luxury hotel and spa in Yountville opened its doors in February 2009. The entire Napa community anticipated the arrival of the Bardessono Hotel and Spa, designed with modernity and elegance in mind. The hotel remains intimate with its 62 rooms, and yet it contains all the expected amenities of a luxury property with its spa and restaurant. The newest luxury hotel and spa in Yountville is also the greenest, with its use of environmental technologies and materials. In fact, Bardessono Hotel calls itself the greenest hotel in America.

Like many Napa properties, the Bardessono Hotel and Spa was founded on principles of hospitality. This property promises generous, intelligent, and refined hospitality. This hospitality begins with the professional staff and continues with the specially designed guest rooms. Builders of this hotel envisioned it as a classic down the line, and rooms have been designed to age and change with time. This timeless quality provides a comfort that people who come to Napa will experience for many years to come and remember long after their stay. Welcoming amounts of natural light are the core element of any room, the first luxurious amenity.

This luxury hotel and spa in Yountville also offers a gas fireplace and private furnished courtyard. This space is the beginning of the generous living area provided for guests at the Bardessono. From living space to outdoor space to luxurious bathrooms, the rooms and suites at this hotel have been designed with the sophisticated traveler in mind. For a splurge, check the availability of the Tufa suite. It has a bit of extra square footage where you can enjoy spa treatments in the privacy of your room.

The Bardessono Hotel and Spa offers a wide variety of treatments to help you relax. A soothing warm stone massage or facial can be enjoyed in your room or at the spa. Many guests choose to arrive before their treatment to unwind in the infrared sauna. A pool, hot tub, and locker room facility are all available as well. For those who would like a light snack after their treatment, poolside dining is a casual and pleasant option. Dining in the restaurant of the Bardessono is available seven days a week, along with in-room dining. Take advantage of the extra living space in your suite by ordering in for an intimate meal by the fireplace.

For anyone interested in planning a green wedding, the Bardessono has many options to choose from. Combining the beauty of the landscape of the Napa Valley with the green practices of the Bardessono will make for a distinctly different special day. Corporate events and other special occasions can also be planned at the hotel. If you’re interested in this hotel, you can sign up on their web site to receive e-mail exclusives that may help you take advantage of packages, offers, and seasonal deals. The Bardessono is a beautiful place to stay for any Napa vacation, whether your travels revolve around wine tours, dining in Yountville and Calistoga, or simply relaxing and enjoying the views of the valley.

Yountville Hotels, Napa Valley

Visitors are drawn to the culinary capital of Napa Valley to experience its range of cuisine. Yountville has been attracting wine-lovers and foodies alike for its combination of quality restaurants and luxury inns. With close proximity to the Old Faithful geyser and home to a hot-air balloon company, Yountville is a popular place for a home base while exploring the Napa Valley, and Yountville hotels are part of the pleasure of visiting this section of Northern California.

One of the most anticipated hotel openings in Northern California history took place in February 2009. A newcomer to Yountville lodging, Bardessono Hotel (pictured) has raised the stakes. Besides its claim to being the greenest hotel in America, Bardessono also provides guests with a streamlined luxury experience. This begins in one of the elegant 62 rooms and continues in the spa and restaurant. Hotels in Yountville are popular locations for destination weddings, and Bardessono is no exception. It also makes a wonderful place to start your honeymoon once the wedding is over.

Another popular Yountville lodging option is the Villagio Inn. A Mediterranean-style spa sets the atmosphere for relaxation, while private patios and balconies set the mood for romance. Like any of the best Yountville hotels, the Villagio Inn is focused on providing a blend of outdoor and indoor space to ensure relaxation and intimacy. The hospitality of Yountville extends beyond its luxury properties and is found in cozy inns as well. These hotels in Yountville may lack a sunken-jacuzzi tub or plush robes, but they make up for it in personality and comfort.

Charismatic inns and fine food have come to define this town in Napa Valley. With a range of restaurants from French to classic California cuisine to Italian, there is an option for every palate. Yountville hotels are also known for their breakfasts. The most important meal of the day is even more essential on days that are spent tasting wines and touring local wineries such as Trefethen, Castello di Amorosa, or Robert Mondavi. The Vintage Inn in Yountville is known for its breakfast spread and helpful staff. With all the options for restaurants, locals become the best source of information on where to eat and how to get a table; this insider information is one bonus of choosing Yountville lodging.

