Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [226]
Dr. Wilkinson’s Hot Springs Resort ★ This spa/“resort,” in the heart of Calistoga, is one of the best deals in Napa Valley—and also offers all the spa treatments the town is famous for. The rooms range from attractive Victorian-style accommodations to cozy guest rooms in the main 1960s-style motel. All rooms, some of which have flatscreen TVs and iPod players, are spiffier than most of the area’s other hotels, with surprisingly tasteful textiles and basic motel-style accouterments. The bungalows have refrigerators and/or kitchens. Facilities include three mineral-water pools (two outdoor and one indoor), a Jacuzzi, a steam room, and mud baths. All kinds of body treatments are available in the spa, including famed mud baths, steams, and massage—all of which I highly recommend. Be sure to inquire about their excellent packages and their sister property, Hideaway Cottages, which offers fully equipped multiroom cottages at amazingly good prices.
1507 Lincoln Ave. (Calif. 29, btw. Fairway and Stevenson aves.), Calistoga, CA 94515. www.drwilkinson.com. 707/942-4102. 42 units. $149–$299 double; $164–$600 for the Hideaway cottages. Weekly discounts and packages available. AE, MC, V. Amenities: Jacuzzi; 3 pools; spa; free Wi-Fi in lobby. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer.
Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort ★ Reasonable prices, a central location just a block off Calistoga’s main drag, trusty accommodations, a garden setting, and mineral pools make this low-key destination a sure thing for luxury lovers on a budget. Like most old-school “resorts” (a term used loosely in these parts) in the area, the focus is on the spa, which includes three mineral pools—one indoor pool, one outdoor pool, and one outdoor whirlpool—dry “Finnish” saunas, and mud bath and massage facilities. Accommodations are clean, comfortable, and, depending on what you get, somewhat outdated, and upgrades include a whirlpool tub, full kitchen, or two-room “family” suite.
1300 Washington St., Calistoga, CA 94515. www.romanspahotsprings.com. 800/914-8957 or 707/942-4441. 60 units. $140–$250 double; $230–$450 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Amenities: 3 mineral pools; sauna; spa. In room: AC, TV, fridge, hair dryer.
Where to Eat in Napa Valley
Napa Valley’s restaurants draw as much attention to the valley as its award-winning wineries. Nowhere else in the state are kitchens as deft at mixing fresh seasonal, local, organic produce into edible magic, which means that menus change constantly to reflect the best available ingredients. Add that to a great bottle of wine and stunning views, and you have one heck of an eating experience. If foodie destinations are your trip’s focus, your reservations are likely to focus around Yountville and Napa, though there are a few worthy dining rooms in St. Helena, which means you are likely to cover a lot of ground. Regardless, to best enjoy Napa’s restaurant scene, keep one thing in mind: Reserve in advance—especially for a seat in a famous room.
NAPA
Expensive
Morimoto Napa ★★ JAPANESE/SUSHI The biggest restaurant opening of 2010 is also one of the most exciting places to dine in the region. A menu created by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto is the initial draw, but this spot’s celebrity is enhanced by its hopping bar scene and sprawling industrial-chic interior, with spacious dining areas accented with glass, rich wood, and gnarled grapevines. You might skip the sushi, which is expensive and, during my visit, perched atop too-cold rice. Entrees such as whole-roasted lobster with Indian spices and lemon crème fraîche are decadent but trumped by appetizers such as Toro Tartare (with a presentation you must see for yourself), the buttery goodness that is Wagyu beef carpaccio, and foie gras chawan mushi (a savory custard with duck breast): pure edible glamour.