Napa Valley has become one of the top U.S. travel destinations, thanks to its many wineries offering arguably the country's best wine, outdoor activities ranging from hiking to hot-air balloon rides, and mild temperatures year-round. For travelers who want to eschew the often impersonal vibe of a hotel for a more intimate and charming bed-and-breakfast, you've come to the right place. Read on for our picks of the best bed-and-breakfasts in Napa Valley.
Fronting a leafy, largely residential street, this elegant, upscale inn combines heritage charm with contemporary conveniences. Located in the historic main house, the adjacent carriage house, or one of two garden cottages, its eight spacious suites -- complete with fireplaces and soak-worthy bathtubs -- provide adult-only (and pedestrian-friendly) accommodations just minutes from downtown Napa. Full gourmet breakfasts with choice of entrees are included in rates, as are free afternoon wine hours with hors d'oeuvres.
The 10-room Churchill Manor Bed and Breakfast is an upper-middle-range property occupying a historic 1889 mansion in a quiet, residential area of Napa. Travelers are within a 20-minute walk (or five-minute drive) of numerous well-known eateries, the Oxbow Public Market, Napa River, and the Wine Train. Individually decorated rooms are spacious and have elegant, old-fashioned decor, as well as gas fireplaces, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Most have stand-alone tubs and separate showers, but all lack fridges and TVs. Excellent freebies include a tasty three-course breakfast, nightly wine and appetizer reception, and all-day tea and coffee that can be enjoyed on a charming wraparound porch.
The three-and-a-half-pearl Beazley House is a charming 11-room property occupying two old-fashioned buildings separated by a greenery-filled garden. Just a five-minute walk from downtown Napa, and offering free on-site parking, the hotel is conveniently located for exploring the region. Individually decorated rooms have traditionally elegant decor, cozy beds, gas fireplaces, and air-conditioning, plus some have two-person jetted tubs. However, most rooms lack mini-fridges and those with mobility issues should note there's no elevator. Tons of freebies include a delicious breakfast with continental fare, coffee, and hot dishes, free nightly wine receptions with appetizers, all-day sherry and tea, and freshly baked cookies. Innkeepers can provide area advice, as well as coupons for wineries and restaurants.
The Chanric Inn is a seven-room bed-and-breakfast in a luxurious Victorian house. It's on a main boulevard on the outskirts of Calistoga, with impressive landscaping and a front porch that insulates it from most of the local traffic. Around back, there's a pool and a garden patio, and the owners grow much of the produce used in their cuisine on the grounds. The rooms are small and lack TVs, but are impeccably decorated, and rates include a gourmet home-cooked breakfast.
Cottage Grove Inn is a mid-range property tucked away on a leafy lot along Calistoga's main street, a few blocks from the center of town. Each of the 17 individual cottages has a quaint porch with rocking chairs and a studio-like interior with skylights and a wood-burning fireplace. The free breakfast is served in a bright room with a fireplace and extra seating is available on an outdoor patio. Breakfast options include yogurt, fresh fruit, and pastries, along with waffles, smoothies, and even espresso drinks made to order. The inn also offers a free evening cheese and wine service.
The Craftsman Inn is a small, upper-middle-range bed-and-breakfast with just five rooms in a restored Craftsman bungalow. The modern rooms retain the house's unique architectural details, and some have private patios. Typical free breakfasts include freshly baked scones, homemade granola, yogurt, and fresh fruit along with a hot dish of the day. Guests can have breakfast in the Craftsman-style dining room, or outside on the front porch. There's a back patio and a small cabana set up in the yard, both quiet spots to enjoy the free afternoon wine and cookies.