The lovely bed and breakfasts in the area are excellent places to stay during a Napa vacation, offering comfortable, homey accommodations, excellent food, and plenty of helpful advice from the owners on the best area attractions. Yountville has its own set of B&Bs to please almost any traveler, so whether you choose to stay at Lavender, Oleander House, or one of the other fine options, you're sure to be pleased with the intimate atmosphere.

The John Muir Inn is a favorite for affordable hotels in Yountville, and it grants access to Napa for those on a budget. Guests praise traditional touches at this hotel, such as real keys versus keycards and a welcome packet of information on the neighboring areas and things to do in Napa Valley. For people looking for a place to rest their head after a long day of wine tasting, there are options for comfortable, clean inns in Yountville to suit almost any budget. If you’re looking for a splurge, there are plenty of hotel options for an indulgent visit to the Napa Valley.

St Helena Hotels, Napa Valley

St Helena California is known for wine, hospitality, and cuisine. Many visitors come to town during a Napa vacation to visit the Culinary Institute of America and are sure to be pleased by the selection of St Helena hotels. Keeping with the tradition of hospitality in Napa Valley, St Helena has a range of accommodation options that all make the visitor feel right at home. Whether you’re looking for a place to drop your bags while you explore the wineries, history, and cuisine of the town, or are looking for a luxury retreat to relax, this area of Northern California has a choice to suit you.

A popular luxury hotel in St Helena is Meadowood (pictured). This hotel has it all: a Michelin award-winning restaurant, talented chef, private golf course, and spa treatments. Of all the St Helena accommodations, visitors are often especially impressed by the 85 cottages, suites, and lodges of Meadowood. Secluded among 250 wooded acres, this resort lures hotel guests, foodies, and the media, who all want a glimpse of the luxury. The best St Helena hotels also include a little wine education, and Meadowood will prepare interested guests for tours of local wineries, ensuring that you make the most of your days away from the hotel.

For guests who are looking for a bit of charm, the town's main street delivers for an intimate hotel in St Helena. There are seventeen rooms and one suite at the Hotel St Helena, an antique rich, Victorian-inspired accommodation option. Some of the local hotels date back to the nineteenth century and are still privately run. Victorian-style inns like the Hotel St Helena are popular throughout the town, and many visitors to Napa choose to infuse a bit of history into their vacation with their St Helena accommodations. Hotels along the main street provide a great location for exploring the culinary talent of the town while staying within an easy distance of your lodging.

Bed and breakfasts provide another option for a hotel in St Helena. These choices definitely deliver a bit of history, and often the buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places; in addition, B&Bs often allow visitors to easily get travel advice from the knowledgeable local owners. Offering the intimacy of a small inn, these bed and breakfasts are also known for their cuisine. Expect fresh, tasty breakfasts to start your day exploring the Napa Valley. If you’re looking for even more privacy in St Helena accommodations, look into properties that have detached cottages or lodges. For instance, The Wine Country Inn overlooks vineyards and provides guests with the privacy of free-standing cottages.

Of all the downtown St Helena hotels, the Inn at Southbridge is well known for its luxury. With just 21 rooms, this romantic hotel provides vaulted ceilings and fireplaces. Guests may not want to leave the cozy fireside to explore the restaurants of the town, but it is highly recommended. History, cuisine, and welcoming hospitality keep visitors returning to St Helena. For the adventurous traveler, options for biking, hiking, and hot-air balloon rides provide an adrenaline rush during a relaxing vacation, and a lovely hotel balances the day with a comfortable place to rest your head.

Bed and Breakfasts in Napa Valley, California

Napa bed and breakfasts provide a cozy beginning and end to any day touring the valley. While some guests arrive to Napa for luxurious spa treatments and fine dining, others are looking for an intimate, privately run inn to provide a resting point at the end of a full day. From winery tours to hot-air balloon rides, from a trip on the wine train to biking between vineyards, visitors to the Napa Valley can be as busy as they want to be. Some visitors are looking for basics in a Napa Valley B&B, which offer an intimate atmosphere and can often help avoid the high prices of neighboring luxury resorts.

From Yountville to Calistoga to St Helena, breakfasts at a Napa Valley B&B are an indulgent way to begin the day. In an area known for its high culinary standards and excellent restaurants, the B&Bs are no exception. Local ingredients are combined to form hearty and tasty breakfasts, preparing visitors for adventurous days outdoors or days full of wine tastings. A Calistoga bed and breakfast, for instance, guarantees the charm of this small town. While options for luxury accommodation in Calistoga do exist, visitors do not need to splurge on pricey accommodations in order to take advantage of the natural hot springs that have been drawing people to the town since the nineteenth century.

