Napa Valley Luxury Lodgings

Top Hotels and Accommodations in California's Premier Wine Country

Dec 30, 2008

Tour vineyards and wineries the smart way by staying in one of Napa Valley's luxury hotels or lodgings. Don't skimp on accommodation for the California wine experience.

It may be a once-in-a-lifetime visit to one of the world's most famous wine regions, Napa Valley, perhaps for a birthday, anniversary or honeymoon, so don't hold back on the hotel. It's worth the extra to stay in one of the valley's luxury inns or other upmarket lodgings. Here are a few suggestions from among the many fine places to stay in Napa Valley.

Auberge du Soleil

Definitely one of the best places to stay in Napa Valley, the Auberge is the ultimate luxury retreat, located in a 33-acre olive grove which overlooks Napa Valley itself. It has a spa offering such pamperings as a Warm Grapeseed Oil Massage, and it has tennis courts, a health club, a sauna, steam room, and a renowned restaurant offering tasting menus with dishes like Quail Egg in Katafi, with Watercress, and White Sturgeon Caviar.

Calistoga Ranch

This luxury Napa Valley lodging has 46 individual cottages at the top end of the price range, and its huge outdoor heated pool is just one of its drawing points. The resort is hidden away in 157 acres of grounds set around Lake Lommel, and its restaurant has terrific lake views – and a terrific Napa Valley wine list, of course.

Cottage Grove Inn

The Cottage Grove offers guests private cottages with wood-burning fireplaces and deep-soaking Jacuzzis. The cottages are set in elm groves, yet they're only a short walk from the center of Calistoga with its many fine-dining restaurants. The Inn also offers guests complimentary tasting passes to many of the nearby Napa vineyards.

Meadowood Napa Valley

With a resident tennis pro (and a croquet pro), seven tennis courts, spa and health club, and a restaurant boasting two Michelin stars, the Meadowood resort is on anyone's list of the top luxury places to stay in Napa Valley. There are 85 cottages, suites, and lodges within its 250 private acres.

Milliken Creek Inn and Spa

This boutique hotel stands on three acres and overlooks the Napa River, close to the center of Napa, and has just twelve luxury rooms spread over three different buildings. Indulge in a Grapeseed Body Polish in the spa, and enjoy their Magic Hour – a complimentary wine and cheese reception held every day at sunset.

Oak Knoll Inn

Surrounded by 600 acres of chardonnay vines, the intimate Oak Knoll Inn has only four rooms and has been described by Wine Spectator magazine as "One of the most luxurious bed and breakfast inns in Napa Valley." It's intimate and peaceful and yet there are about 250 wineries within twenty minutes, and some of Napa's top restaurants are close by.

The copyright of the article Napa Valley Luxury Lodgings in California Travel is owned by Donna Dailey. Permission to republish Napa Valley Luxury Lodgings in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.