Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [223]
Best For: Deep-pocketed travelers who appreciate small-town charm and boutique shopping, or those looking for exceptional resort living, which can be found at Meadowood.
Drawbacks: It’s a half-hour drive—or more, during traffic—to downtown Napa.
Very Expensive
Harvest Inn ★★ One of the valley’s few sprawling resorts, this 74-unit property has wonderfully spacious accommodations, all of which are uniquely decorated with warm, homey furnishings and nestled into 8 acres of flora; most have fireplaces. Extensive grounds (which include two swimming pools and hot tubs, a spa, and a wine bar) and well-appointed suites make the place popular with wedding parties and families. Although you can’t reserve specific rooms in advance, request an abode away from the highway upon arrival. Also, if you’re not into climbing stairs, ask for a ground-level room, as some accommodations are on a second story and don’t have elevator access. The inn offers free wine tastings Friday and Saturday evenings.
One Main St., St. Helena, CA 94574. www.harvestinn.com. 800/950-8466 or 707/963-9463. Fax 707/963-5387. 74 units. $299–$599 double; $645–$799 suite. Rates include breakfast. AE, MC, V. Free parking. From Hwy. 29 N., turn left into the driveway at the large HARVEST INN sign. Amenities: Wine bar; mountain bike rentals; 2 hot tubs; 2 heated outdoor swimming pools. In room: A/C, TV/DVD, fridge, hair dryer, free Wi-Fi.
Meadowood Napa Valley ★★ If you want a true first-class country resort experience, this spectacular spot surrounded by 250 secluded acres of pristine mountainside should be your home away from home. Here, free-standing luxury accommodations, which vary in size depending on the price, are scattered amid the expansive hillside grounds. Rooms with beamed ceilings, private patios, stone fireplaces, and forest views are freshly furnished with warm colors, lush fabrics, and American country classic furnishings. Most are individual suite-lodges so far removed from the common areas that you must drive to get to them—and hoof it a bit to get to the restaurant or spa. Lazier folks can beckon a complimentary ride or opt for more centrally located rooms.
The resort offers a wealth of activities: golf on a challenging 9-hole course, tennis on seven championship courts, and croquet (yes, croquet) on two international regulation lawns. There are private hiking trails, a health spa, yoga, two heated pools, and two whirlpools. An added bonus for lazy travelers: Their formal restaurant has award-winning talent cranking out delicious multicourse meals that focus on the seasons and local ingredients.
900 Meadowood Lane, St. Helena, CA 94574. www.meadowood.com. 800/458-8080 or 707/963-3646. Fax 707/963-3532. 85 units. $475–$825 double; $775–$1,250 1-bedroom suite; $1,400–$3,400 2-bedroom suite; $1,875–$4,775 3-bedroom suite; $2,350–$6,150 4-bedroom suite. Ask about promotional offers and off-season rates. 2-night minimum stay on weekends. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Amenities: 2 restaurants; concierge; golf course; health club and full-service spa; Jacuzzi; 2 large heated outdoor pools (adult and family pools); room service; sauna; 7 tennis courts. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, kitchenette in some rooms, minibar, free Wi-Fi.
Moderate
Wine Country Inn ★★ Just off the highway behind Freemark Abbey vineyard is one of the Wine Country’s most personable choices. The attractive wood-and-stone inn, complete with a French-style mansard roof and turret, overlooks a pastoral landscape of vineyards. The individually decorated rooms contain antique furnishings and handmade quilts; most have fireplaces and private terraces overlooking the valley, and others have private hot tubs. The five luxury cottages include king-size beds, sitting areas, fireplaces, private patios, and three-headed walk-in showers. Suites come with two-person jetted tubs, stereos, plenty of space, and lots of privacy. The family that runs this place puts personal touches everywhere and makes every guest feel welcome. They serve wine and plenty of appetizers nightly,