While a Calistoga bed and breakfast may not have direct access to the hot springs, there are plenty of options within the town itself to go for a dip, or receive a spa treatment. The Brannan Cottage Inn and the Enchanted Cottage B&B (pictured), for instance, are both excellent options for staying in this charming town. The helpful staff at Napa bed and breakfasts can point you in the direction of an affordable way to experience the medicinal waters.

Staying at a St Helena bed and breakfast could leave a little extra money in your wallet for shopping, antiques, and gourmet dining options, or you can spurge if a luxury vacation is more to your taste. Visitors can stay at lovely B&Bs like the Ink House Bed and Breakfast, or those who are particularly interested in local history and literature might prefer a night at the Ambrose Bierce House, once home to the famous author.

A Napa Valley B&B will of course feature local wines. These first tastes are a great way to figure out what wineries you would like to visit during your stay in wine country. Many privately owned Napa bed and breakfasts are buildings of historical importance as well, often on the main road of a town. Offering close proximity to restaurants and shops, many of these inns have a small number of rooms and fill quickly during peak periods. It is wise to book in advance, especially if you are planning an itinerary staying in different towns throughout the valley and have a less flexible schedule.

Waking up at lovely accommodations such as a Calistoga bed and breakfast, with a day of wine tastings, a hot-air balloon ride, and gourmet meals ahead, the Napa Valley will seem like a vacation dream come true. Staying at luxury hotels in Napa is a bonus to an already spectacular landscape for a memorable vacation, but intimate B&Bs can also provide the perfect touch for the trip. Prepare for locally sourced food, generous glasses of wine, and the special type of hospitality that Northern California has become famous for on your next trip to Napa.

Luxury Hotels in Napa Valley, California

Visitors to the wine country of Northern California won’t have a lack of choices for Napa luxury hotels. In Calistoga, St Helena, Yountville and everywhere in between, luxurious properties are waiting to spoil you with hospitality, spa treatments, and fine cuisine. The wine of the region is the icing on the cake to any hotel stay, as it is poured with dinner, paired with dessert, or sipped from an Adirondack chair overlooking the vineyards. A luxury hotel in Napa valley takes wine seriously and puts together a comprehensive wine list to introduce you to some of the greats of the region.

St Helena is home to plenty of Napa luxury hotels. The Meadowood Resort provides everything guests could possible fancy, from a private golf course to award-winning cuisine. Napa luxury lodging in Yountville, for instance, includes the Villagio Inn and the Bardessono Hotel. The Bardessono opened its doors to critical acclaim in February 2009. This luxury hotel in Napa Valley has earned attention for its green practices, making it an ecologically conscious hotel and thus a popular choice with many travelers.

Napa luxury lodging provides a welcome end to a day touring the wine country. Whether you ventured on the wine train, took a hot-air balloon ride, or tasted local varieties, Napa luxury hotels are designed around comfort to provide the ultimate relaxation. Some guests may arrive to Napa for the wine and wind up relishing the offerings of the hotel, from golf course access to spa treatments. Towns are known for locally owned inns, full of charm, and serving a great breakfast.

A luxury hotel in Napa Valley will most likely have a spa, especially in the spa town of Calistoga, where the hot springs are harnessed to release their medicinal powers and have been drawing visitors since the nineteenth century. Calistoga Ranch has brought an elegance to the ritual of taking the waters. Generous living space and a large property for hiking and biking have come to define Napa luxury lodging. By providing the space, both outdoors and indoors, to truly relax, these luxury properties earn repeat customers by those who have become infected with the spirit of Napa. For another luxury option in Calistoga, the Mount View Hotel is a popular option.

Luxury hotels in Napa are often the location for beautiful destination weddings and events. While some have their own chapels, others specialize in wine and cuisine. From outdoor services to elegant dining rooms, each of the luxury hotels in Napa offers its own twist to your special day. Special events and corporate events are also held at these hotels. Individual hotel web sites often reveal packages and deals for interested parties, who may just get an extra spa treatment, night’s stay, or elegant meal by booking in advance.

Cheap Hotels in Napa Valley, California

Napa cheap hotels can offer the charm and hospitality that accommodation options in this region are known for. While luxury hotels are abundant in wine country, motels in Napa are popular as well, making it possible to visit even if you're traveling on a lower budget. Many visitors to the region have planned an active vacation of touring wineries, biking through vineyards, and taking a hot-air balloon ride and often they don’t see the necessity of booking a fancy hotel. Napa cheap hotels are safe and clean, and though they don’t offer the plushest sheets or most spacious bathrooms, they grant budget travelers access to wine country.

If you choose to stay at one of the Yountville motels, you will have more cash to spend on fine dining in the culinary capital of California. Restaurants in Yountville have attracted attention for the variety they offer, and the local ingredients they showcase; for instance, famous options such as The French Laundry are located in this small town. Local wines are featured at restaurants across Napa Valley, and they offer an immersion into a wine culture that has been developing over the last century. You don’t need to stay at a luxury hotel to discover wine country for yourself.

A cheap hotel in St Helena will leave you extra cash to spend on this town’s famous restaurants as well. Shopping and antiques may grab you attention as well. Choosing one of the Napa cheap hotels can also remove the guilt from purchasing an extra case or two of wine from local wineries. This is a memento visitors can bring home and enjoy long after their trip to Napa Valley. Another affordable option is bed and breakfasts. These small, privately owned accommodations can often be a cheap alternative to staying in larger, more luxurious Napa hotels. Guests receive the added bonus of local history and insider information on tours and other things to do in the area when choosing bed and breakfasts.

Motels in Napa don’t need to be reserved in advance. If you aren’t too choosy about your location, a trip to Napa can be taken on a whim. With the aid of a rental car, visitors will be able to find a few options for motels in Napa on most nights of the year. Weekends and holidays may be the exception to this rule, when you may have to forgo spontaneity for a bit of planning. During the warmest months, most visitors will find camping to be a comfortable and affordable option as well. There is no better way to get close to the Napa Valley landscape than to pitch a tent.

After a few days of camping, Yountville motels or other cheap lodging may be an attractive option. Keep in mind that you may earn an even further discount if you stay at one hotel for more than a couple days or on weeknights, rather than over the weekend. This may add a bit of driving to your vacation, but it could save significant money. While Yountville motels may not be able to compare to the brand new luxury Bardessono Hotel, they do provide a reliable, safe, and comfortable accommodation option—and for many travelers, that's all you need.

Napa Wine Tasting Discounts

Given how famous Napa Valley is for its wines, visiting wineries and touring vineyards is usually a major part of vacations to Napa Valley. Since free wine tastings are difficult to find in Napa, looking for Napa wine tasting discounts is a good way to cut down on the costs of sampling wine and will leave you with a larger budget for purchasing.

One way to get discounts is by using Napa Valley wine tasting coupons. These are a great way to save at particular wineries. Coupons can offer free tastings on certain days or time of day, a percent discount (such as 50 percent off the tasting fee), or a package deal that combines Napa wine tasting discounts with tours. If you're staying at a hotel in Napa Valley, be sure to ask if they offer coupons for Napa wine tasting. You can also check Napa spas, and coupons may be offered on the web sites of individual wineries; just print them out and you're good to go.

Coupons aren't the only way to find discounts. Napa wine tasting discounts are also offered through the Napa Neighbor program, which offers Napa Country residents discounted or complimentary tasting and tours, as well as product discounts. Some wineries in the Napa Neighbor program include Clos du Val, Cakebread Cellars, Domaine Chandon, Frog's Leap, Grgich Hills, Markham, Mumm, Peju, Robert Mondavi, Rubicon, St Clement, and Stag's Leap. Napa wine tasting discounts are also available by joining the wine club at a particular winery, and tours and vacation packages may also include discounted or free wine tastings.

There are many ways to find Napa wine tasting coupons; it just takes a little research. Also, remember to call the wineries before visiting to confirm that your particular Napa Valley wine tasting coupons will be accepted.

Free Wine Tasting in Napa Valley, California

A free wine tasting in Napa Valley is hard to find. Often, visitors who first look for free tastings in Napa will instead end up visiting some of the less-touristed wine-producing regions nearby, such as Sonoma and Healdsburg, where many wineries offer complimentary tours and tastings. Still, for those visitors that have their heart set on Napa but don't want to shell out money for each tasting, there are some free tastings in Napa to take advantage of.

First of all, if you are a Napa County resident, you are in luck: Many Napa wineries participate in the Napa Neighbor program, which offers special discounts to residents, including discounted or free tastings in Napa, as well as product discounts and complimentary tours. If you are not a Napa Valley resident, there are still some wineries where you can enjoy a complimentary Napa Valley wine tasting, but you'll have to research right before going, as policies often change on free tastings in Napa.

Often, tours—such as bike tours and shuttle tours—will include a complimentary Napa Valley wine tasting, and as an alternative, you might enjoy complimentary tastings by joining the wine club of a particular winery, which can also get you discounts on products. You might also find coupons that offer free tastings at certain wineries. For example, some wineries run seasonal promotions or free coupons for tastings at certain times of day. At times, hotels in Napa Valley also offer complimentary tastings at a nearby winery. Even if the wineries you want to visit don't offer a free wine tasting in Napa Valley, you still won't break the bank. Tastings generally range from a few dollars to around $12 for reserve tastings, and you'll get to taste several wines in each one.

While finding a free wine tasting in Napa Valley is difficult, it can be done. Typically, the best strategy is to research right before you go to Napa and call the wineries to confirm—you could be in luck.

Napa Valley Wine Tastings

Napa Valley renown in the world of wine is sky-high. It’s no wonder then, that visitors to the San Francisco Bay Area leap at the chance to visit the scenic valley, and once here, wine tasting in Napa is undoubtedly one of the most popular things do.

Napa Valley wine tasting can be done all over the valley, so whether you're in Napa, St. Helena, Yountville, or Calistoga, you'll have no problem finding wineries to explore. Napa wine tasting tours can often include visits to the vineyards, cellar, or even wine caves. You'll learn about different varietals, the process of wine-making, and what to look for when tasting wine.

Nearly all of the wineries in Napa Valley are open to the public year-round, so you will have many choices. Of course, the warm Napa Valley weather in the spring and summer make those times of year popular for Napa Valley wine tastings, but the fall harvest is also a great time for tasting tours. Wineries often open for visitors in the late morning, and close in the late afternoon, so you can visit several and have time for a picnic lunch or some shopping in between.

Most Napa Valley wine tastings are around five to ten dollars apiece, making it easy to visit multiple wineries in one day. If you are visiting Napa on a budget, be sure to look for discounts on wine tastings. While free tastings aren't always easy to find, coupons can often be found at hotels, spas, and online. Coupons might offer two-for-one tastings, a percentage discount on tastings or products, or free tastings and tours—it all depends on the winery.

Napa wine tasting tours are a great way to try a variety of Napa wines. Guided or self-guided bike tours allow you to be active and outside in between tastings, and shuttle tours or the Napa Wine Train are both good options for those who prefer to enjoy the scenery without worrying about transportation. Another great way to plan a day of wine tasting in Napa is visiting a string of wineries along either Highway 29 or the Silverado Trail, which are both popular scenic drives. Among the dozens of wineries to try are Trefethen, Mumms, Rubicon, Quintessa, Frog's Leap, Peju, and Robert Mondavi.

Some Napa Valley wine tastings are focused on specific varietals, while others span a range of whites and reds. Sparkling wine enthusiasts will love the tastings at Gloria Ferrer, Domaine Carneros, Mumms Napa, Domaine Chandon, and Schramsberg. Some Napa wine tasting tours offer food pairings as well, so you can learn what foods bring out the special characteristics of different wines. If you love food as much as wine, you might want to try a tasting at the California Culinary Academy in Napa. You can also pack a picnic lunch and enjoy lunch at a winery with one of your favorite bottles from a tasting.

Wine tasting in Napa is a fantastic way to spend a relaxing day. Whether you want to tour the Silverado Trail wineries, focus on sparkling wine, or find great food and wine pairings, the possibilities for great wine tasting in Napa are endless.

Napa Valley Wine Clubs, Northern California

If you’d like to keep up on Northern California wines after you return home from your vacation, many Napa wineries have a wine club that you can become a part of. Napa Valley wine clubs are a great way to stay on top of new vintages at your favorite Napa wineries—and after a day or two of wine tasting in Napa Valley, you're sure to have several new favorites! California wine clubs may offer discounts on their wines, discounts on shipping, first access to limited-production wines, free tastings and tours, and exclusive food access to special events.

One of the well-known Napa Valley wine clubs is that of the Castello di Amorosa winery. Members of this club enjoy access to a variety of special events throughout the years. For example, you can attend the Black and Red Valentines Day Ball, The Midsummer Festival, The Medieval Banquet, the Harvest Celebration, Cinquecento Cavalieri Winemaker's Dinner, the Pagan Halloween Ball, and the New Year's Eve Gala. If you're a local, or a frequent traveler to Napa, this is a great club to join because of all the options for events at the winery.

Another of the California wine clubs in Napa is that of Domaine Chandon. Members of Club Chandon with a subscription receive six shipments every year of two bottles each. Members also enjoy discounts at the winery and online, invitations to exclusive events, and access to limited-production wines.

If you fall in the love with the wine at the award-winning Peju winery, you're in luck—Peju also has a wine club in Napa. If you become a member of the Peju club, every three months Peju will send you three bottles, along with information about the wines and recipes to complement them. Members also receive numerous discounts, including a ten percent discount on wine club shipments and merchandise, a fifteen percent discount on shipped cases, a twenty percent discount on pickups at the winery, and free tours and tastings at the winery. Members can also attend special events, and get first chance at first release and limited-production wines.

Another popular wine club in Napa is the Robert Mondavi Winery Spotlight Wine Club. You can sign up to receive either two or six bottles per shipment, which will arrive every other month. The wines will be small production or winery-only wines, as well as a few classic favorites and occasional offerings from a sister winery. Members also receive complimentary tastings at the winery, discounts on wine purchases, and invitations to special events.

If the wines of the historic Rubicon Estate are particularly appealing, then one of the Napa Valley wine clubs worth considering is the Captains Membership at Rubicon. Members at this wine club in Napa receive five shipments of wine each year, a twenty percent discount on wines, free access to the Estate for themselves and three guests, and special service while there.

Castello di Amorosa, Domaine Chandon, Peju, Robert Mondavi, and Rubicon are home to only a handful of the California wine clubs you can sign up for in Napa Valley, so if you fall in love with the wines of another vineyard while Napa, be sure to ask whether they have a club; then you can enjoy their wines year-round, no matter where you live, along with fond memories of your trip to Napa Valley.

Weddings in Napa Valley, California

It's no wonder that so many couples choose to have a wedding in Napa. The beautiful, idyllic setting of the Napa Valley creates a stunning backdrop for a special event. Moreover, Napa weather is mild, and there is hardly ever rain from the late spring through early fall. There are many things to consider when planning a wedding in Napa, and many choices to make, from location to accommodation.

There are a wide variety of location possibilities for Napa Valley weddings. You can have a wedding outside or inside, and at a winery, small inn, or large resort. And whether you have 30 guests or 1,000, there are venues that can accommodate your party. Among the Napa hotels that frequently host Napa Valley weddings are the White House Inn, the Churchill Inn, the Carneros Inn, and the Vintage Inn. For resort weddings in Napa, the Silverado Resort in Calistoga is one great choice, as is the Auberge du Soleil. Such Napa hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts are also ideal for wedding receptions. Of course, Napa Valley is known for its excellent dining options, in Yountville especially, so you may consider booking a restaurant for the event.

Hotels and resorts are by no means the only location options for a wedding in Napa. The beautiful outdoor setting of a winery can be a wonderfully romantic place to tie the knot, and many couples choose to have Napa winery weddings. There are several places that offer Napa winery weddings, and each is special in its own way, offering unique views and natural scenery. One option for Napa winery weddings is Meadowood, where the relaxed and classic ambience of the 250-acre property is an ideal wedding or honeymoon retreat for many couples.

Many hotels will also offer special romance packages for couples about to get married or for those on their honeymoon. For example, the Silverado Resort's romance packages include a one-bedroom fireplace suite with jacuzzi tub, complimentary champagne and strawberries on arrival, an in-room continental breakfast, turndown service, and a Silverado keepsake gift.

Because Napa hotels are not always the most affordable, and because they can get booked up in busy seasons, be sure to advise your guests to book their rooms in advance. Of course, you may be able to negotiate a special rate or package for a large group of guests. Your guests will love exploring all the amazing attractions of Napa Valley, from the spas and golf courses to restaurants and vineyards.

Choosing a wedding location is always a big decision, but Napa Valley is certainly a great location to consider. There are beautiful wineries and resorts to choose from, and wedding and honeymoon packages to make your special event that much more special. The gorgeous natural beauty, excellent wine, mild weather, and fine dining options together make Napa Valley weddings a great choice.